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Top Scholarships for Women Returning to College
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Devon is a former personal finance writer for NerdWallet whose work has been featured in the L.A. Times, USA Today, Business Insider, CNBC and MarketWatch. She has a bachelor's degree in journalism from Boston University.
Des Toups Lead Assigning Editor | Student loans, repaying college debt, paying for college
Des Toups was a lead assigning editor who supported the student loans and auto loans teams. He had decades of experience in personal finance journalism, exploring everything from car insurance to bankruptcy to couponing to side hustles.
Anna Helhoski is a senior writer covering economic news and trends in consumer finance at NerdWallet. She is also an authority on student loans. She joined NerdWallet in 2014. Her work has appeared in The Associated Press, The New York Times, The Washington Post and USA Today. She previously covered local news in the New York metro area for the Daily Voice and New York state politics for The Legislative Gazette. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Purchase College, State University of New York.
To simplify the scholarship hunt, we've compiled a list of top scholarships that support women who want to finish a degree or pursue college for the first time.
NerdWallet ratingNerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula for student loan products takes into account more than 50 data points across multiple categories, including repayment options, customer service, lender transparency, loan eligibility and underwriting criteria.
Fixed APR
3.59-17.99%
College Ave Student Loans products are made available through Firstrust Bank, member FDIC, First Citizens Community Bank, member FDIC, or M.Y. Safra Bank, FSB, member FDIC. All loans are subject to individual approval and adherence to underwriting guidelines. Program restrictions, other terms, and conditions apply. (1)All rates include the auto-pay discount. The 0.25% auto-pay interest rate reduction applies as long as a valid bank account is designated for required monthly payments. If a payment is returned, you will lose this benefit. Variable rates may increase after consummation. (2)As certified by your school and less any other financial aid you might receive. Minimum $1,000. (3)This informational repayment example uses typical loan terms for a freshman borrower who selects the Flat Repayment Option with an 8-year repayment term, has a $10,000 loan that is disbursed in one disbursement and a 7.78% fixed Annual Percentage Rate (“APR”): 54 monthly payments of $25 while in school, followed by 96 monthly payments of $176.21 while in the repayment period, for a total amount of payments of $18,266.38. Loans will never have a full principal and interest monthly payment of less than $50. Your actual rates and repayment terms may vary. Information advertised valid as of 11/1/2024. Variable interest rates may increase after consummation. Approved interest rate will depend on creditworthiness of the applicant(s), lowest advertised rates only available to the most creditworthy applicants and require selection of the Flat Repayment Option with the shortest available loan term.
Variable APR
5.34-17.99%
College Ave Student Loans products are made available through Firstrust Bank, member FDIC, First Citizens Community Bank, member FDIC, or M.Y. Safra Bank, FSB, member FDIC. All loans are subject to individual approval and adherence to underwriting guidelines. Program restrictions, other terms, and conditions apply. (1)All rates include the auto-pay discount. The 0.25% auto-pay interest rate reduction applies as long as a valid bank account is designated for required monthly payments. If a payment is returned, you will lose this benefit. Variable rates may increase after consummation. (2)As certified by your school and less any other financial aid you might receive. Minimum $1,000. (3)This informational repayment example uses typical loan terms for a freshman borrower who selects the Flat Repayment Option with an 8-year repayment term, has a $10,000 loan that is disbursed in one disbursement and a 7.78% fixed Annual Percentage Rate (“APR”): 54 monthly payments of $25 while in school, followed by 96 monthly payments of $176.21 while in the repayment period, for a total amount of payments of $18,266.38. Loans will never have a full principal and interest monthly payment of less than $50. Your actual rates and repayment terms may vary. Information advertised valid as of 11/1/2024. Variable interest rates may increase after consummation. Approved interest rate will depend on creditworthiness of the applicant(s), lowest advertised rates only available to the most creditworthy applicants and require selection of the Flat Repayment Option with the shortest available loan term.
NerdWallet ratingNerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula for student loan products takes into account more than 50 data points across multiple categories, including repayment options, customer service, lender transparency, loan eligibility and underwriting criteria.
