Grants to Go Back to School

Are you ready to take control of your future, but tuition costs are standing in your way? Whether you’re unemployed, a busy mom, or a senior looking for a second chance, there are grants to go back to school designed specifically for your situation.

Unlike loans, grants are free money — you don’t have to pay them back. In this guide, we’ll explore how to find, apply for, and benefit from grants to go back to school for unemployed adults, single mothers, and seniors looking to continue their education.

What Are Educational Grants?

Educational grants are financial awards funded by the federal government, state programs, nonprofit organizations, or private institutions. They are offered based on financial need, personal background, career goals, or life circumstances — not credit scores or repayment plans.

Why Grants Matter:

No repayment required
Can cover tuition, books, housing, and supplies
Designed for underserved or underrepresented groups
Available for online or on-campus programs

Grants to Go Back to School for the Unemployed

If you’ve lost your job or are currently out of work, you may qualify for grants to go back to school for the unemployed to retrain or start a new career.

Top Programs to Explore:

1. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)

  • Offers funding for adults and dislocated workers

  • Covers training for high-demand careers (healthcare, IT, skilled trades)

  • Available in every U.S. state through local workforce centers

2. Federal Pell Grant

  • Up to $7,395 per year (2025–2026 award cycle)

  • Based on financial need — many unemployed qualify

  • Can be used at community colleges, vocational schools, and universities

3. Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA)

  • For workers laid off due to foreign trade impact

  • Pays for career training, relocation, and living expenses

4. State-Based Unemployment Education Grants

  • Many states offer education vouchers or retraining grants

  • Contact your local unemployment office or workforce board

Search tip: Try searching “education grants for unemployed adults in [your state]” to find local opportunities.

Grants to Go Back to School for Moms

Whether you’re a single mom, stay-at-home parent, or working part-time while raising kids, the financial challenges of school can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are grants to go back to school for moms that help cover costs and reduce debt.

1. Federal Pell Grant

  • Most moms returning to school qualify based on income

  • Can be combined with other financial aid

  • Apply through the FAFSA form (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

2. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

  • For low-income undergraduate students

  • Awarded through participating colleges (amounts range from $100–$4,000/year)

3. Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund

  • For women age 35+ returning to college

  • Must demonstrate financial need

  • Open to part-time and full-time students

4. Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards

  • Up to $16,000 in education grants

  • For women who are the primary financial support for their families

  • No minimum GPA or past education required

5. Local Women’s Organizations

  • Check YWCA, AAUW (American Association of University Women), and local women’s centers for scholarships and grant listings

Pro tip: Many community colleges and universities also have campus child care centers and tuition waivers for low-income parents.

Grants to Go Back to School for Seniors

It’s never too late to learn something new. Seniors returning to school — whether for personal enrichment, career re-entry, or lifelong learning — can benefit from grants to go back to school for senior citizens.

Top Grant Opportunities:

1. Senior Citizens’ Tuition Waiver Programs

  • Offered in many states

  • Allows seniors (usually 60+) to attend public colleges tuition-free

  • Available for credit and non-credit courses

  • Check state education department or local colleges

2. Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)

  • Programs for learners aged 50+

  • Grants available through select universities

  • Focused on enrichment courses in arts, history, business, and more

3. AARP Foundation Educational Grants

  • Supports older adults seeking career training

  • Includes online education and tech certification support

4. Local Nonprofit and Civic Groups

  • Look for Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs, and faith-based scholarships

  • Many offer education funding specifically for retirees or grandparents raising grandchildren

Search tip: Use keywords like “tuition-free college for seniors near me” or “scholarships for students over 60” to find local options.

How to Apply for Grants to Go Back to School

Step 1: Fill Out the FAFSA

This is the gateway to all federal and most state-level financial aid. You’ll need your Social Security Number, income details, and tax records.

Apply at https://fafsa.gov — it’s 100% free.

Step 2: Find School-Specific Grants

Contact the financial aid office at the college or program you plan to attend. Many offer:

  • Adult learner scholarships

  • Non-traditional student grants

  • Parent or caregiver tuition support

Step 3: Search Local & National Databases

Check these trusted platforms:

  • CareerOneStop.org – Grant search by state

  • Scholarships.com

  • Fastweb.com

  • Your state’s higher education agency

Online Education Options for Grant Recipients

Worried about going back to school while managing work or family? Many grant programs support online degrees, which offer:

  • Flexible schedules

  • Lower tuition

  • Accredited credentials from reputable schools

  • Access to community colleges, trade schools, and universities

Some popular online programs for adult learners include:

  • Nursing

  • Information Technology

  • Business Administration

  • Medical Billing and Coding

  • Education and Early Childhood Development

  • Graphic Design

  • Cybersecurity

Real Stories: How Grants Changed Lives

“As an unemployed single mom, I thought college was out of reach. But the Pell Grant and a local women’s scholarship paid for my nursing degree. Now I work full-time in a hospital and support my kids on my own.”
— Laura G., RN

“I retired early and wanted to finally study history. My state waived tuition for seniors, and I take two courses per semester at my local university — for free.”
— James B., age 67

“I was laid off and needed to re-skill. WIOA paid for a 6-month IT certificate, and I got hired within two weeks of finishing.”
— Carlos D., Help Desk Analyst

FAQs About Grants to Go Back to School

Do I have to pay back a grant?

No. Grants are not loans — you don’t repay them as long as you follow the program rules.

Can I get a grant even if I haven’t been in school for years?

Yes! Most grants are for non-traditional students, including adults returning after a long break.

Are there grants for part-time students?

Yes. Many grants, including the Pell Grant, allow part-time enrollment.

What’s the income limit for the Pell Grant?

Eligibility depends on household size, income, and other factors — but many unemployed and low-income adults qualify.

Is it possible to study online with these grants?

Absolutely. Most federal and state grants can be used at accredited online schools.

Take the First Step Toward a Brighter Future

Education opens doors at any age — and grants make it possible without debt. Whether you’re a mom, a senior, or someone looking for a second chance after losing a job, there are grants to go back to school waiting for you.

Start your journey today by searching:

  • “Grants to go back to school for unemployed adults”

  • “Education grants for single moms 2025”

  • “Free college programs for seniors in my state”

Don’t let money hold you back. With the right grant, your next chapter begins today — debt-free and full of promise.