Full ride scholarships for adults is the desire of every college student. To put it simply, a full-ride scholarship pays for the majority, if not all, of your educational expenses.
These scholarships are fantastic since they help with college costs while significantly decreasing the need for student loans.
The notion that full ride scholarships for adults can cover not only tuition but also additional expenditures is an incredible option for students that merits the offer.
If you’ve ever wanted to win a full-ride scholarship and attend college for free, you’ve come to the right place!
In the following post, we have carefully picked and thoughtfully compiled a list of the greatest full ride scholarships for adults over the age of 25, Scholarships for adults over the age of 35, Scholarships for adults over the age of 40, Scholarships for adults over the age of 50, and Scholarships for adult women.
Table of Contents
What are full ride scholarships?
Full-ride scholarships could be said to be one of the super scholarships in the world that typically cover all college costs, such as tuition, housing, meals, textbooks, fees, and potentially even a stipend to cover any additional personal expenses.
These financial aids are the very best of scholarships for every student, but they frequently contain tight criteria and requirements for students to keep the grant for the duration of their academic career. For you to stand a chance of getting this financial aid, it is advisable you learn more about full-ride scholarships to fully understand what it means.
How do full ride scholarships work?
As previously stated, full ride scholarships are financial aid programs designed to assist students in covering all of their educational expenses. Full ride scholarships are available for high school seniors, adults and women.
Students may get the funds directly in the form of a check-in their name. In other circumstances, the funds are donated to the student’s school. In these circumstances, the student would then pay the institution the difference in tuition, fees, and room and board.
If scholarships and other forms of financial aid are insufficient to meet the student’s direct tuition fees, any remaining funds are reimbursed to the student.
Who gets full ride scholarships?
Obtaining a full ride scholarship is not a simple task, but with the appropriate techniques, you might be one of the fortunate few.
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Academic Excellence
It’s not just about having a high GPA; it’s also about taking difficult classes. Take as many advanced or AP classes as possible to stand out positively.
If you’re having trouble with a particular subject, get extra assistance from teachers so that your marks don’t suffer. Aim for the top 10% of your class rankings if you want to achieve truly exceptional academic accomplishment.
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Invest in Community Service
Many private scholarship programs and institutions aspire to invest in students who will “pay it forward” or do good in the world. Demonstrate to potential funders that you are this type of individual with a history of community involvement.
Quality, like with clubs and other extracurricular activities, is more important than quantity. Choose something that interests you early on and stick with it.
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Improve Your Leadership Skills
Most scholarship sponsors aim to invest in future leaders by awarding scholarships to students who they believe will be successful in business, politics, academics, and other fields. Scholarship committees can only assess your future leadership potential by looking at your previous experience.
To improve your leadership talents, you should take on duties at school that will allow others to attest to your ability. Volunteer to lead projects or groups, and if feasible, assist other students.
How to succeed in getting a full ride scholarship
This strategy guide will lead you through the measures you may take to boost your chances of receiving the funding
- Find out where you may apply for the scholarship
- Plan ahead of time for the scholarship
- Make an effort to distinguish yourself from the crowd
- Carefully read the application instructions
- Submit an outstanding scholarship essay or cover letter.
Where to get full ride scholarships
Full ride scholarships for adults comes from a range of organizations and individuals, including clubs, organizations, charities, foundations, businesses, colleges and universities, the government, and individuals.
Colleges and universities also provide financial aid in the form of merit aid, so don’t forget to contact the schools you’re interested in to check if you qualify for any merit money.
Scholarships for adults over 25
If you are a student aged 25 and up that meet the qualifying requirements you are eligible to apply for the scholarships below.
Full ride scholarships for adults over 25 scholarships are granted to recognize them, providing financial incentives, and inspiring them to stay focused and achieve higher education and success in the preferred career discipline.
- Scholarships for adults over 25
- Ford ReStart Program Scholarship
- Imagine America scholarship
- San Diego Community Scholarship Program
- Working Parent College Scholarship Award
- R2C Scholarship Program.
#1. Ford ReStart Program Scholarship
The Ford ReStart Program Scholarship for Adults is administered by the Ford Family Foundation. Applicants from Oregon or Siskiyou County, California who are 25 years of age or older, more than halfway through their degree program, and seeking an associate or bachelor’s degree are eligible to apply for the award.
