Scholarships for Older Women Returning to School

AARP Women's Scholarship

Women over the age of 40 can apply to receive the AARP Women's Foundation Scholarship. The foundation hopes to decrease poverty among women in their second half of life by providing expanded access to education. Selections are based on your ability to communicate how receiving a higher education will help you achieve your career goals. Preference is given to applicants raising the children of another family member or who have jobs that offer little to no career advancement. As of 2011, scholarship amounts range from $500 to $5,000.

The Jeannette Rankin Foundation awards women over the age of 35 with a scholarship to a two-, three- or four-year institution. To qualify for the Jeannette Rankin Foundation, your income must fall below the U.S. Department of Labor's Lower Living Standard. Documentation is required to prove your annual income. Selections are based on your future plans and commitment to achieving your goals. Preference is given to applicants who have overcome past challenges.

In honor of its founder, Nancy Talbot, the Talbots Scholarship Foundation supports older women in their pursuit of higher education. The program exists to motivate women to learn and enhance their lives through higher education. As of 2011, the Talbots Scholarship Foundation awards 10 scholarships in the amount of $15,000 and one scholarship in the amount of $30,000. Scholarships are not renewable.

To decrease the inequalities between men and women in the field of business, Jane M. Klausman created a scholarship program to help older women excel through postsecondary education. To qualify, you must have a declared major in business or a business-related degree. Scholarships are administered through Zonta International. As of 2011, scholarships in the amount of $1,000 are administered at the district level. Five international scholarships of $5,000 are given to nominated applicants. Online students are eligible to receive this award.