Finding scholarships as an online student can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. A lot of scholarship databases are geared toward traditional 18-year-old freshmen. But there ARE scholarships out there for online and non-traditional students. Here’s what I’ve found.
WGU offers several need-based and merit-based scholarships. Check their scholarship page regularly as new ones open throughout the year.
SNHU has the SNHU scholarship programme for online students based on financial need.
ASU Online offers the same scholarships available to on-campus students plus some specific to online learners.
UMGC offers scholarships specifically for military-connected students and alumni.
Always ask your school’s financial aid office directly. There may be scholarships that aren’t well-advertised.
Adult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST): For adult students, particularly those facing financial hardship or major life transitions.
P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education: For women who have had a break in their education and are returning to school.
The Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund: For low-income women aged 35 and older pursuing a degree.
Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award: For women who are the primary financial support for their families.
Pat Tillman Foundation Scholar: For active-duty, veterans, and military spouses.
AMVETS National Scholarships: Multiple scholarship programmes for veterans and their families.
Scholarships for Military Children: Run through the Fisher House Foundation.
For business: Various organisations including the National Black MBA Association, Fortes, and industry-specific groups.
For IT/CS: CompTIA, (ISC)², and Women in Technology International all offer scholarships.
For healthcare: Many nursing and health administration organisations have scholarship programmes.
For education: Various teaching fellowships and scholarships exist for aspiring educators.
Scholarships.com: Similar to Fastweb with good filtering options.
Your school’s financial aid office: Always the best resource for school-specific funding.
Your employer: Check whether your company offers educational scholarships beyond tuition reimbursement.
Don’t ignore small scholarships. Five $500 scholarships add up to $2,500. Every bit helps.
Watch for scams. You should never have to pay to apply for a scholarship.
Reuse essay material. Many applications ask similar questions, so adapt rather than start from scratch each time.
If you’ve received a scholarship as an online student, share it below so we can keep building this resource.
SCHOLARSHIPS FROM ONLINE SCHOOLS THEMSELVES
This is your best starting point. Many online colleges offer their own institutional scholarships.WGU offers several need-based and merit-based scholarships. Check their scholarship page regularly as new ones open throughout the year.
SNHU has the SNHU scholarship programme for online students based on financial need.
ASU Online offers the same scholarships available to on-campus students plus some specific to online learners.
UMGC offers scholarships specifically for military-connected students and alumni.
Always ask your school’s financial aid office directly. There may be scholarships that aren’t well-advertised.
NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS FOR ADULT AND ONLINE LEARNERS
Imagine America Foundation: Scholarships for students attending participating career colleges and online schools.Adult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST): For adult students, particularly those facing financial hardship or major life transitions.
P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education: For women who have had a break in their education and are returning to school.
The Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund: For low-income women aged 35 and older pursuing a degree.
Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award: For women who are the primary financial support for their families.
MILITARY AND VETERAN SCHOLARSHIPS
Beyond the GI Bill and Tuition Assistance, there are additional scholarships:Pat Tillman Foundation Scholar: For active-duty, veterans, and military spouses.
AMVETS National Scholarships: Multiple scholarship programmes for veterans and their families.
Scholarships for Military Children: Run through the Fisher House Foundation.
FIELD-SPECIFIC SCHOLARSHIPS
Many professional organisations offer scholarships for students in their field, regardless of whether you’re studying online or on campus. Search for scholarships through organisations related to your major.For business: Various organisations including the National Black MBA Association, Fortes, and industry-specific groups.
For IT/CS: CompTIA, (ISC)², and Women in Technology International all offer scholarships.
For healthcare: Many nursing and health administration organisations have scholarship programmes.
For education: Various teaching fellowships and scholarships exist for aspiring educators.
WHERE TO SEARCH
Fastweb.com: Large database with filters for adult learners and online students.Scholarships.com: Similar to Fastweb with good filtering options.
Your school’s financial aid office: Always the best resource for school-specific funding.
Your employer: Check whether your company offers educational scholarships beyond tuition reimbursement.
TIPS
Apply early and apply to many. Most scholarships are competitive, so cast a wide net.Don’t ignore small scholarships. Five $500 scholarships add up to $2,500. Every bit helps.
Watch for scams. You should never have to pay to apply for a scholarship.
Reuse essay material. Many applications ask similar questions, so adapt rather than start from scratch each time.
If you’ve received a scholarship as an online student, share it below so we can keep building this resource.