The proposed scholarship assists persons over the age of 25 who are seeking aid in achieving success and higher learning in any selected discipline.
#2. Imagine America scholarship
Adults can apply for scholarships from the Imagine America Foundation. Adults above the age of 25 are eligible to apply for the scholarship.
The proposed scholarship assists persons over the age of 25 who are seeking aid in achieving success and higher learning in any selected discipline. The winner will receive a significant reward of $1000.
#3. San Diego Community Scholarship Program
The Community Scholarship Program is offered by the San Diego Foundation. Applicants must be 25 years old or older to apply for the scholarship.
The proposed scholarship assists persons over the age of 25 who are seeking aid in achieving success and higher learning in any selected discipline. The winner will receive a significant reward of $1000.
#4. Working Parent College Scholarship Award
Persons aged 25 and above who are full-time or part-time students at a recognized US post-secondary educational institution are eligible to apply for the scholarship.
The proposed scholarship assists persons over the age of 25 who are seeking aid in achieving success and higher learning in any selected discipline. The winner will receive a significant reward of $1000.
#5. R2C Scholarship Program
This financial aid is available to applicants 25 years of age or older who are US citizens or legal residents beginning a higher education program and are currently full- or part-time students. The proposed scholarship assists persons over the age of 25 who are seeking aid in achieving success and higher learning in any selected discipline.
The winner will receive a significant reward of $1000.
Scholarships for adults over 35
Below are Scholarships for adults over 35 that will best suit you to pay for your college’s expenses:Â
- College JumpStart Scholarship
- AfterCollege Succurro Scholarship
- CollegeAmerica Adult Student Grants
- Courage to Grow Scholarship
- Return 2 College Scholarship Program.
#6. College JumpStart Scholarship
College JumpStart Grant is available to nontraditional students and awards a $1,000 scholarship to a student who is “dedicated to using education to better [their] life and/or the lives of [their] family and/or community.”
Applicants must submit a personal statement of 250 words based on one of a few specified prompts. You must be enrolled or plan to enroll in a two- or four-year college or vocational school within the next 12 months of your application.
#7. AfterCollege Succurro Scholarship
You can win this $500 scholarship by creating a free AfterCollege profile. To be eligible, you must be enrolled in a recognized, degree-seeking program and have a GPA of at least 2.5. Applicants must submit a 200-word “resume-style” personal statement outlining their objectives.
#8. CollegeAmerica Adult Student Grants
CollegeAmerica, which operates career campuses in Arizona and Colorado, provides $5,000 grants to people who have never attended college as well as those who have some college credits but not a degree.
#9. Courage to Grow Scholarship
Any college student with at least a 2.5 GPA is eligible to apply for this $500 prize, which is awarded to one winner each month. In 250 words or fewer, applicants must explain why they deserve the scholarship. The prize is sent to the winner’s school.
#10. Return 2 College Scholarship Program
This $1,000 scholarship is open to anyone between the ages of 18 and 35 who will be attending college in the coming year or who is already enrolled.
You must submit a three-sentence essay explaining why you want to acquire your degree. If three phrases aren’t enough for you, don’t worry – you can submit as many submissions as you want. The scholarship can be applied to any level of education.
Scholarships for adults over 40
Adults aged 40 and older who want to return to college can apply for the scholarships listed below.
- Danforth Scholars Program
- Stamps Scholarship
- Unigo $10K Scholarship
- SuperCollege Scholarship
- Annika Rodriguez Scholars Program
#11. Danforth Scholars Program
This scholarship pays for all or part of your tuition. After completing and submitting an application for admission, students can apply for the Danforth Scholars Program. Applicants must submit a separate application as well as a letter of recommendation.
#12. Unigo $10K Scholarship
This award pays for full tuition, fees, room and board, and supplies, as well as a $10,000 enrichment fund. Academic success, leadership, perseverance, scholarship, service, and innovation are all considered in the selection process.
#13. SuperCollege Scholarship
Any student seeking or planning to pursue higher education may enter this annual random drawing for $1,000; only incomplete applications will be excluded. The prize money can be used for tuition, books, or any other educational expense.
#14. Annika Rodriguez Scholars Program
This scholarship provides full tuition and includes a stipend of $2,500 per year.
