In an age where lifelong learning is more vital than ever, adults are increasingly returning to school to reskill, switch careers, or complete a long-deferred degree. However, the cost of education continues to be a major barrier, especially for adult learners who often juggle multiple responsibilities like full-time jobs, families, and mortgages.
The good news? Numerous scholarships are specifically designed to support adult learners—and many of them have simple application processes with minimal requirements. These “easy scholarships” don’t require extensive essays, high GPAs, or test scores, making them more accessible to nontraditional students.
In this article, we explore the top easy scholarships for adult learners, highlighting those with straightforward applications, minimal eligibility hurdles, and meaningful financial support.
Why Scholarships for Adult Learners Matter
Unlike traditional college students, adult learners often face unique financial challenges:
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Lack of parental support
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Existing debt or financial obligations
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Childcare expenses
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Limited access to campus-based aid programs
Scholarships geared toward adults help level the playing field by providing resources that make education more affordable and manageable.
Top Easy Scholarships for Adult Learners
1. Return2College Scholarship
Award: $1,000
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 17 or older, currently or planning to enroll in a college or university within the next 12 months
Application Requirements: Short 3-sentence essay explaining why you're pursuing a degree
Deadline: Quarterly
This no-nonsense scholarship is perfect for adult learners. The minimal writing requirement and wide eligibility criteria make it one of the easiest scholarships to apply for.
2. Unigo $10K Scholarship
Award: $10,000
Eligibility: U.S. students 14 or older (including adults returning to school)
Application Requirements: A short written response (250 words max) to a fun prompt
Deadline: December 31 annually
Unigo’s platform is well-known for hosting multiple easy-entry scholarships. The $10K Scholarship stands out for its large reward and light-hearted, engaging application process.
3. Imagine America Adult Skills Education Program (ASEP)
Award: $1,000
Eligibility: Adult learners 19+ enrolling in participating career colleges or trade schools
Application Requirements: Simple online application and financial need verification
Deadline: Rolling
This scholarship is specifically tailored for adult learners entering trade or technical schools. With minimal paperwork and instant eligibility feedback, ASEP is a great starting point for anyone looking to upskill.
4. Scholarships4Moms
Award: $10,000
Eligibility: Mothers 18 or older, U.S. citizens, currently enrolled or planning to enroll in postsecondary education
Application Requirements: Quick online form
Deadline: Varies
Designed with busy parents in mind, this scholarship offers substantial financial support with an easy, no-essay application. Though primarily for moms, similar scholarships exist for dads and single parents.
5. Fastweb’s No-Essay Scholarships
Award: Varies (often $500–$2,500)
Eligibility: All U.S. students, including adult learners
Application Requirements: Register on Fastweb and opt-in to listed opportunities
Deadline: Monthly and quarterly options
Fastweb aggregates many scholarships, including those with no essays or complex requirements. It’s worth setting up a profile and checking regularly for adult-eligible scholarships.
6. GetEducated.com Adult Student Scholarship
Award: $1,000
Eligibility: U.S. students enrolled in accredited online degree programs
Application Requirements: Short essay and proof of enrollment
Deadline: October and March
Ideal for adults pursuing online education, this scholarship focuses on affordability and accessibility for distance learners. The application process is straightforward and tailored to online students.
7. Courage to Grow Scholarship
Award: $500
Eligibility: U.S. students 18 and older with at least a 2.5 GPA
Application Requirements: Short personal statement
Deadline: Monthly
This recurring scholarship values personal growth and determination over academic prestige. It's perfect for adults reentering education who have a compelling story to share.
8. College JumpStart Scholarship
Award: $1,000
Eligibility: High school students, college students, and adult learners
Application Requirements: Brief personal statement (250 words)
Deadline: April and October
Focused on motivation and goals rather than GPA, this scholarship is open to nearly all students regardless of age. Adult learners can apply by explaining how education will help them achieve their personal or professional aspirations.
How to Make the Most of Easy Scholarships
While easy scholarships typically have less competition due to their broad eligibility and simple applications, you can improve your odds even further with these strategies:
1. Apply Often
Most easy scholarships are offered multiple times per year. Set reminders and apply consistently. Treat it like a part-time job.
2. Tailor Your Personal Statements
Even for short essays, personalize your responses. A sincere and unique answer stands out more than generic text.
3. Leverage Your Life Experience
As an adult learner, your journey is valuable. Share stories of resilience, career transitions, or your motivation for returning to school.
4. Check with Your Employer or Union
Many companies and unions offer scholarships or tuition assistance for employees continuing their education. These are often underutilized and easy to claim.
5. Don’t Skip Local Opportunities
Local businesses, civic organizations, and community colleges often have scholarships with fewer applicants. Check bulletin boards, financial aid offices, and local websites.