Fixed APR
3.49-15.49%
Lowest rates shown include the auto debit. Advertised APRs for undergraduate students assume a $10,000 loan to a student who attends school for 4 years and has no prior Sallie Mae-serviced loans. Interest rates for variable rate loans may increase or decrease over the life of the loan based on changes to the 30-day Average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) rounded up to the nearest one-eighth of one percent. Advertised variable rates are the starting range of rates and may vary outside of that range over the life of the loan. Interest is charged starting when funds are sent to the school. With the Fixed and Deferred Repayment Options, the interest rate is higher than with the Interest Repayment Option and Unpaid Interest is added to the loan’s Current Principal at the end of the grace/separation period. To receive a 0.25 percentage point interest rate discount, the borrower or cosigner must enroll in auto debit through Sallie Mae. The discount applies only during active repayment for as long as the Current Amount Due or Designated Amount is successfully withdrawn from the authorized bank account each month. It may be suspended during forbearance or deferment. Advertised APRs are valid as of 10/25/2024. Loan amounts: For applications submitted directly to Sallie Mae, loan amount cannot exceed the cost of attendance less financial aid received, as certified by the school. Applications submitted to Sallie Mae through a partner website will be subject to a lower maximum loan request amount. Miscellaneous personal expenses (such as a laptop) may be included in the cost of attendance for students enrolled at least half-time. Examples of typical costs for a $10,000 Smart Option Student Loan with the most common fixed rate, fixed repayment option, 6-month separation period, and two disbursements: For a borrower with no prior loans and a 4-year in-school period, it works out to a 10.28% fixed APR, 51 payments of $25.00, 119 payments of $182.67 and one payment of $121.71, for a Total Loan Cost of $23,134.44. For a borrower with $20,000 in prior loans and a 2-year in-school period, it works out to a 10.78% fixed APR, 27 payments of $25.00, 179 payments of $132.53 and one payment of $40.35 for a total loan cost of $24,438.22. Loans that are subject to a $50 minimum principal and interest payment amount may receive a loan term that is less than 10 years. A variable APR may increase over the life of the loan. A fixed APR will not.
Variable APR
5.04-15.21%
Lowest rates shown include the auto debit. Advertised APRs for undergraduate students assume a $10,000 loan to a student who attends school for 4 years and has no prior Sallie Mae-serviced loans. Interest rates for variable rate loans may increase or decrease over the life of the loan based on changes to the 30-day Average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) rounded up to the nearest one-eighth of one percent. Advertised variable rates are the starting range of rates and may vary outside of that range over the life of the loan. Interest is charged starting when funds are sent to the school. With the Fixed and Deferred Repayment Options, the interest rate is higher than with the Interest Repayment Option and Unpaid Interest is added to the loan’s Current Principal at the end of the grace/separation period. To receive a 0.25 percentage point interest rate discount, the borrower or cosigner must enroll in auto debit through Sallie Mae. The discount applies only during active repayment for as long as the Current Amount Due or Designated Amount is successfully withdrawn from the authorized bank account each month. It may be suspended during forbearance or deferment. Advertised APRs are valid as of 10/25/2024. Loan amounts: For applications submitted directly to Sallie Mae, loan amount cannot exceed the cost of attendance less financial aid received, as certified by the school. Applications submitted to Sallie Mae through a partner website will be subject to a lower maximum loan request amount. Miscellaneous personal expenses (such as a laptop) may be included in the cost of attendance for students enrolled at least half-time. Examples of typical costs for a $10,000 Smart Option Student Loan with the most common fixed rate, fixed repayment option, 6-month separation period, and two disbursements: For a borrower with no prior loans and a 4-year in-school period, it works out to a 10.28% fixed APR, 51 payments of $25.00, 119 payments of $182.67 and one payment of $121.71, for a Total Loan Cost of $23,134.44. For a borrower with $20,000 in prior loans and a 2-year in-school period, it works out to a 10.78% fixed APR, 27 payments of $25.00, 179 payments of $132.53 and one payment of $40.35 for a total loan cost of $24,438.22. Loans that are subject to a $50 minimum principal and interest payment amount may receive a loan term that is less than 10 years. A variable APR may increase over the life of the loan. A fixed APR will not.