This award is based on educational attainment, a dedication to serving historically underserved populations, the capacity to bring diverse people together, application replies and an essay, and recommendations collected as part of the admission application are used to determine awards. This grant is open to international students.
Scholarships for adults over 50
Adults aged 50 and up who are thinking about going back to college can apply for the scholarships listed below.
- Â Pell Grants
- Jeannette Rankin Scholarship
- Talbots Scholarship Foundation.
#15. Pell Grants
Pell Grants are offered through the federal government for students of any age and are provided based on financial need. To be eligible, you must establish a low household income and apply for federal aid by completing the Free Application for Student Aid.
Over 50 students can use these grants to finish undergraduate degrees at universities that participate in the FAFSA program. Filling out the FAFSA and qualifying for a Pell Grant may also qualify you for grant money from state programs.
#16. Jeannette Rankin Scholarship
The Jeannette Ranking Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance to women over the age of 35 who are pursuing a technical or vocational degree, an associate’s degree, or their first bachelor’s degree.
Low-income women who have been accepted to a regionally or ACICS certified school are eligible for these prizes. The income limits for qualifying are based on the Department of Labor’s Lower Living Standard, therefore a woman in a four-person household must earn less than $51,810 to qualify.
#17. Talbots Scholarship Foundation
The Talbots clothing company provides a significant scholarship to women who have completed their high school graduation or GED 10 years previous to applying.
The candidate must be a resident of the United States or Canada, enrolled or planning to enroll in undergraduate studies at a two- or four-year college, and attend full-time.
Scholarships for adult women
The following is a list of scholarships for women students. It should be noted, however, that mature female students are also eligible for the majority of ordinary scholarships.
- American Association of University Women
- The Soroptomist Club
- Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation for Low-Income Women and Children
- Newcombe Foundation
- Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting.
#18. American Association of University Women
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is a prominent organization that promotes women’s education. Their objective is to break down economic obstacles so that all women can receive a high-quality education.
AAUW funds more than 245 fellowships and grants totaling more than $3.7 million.
There are seven different types of fellowships available. An International Fellowship for full-time study or research in the United States is included.
It is available to women who are neither citizens nor permanent residents of the United States. This is an excellent choice for ladies in different parts of the world.
#19. The Soroptomist Club
The Soroptomist Club finances the Live Your Dream Award program, which assists women in need of financial assistance with their studies but is not limited to women over the age of 55. Soroptimist International is a global volunteer organization that gives women and girls access to the education and training they need to attain economic empowerment.
Citizens of Soroptimist member nations and territories are eligible to apply. This encompasses the United States, Canada, Argentina, Panama, Venezuela, Bolivia, the Republic of China’s Taiwan Province, Brazil, Guam, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Chile, the Philippines, Colombia, Peru, Korea, Costa Rica, Paraguay, Ecuador, and Japan.
#20. Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation for Low-Income Women and Children
The Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation, founded in 2003, seeks to carry on some of Mink’s most ardent commitments: educational access, opportunity, and equity for low-income women, particularly mothers, and educational enrichment for children.
#21. Newcombe Foundation
The Newcombe Foundation is a non-profit organization established in the United States that assists older women in obtaining a bachelor’s degree by giving financial assistance.
The foundation collaborates with universities and institutions in New York City, New Jersey, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and the Washington, DC metropolitan area. This could be a terrific choice for women residing on the East Coast of the United States.
#22. Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting
The EFWA assists women in furthering their professions as accountants.
This organization offers scholarships at all educational levels, as well as Women in Transition (WIT) and Women in Need (WIN) Scholarships to women who are the primary breadwinners in their families.
FAQs about full ride scholarships for adults
What sports offer full ride scholarships?
There are just six college sports that offer full-ride athletic scholarships:
- Football
- Men’s Basketball
- Women’s Basketball
- Women’s Gymnastics
- Tennis
- Volleyball
What colleges give full ride scholarships for cheerleading?
The colleges that give full ride scholarships for cheerleading are:
- University of Kentucky
- University of Alabama
- Texas Tech University
- Oklahoma State University
- University of Louisville
- University of Tennessee
- Mississippi State University
- University of Central Florida
- Ohio State University
Are full ride scholarships for adults common?
Only about 1% of students receive full ride scholarships, demonstrating how tough it is to obtain one. However, with the correct background, adequate planning, and understanding of where to look, your chances of receiving a full ride scholarship can improve.