Best College Grants For Adults Over 40 (2025)

Heading to college as a mature student can be financially challenging, but college grants for adults over 40 can help ease the burden.

This guide outlines the best grants for college adults over 40, including federal, state, and private options, as well as smart ways to reduce tuition costs.

Federal College Grants For Adults Over 40 (2025)

No matter your age, start with the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). It’s the gateway to college grants you don’t have to repay.

Apply: https://studentaid.gov/.

Federal Pell Grant

Award: Up to $7,395 for the 2025–2026 academic year (minimum $740)
Who it’s for: Undergraduate students with financial need
Are adults over 40 eligible?: Yes
Good to know: The amount you’ll get is based on income, family size, and enrollment status. Every qualifying student will receive a Pell Grant award

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

Award: $100 – $4,000/year
Who it’s for: Students with exceptional financial need
Are adults over 40 eligible?: Yes
Good to know: Because funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, submitting your FAFSA early increases the likelihood of success

Federal Work Study Grants

Award: Part-time job with flexible hours, paid at least minimum wage
Who it’s for: Students with financial need who want to earn as they learn
Are adults over 40 eligible?: Yes
Good to know: Income won’t count against you when applying for future aid. Check the “I’m interested in work-study” box when you submit your FAFSA

Explore State-Specific Grants

Many states offer generous aid for adult learners. In some cases, combining state and federal grants could fully cover your tuition.

Every state has a higher education agency or department that lists available financial aid programs
State grants may consider factors like age, field of study, or how long you’ve been a resident
State aid programs may have earlier application deadlines than federal aid

Examples of state financial aid:

California: The Cal Grant for students attending qualifying California colleges provides up to $5,742 per year for in-state residents. Can older students qualify? Yes

New York: The Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) helps students with up to $5,665 per year to cover tuition costs. Are older students eligible? Yes

Texas: The TEXAS Grant for students with financial need attending public colleges awards up to $16,161 per academic year. Are older students accepted? Yes

Private Institutions Offering Grants For Women Over 40

These grants and scholarships for women over 40 provide a funding boost for older women attending college. However, many of these scholarships and grants are highly competitive, and meeting eligibility criteria doesn’t guarantee an award.

Applicants are selected based on various factors, including personal essays, financial need, and academic goals.

1. Jeanette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund

Award Amount: Up to $2,500 annually (renewable for up to five years)
Available Awards: Varies
Eligibility: Scholarships for older women (aged 35 and older) on low incomes, pursuing technical, vocational, or undergraduate degrees
Website: https://rankinfoundation.org/scholar-grants/

2. P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education

Award Amount: One-time grants up to $4,000
Available Awards: Annual numbers not disclosed
Eligibility: Women in the U.S. and Canada whose education has been interrupted and who need to return to school to complete a degree or certification.
Website: https://www.peointernational.org/educational-support/

3. Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards

Award Amount: $1,000 – $16,000
Available Awards: Every year, almost $3 million is disbursed to more than 2,000 women
Eligibility: Women providing the main financial support for their families enrolled in or accepted to vocational or undergraduate programs.
Website: https://www.soroptimist.org/our-work/live-your-dream-awards/index.html

4. AAUW Career Development Grants

Award Amount: Up to $20,000 for degree programs; up to $8,000 for non-degree programs
Available Awards: Funding totalling $6 million is awarded each year
Eligibility: Women holding a bachelor’s degree and preparing to advance or change careers, or reenter the workforce. The course of study must be in education, health, social sciences, or a STEM subject
Website: https://www.aauw.org/resources/programs/fellowships-grants/

5. Women’s Independence Scholarship Program (WISP)

Award Amount: $1,000 – $6,000 per academic year
Available Awards: Varies
Eligibility: Survivors of intimate partner abuse pursuing education to gain employment and personal independence. Must be separated from the abusive partner for a minimum of 1 year before applying
Website: https://wispinc.org/

6. Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation

Award Amount: Up to $5,000
Available Awards: In 2025, five Education Support Awards are available
Eligibility: Low-income mothers pursuing education or training
Website: https://www.patsyminkfoundation.org/education-support-application

7. Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting (EFWA)

Award Amount: $1,000 – $5,000
Available Awards: Not disclosed
Eligibility: Women who are the main financial support for their families and pursuing degrees in accounting at various educational levels
Website: https://www.efwa.org./scholarships.php

8. Osher Reentry Scholarship Program

Award Amount: Up to $5,000 per academic year
Available Awards: Depends on the college – At institutions like UC Davis, typically 8 to 10 scholarships are awarded annually
Eligibility: Undergraduate students who have experienced a gap in their education of five or more years
Website: https://www.osherfoundation.org/scholars.html

9. ANSWER Scholarship

Award Amount: Typically ranges from $2,750 per year for two-year associate degrees to $5,500 per year for four-year bachelor’s degrees
Available Awards: Varies
Eligibility: Women aged 25 and older raising school-age children and pursuing a college degree
Website: https://answerscholarship.org/

10. Sophie Greenstadt Scholarship For Mid-Life Women

Award Amount: $1000 – $3000
Available Awards: Depends on available funding
Eligibility: Women in LA County who are head of household, undergraduate students with dependents. Must be at or below 80% of the Median Income in LA County and studying for a certificate or professional development program lasting for 2 years or less
Website: https://www.ncjwla.org/resources/scholarships/

11. SWE Society Scholarship Program

Award Amount: Varies
Available Awards: More than 250 scholarships annually
Eligibility: Women who will be studying at an ABET-accredited engineering, technology, or computing program in the next academic year
Website: https://swe.org/apply-for-a-swe-scholarship/

Lower Tuition Costs By Attending An In-State Community College

For adults over 40 returning to education, in-state community colleges offer a lower-cost route to academic and career goals. The savings when compared with the cost of attending a 4-year college are substantial.

Florida: Average community college tuition ~ $2,800/year
Texas: Average community college tuition ~ $3,080/year
National average for 4-year public colleges: ~ $9,750/year

Attending a local community college can also reduce living expenses. Many adult learners choose to live at home, eliminating the need for costly room and board. Community colleges also offer flexible class schedules, allowing students to work part-time or full-time while attending classes.