Credible lets you check with multiple student loan lenders to get rates with no impact to your credit score. Visit their website to take the next steps.
Executive Women International ASIST Scholarship
Through its Adult Students in Scholastic Transition program, Executive Women International awards 13 scholarships each year to nontraditional students. The awards range from $2,000 to $10,000.
How to qualify: You have to apply through one of the organization’s 38 participating local chapters to be considered.
This scholarship fund awards $2,000 to low-income women 35 or older pursuing an undergraduate degree.
How to qualify: The application requires you to list your estimated income and expenses, upload a college acceptance letter or transcript, write a 500- to 1,000-word personal statement and list two references who can write letters of recommendation.
The Philanthropic Educational Organization awards need-based grants of up to $3,000 to help women whose higher education was interrupted go back to school.
How to qualify: To begin the application process, complete and submit the application to PEO. The organization will forward the form to its local chapters; a chapter must agree to sponsor your application before you move forward with the application process.
When to apply: A 30-day deadline will be set after the application form is submitted. Learn more.
Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award
Soroptimist is a global organization that awards grants to more than 1,200 women each year. The application process starts at the local level, where award amounts vary. If you receive a local award, you’ll have the opportunity to progress to the regional and international levels to win $3,000, $5,000 or $10,000.
How to qualify: To be eligible, you must provide the primary support for yourself and your dependents. You must demonstrate financial need and reside in one of Soroptimist International of the Americas' member countries. You cannot be a member of Soroptimist, work for or have an immediate family member who works for Soroptimist International.
The Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation awards five $5,000 scholarships to low-income mothers pursuing an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree.
How to qualify: Applicants will be selected based on financial need, personal circumstance, career goals, and civic, activist or service goals.
The Society of Women Engineers awards scholarships for women pursuing engineering degrees, including at least two earmarked for nontraditional students or students re-entering college. The BK Krenzer Memorial Re-entry Scholarship awards $2,500 to one student each year, and the Olive Lynn Salembier Memorial Re-entry Scholarship gives $1,500 to one student each year.
How to qualify: Only women are eligible. Applicants must be planning to attend school full-time and study an ABET-accredited program in engineering, technology or computing in the upcoming academic year.
When to apply: Dec. 1 to February 15 for sophomore to graduate students; March 1 to May 1 for freshmen. Learn more.
Dr. Blanca Moore-Velez Woman of Substance Scholarship
The National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs Inc. awards a scholarship each year to a woman age 35 or older.
How to qualify: You must be enrolled in an undergraduate program and have at least a 3.0 grade point average to be eligible. The application requires a 500-word essay.
Each year, the National Hook-Up of Black Women Inc. awards two $500 scholarships to women age 35 or older whose college was interrupted or put on hold because of family or personal obligations.
How to qualify: The application requires a completed application, academic transcripts, a college acceptance letter, a photo, two letters of recommendation and a 500-word essay.
This fund offers scholarships for women — particularly single mothers — who have survived intimate partner abuse and have been separated from their abuser for at least one year. Award amounts vary, but average about $2,000 per school term.
How to qualify: To be eligible, you have to have sought help from a nonprofit organization that provides services to domestic violence victims for at least six consecutive months.
When to apply: Applications are accepted at any time, but submissions should be received at least two months before the start date of the program. Learn more.
FACT Second Chance Scholarship
The Federation of American Consumers and Travelers awards two scholarship each year to students who graduated from high school four or more years ago and want to pursue college. One scholarship is for $2,500 and one is for $10,000.
How to qualify: You or an immediate family member must be a FACT member for you to be eligible. The application requires references and an essay.
When to apply: Applications are accepted year round and will be awarded quarterly. Learn more.
More ways to pay
Scholarships, which don’t need to be paid back, are an ideal way to pay for college. But it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to fund the entire cost of tuition through scholarships alone. To be eligible for federal grants, work-study and student loans, and some additional scholarships, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also known as the FAFSA.
Once you’ve maxed out all initial payment options, including federal loans, consider private loans to cover additional costs. Private loans tend to carry higher interest rates than federal loans. They also have fewer protections and forgiveness options. Shop around and compare private student loans before choosing a lender.
