Non-traditional students come from a wide range of backgrounds and situations. Many adult learners return to college after a hiatus—perhaps as a result of financial constraints or a family emergency. Other non-traditional students may be starting college for the first time after deciding to pursue new opportunities in a different field. As the job market becomes more and more competitive, an increasing number of adult learners are returning to college. In , a projected 7. Although there are unique challenges for adult learners, financial aid does not have to be one of them.

Contrary to common belief, there are millions of adult students out there that would like to go back to college, but they are having difficulty finding funding and creating compatible schedules. Unlike the students that go to college right out of high school, adult students have a different set of challenges because they often have family and work obligations and more limited funding opportunities. However, despite the challenges, there are still a lot of opportunities for adult students out there, but it does take some time and effort to find them. Although you may already have a job, it will still be difficult to pay for college because college in general is expensive. The first thing you should do is look for a school that has a more affordable tuition rate and offers more flexible class options like distance learning courses, online classes, and correspondence classes.

Not every student goes directly to college following high school. Some may face financial burdens that make it necessary for them to move immediately into the workforce. Others may feel unprepared for the demands of college, or may simply be undecided as to what they would study should they decide to pursue their higher education. But college delayed, does not have to mean college denied. Today, more and more adults are headed back to school.

The first thing to note about federal grants is that there isn't a set age requirement. The primary focus is financial need. Grants might be of particular interest to adult learners, especially if you have a family or other expenses to consider since you don't have to repay grants. The Federal Pell Grant is available to those who would like to study in an undergraduate program.