Many older women would love to go back to school but are held back by the potential cost. Fortunately, it is still possible to find scholarships for women over 50. I hope that these resources help you to make all of your educational dreams come true.
Where to Find Scholarships for Women Over 50?
Older women often look back on their lives with a sense of nostalgia at what could have been. Many have a strong desire to return to school and finish a degree. Others have developed an interest in a subject during their lives and want to dig deeper.
But, not surprisingly, money is often an issue when making the decision to go back to school. The good news is that there are several places to look for scholarships for women over 50.
American Association of University Women (AAUW)
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is a leading organization that promotes education for women. Their mission is to break through economic barriers so that all women can get a great education. AAUW provides more than $3.7 million in funding for more than 245 fellowships and grants.
They offer seven categories of fellowships. This includes an International Fellowship for full-time study or research in the United States. It is open to women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. This is a great option for women living in other parts of the world.
What you need to know:
US citizen: No
Live in the US: No
Minimum age requirement: Depends on the fellowship
Deadline for application: Depends on the fellowship
Jeanette Rankin Foundation Scholarship Fund
Jeanette Rankin Foundation grants are available to women over the age of 35 who are US Citizens. Applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited school and meet certain income requirements.
The Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund aims to empower low-income women to change their lives through education. It has awarded more than $2 million in scholarships to more than 700 women.
What you need to know:
US citizen: Yes
Live in the US: Yes
Minimum age requirement: 35
Deadline for application: Applications begin in November
The Soroptomist Club
The Soroptomist Club funds the Live Your Dream Award program which helps women who need financial help with their education but not exclusively for women who are older than 55. Soroptimist is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment.
Residents of Soroptimist’s member countries and territories can apply. This includes the US, Canada, Argentina, Panama, Venezuela, Bolivia, Taiwan Province of China, Brazil, Guam, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Chile, Philippines, Colombia, Peru, Korea, Costa Rica, Paraguay, Ecuador, and Japan.
What you need to know:
US citizen: No
Live in the US: No
Minimum age requirement: No age requirements
Deadline for application: November 15th
Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation for Low-Income Women and Children
Established in 2003, the Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation aims to carry on some of Mink’s most ardent commitments: educational access, opportunity, and equity for low-income women, especially mothers; and educational enrichment for children.
What you need to know:
US citizen: Yes
Live in the US: Yes
Minimum age requirement: 17
Deadline for application: TBA
Newcombe Foundation
The Newcombe Foundation is a US-based organization that supports mature women by providing financial assistance to help them get their bachelor’s degree.
The foundation partners with universities and colleges in New York City, New Jersey, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Washington, DC area. This may be a great option for women living on the U.S. East Coast.
What you need to know:
US citizen: Yes
Live in the US: Yes
Minimum age requirement: 25
Deadline for application: Variable
Literary Grants
If you are a writer, there are several groups to explore. This includes the National League of American Pen Women, A Room of Her Own, Loft Literary Center, and Money for Women. A more comprehensive list can be found at the Women’s Art website.
What you need to know:
US citizen: Depends on the grant
Live in the US: Depends on the grant
Minimum age requirement: Depends on the grant
Deadline for application: Depends on the grant
Humanitarian Grants
If you’re planning to write something educational or work on a humanitarian project, you can check with NEH, the National Endowment for the Humanities.
For example, if you want to write about issues facing women over 60, working with a multigenerational workforce, or anything that would benefit awareness of a specific social issue, the NEH may have a grant to offer.
What you need to know:
US citizen: Yes
Live in the US: Yes
Minimum age requirement: None
Deadline for application: Depends on the grant
Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting (EFWA)
The EFWA helps women to advance their careers as accountants. The foundation provides scholarships at all education levels and offers specific Women in Transition (WIT) and Women in Need (WIN) Scholarships to women who are the main source of family income.
What you need to know:
US citizen: Yes
Live in the US: Yes
Minimum age requirement: None
Deadline for application: April 30th
Society for Women Engineers
The Society for Women Engineers (SWE) helps women to obtain degrees in higher education that lead to engineering degrees. SWE offers the BK Krenzer Memorial Re-entry Scholarship and the Wanda Munn Scholarship for non-traditional women students, including older female students.
What you need to know:
US citizen: Yes
Live in the US: Yes
Minimum age requirement: None
Deadline for application: Depends on the scholarship
Philanthropic Educational Organization
The mission of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) is to promote women to achieve their life and career goals by providing scholarships, loans, awards, and grants.
They are looking to help women of any age who want to support their family and/or themselves, by returning to school to continue their education which may have been interrupted.
What you need to know:
US citizen: No
Live in the US: No
Minimum age requirement: None
Deadline for application: Depends on the scholarship
Zonta International Amelia Earhart Fellowship
The Zonta International Amelia Earhart Fellowship is a prestigious scholarship program offered by Zonta International, a global organization dedicated to advancing the status of women. The fellowship is named after Amelia Earhart, the renowned aviation pioneer and advocate for women’s rights.
The purpose of the Amelia Earhart Fellowship is to support women pursuing doctoral degrees in the fields of aerospace-related sciences and engineering. The fellowship aims to empower women in these fields and encourage their active participation and leadership. It recognizes the achievements and potential of exceptional women who are committed to making significant contributions to the aerospace industry.
Each year, the Amelia Earhart Fellowship program awards a selected number of fellowships to deserving women from around the world. The recipients are chosen based on their academic achievements, research proposals, and their commitment to advancing their chosen field of study. The fellowship provides financial support to cover tuition fees, books, living expenses, and other related costs associated with pursuing a doctoral degree.
What you need to know:
US citizen: No
Live in the US: No
Minimum age requirement: 18
Deadline for application: Varies each year.
Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship
The Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship is a program established by Zonta International to support women pursuing undergraduate or master’s degrees in business management or related fields. Named after Jane M. Klausman, a successful businesswoman and Zonta member, the scholarship aims to recognize women with outstanding potential in the business sector.
Recipients of the scholarship receive financial assistance to cover educational expenses such as tuition fees and books. The scholarship amount may vary each year. Applicants should demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership potential, and a commitment to promoting women’s empowerment in business.
The application process typically involves submitting academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and other supporting documents. The selection process is competitive, considering academic achievements, leadership qualities, and commitment to advancing women’s participation in business.
Beyond financial support, the scholarship provides networking and mentorship opportunities. Recipients join a global network of women in business, connecting with professionals and leaders in the field. This network offers guidance and career development prospects.
What you need to know:
US citizen: No
Live in the US: No
Minimum age requirement: 18
Deadline for application: Varies each year.
The Women’s Independence Scholarship Program (WISP)
The Women’s Independence Scholarship Program (WISP) is a scholarship program designed to provide support and opportunities for survivors of intimate partner abuse who wish to pursue higher education. It was established to help these women rebuild their lives, gain financial independence, and break free from the cycle of abuse.
Scholarship recipients can use the funds to pursue a variety of educational pathways, including vocational training, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and even graduate studies. The scholarship covers various educational expenses, such as tuition fees, books, and supplies.
To apply for the WISP scholarship, applicants typically need to demonstrate their status as survivors of intimate partner abuse and their commitment to rebuilding their lives through education. They may need to provide evidence of their abuse, such as court documents, protective orders, or letters from professionals familiar with their situation.
What you need to know:
US citizen: No
Live in the US: No
Minimum age requirement: 17
Deadline for application: Throughout the year.
BPW Foundation’s Career Advancement Scholarship Program
The BPW (Business and Professional Women’s) Foundation offers the Career Advancement Scholarship Program, providing financial support to women aged 25 or older pursuing degrees in STEM (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics) fields. This program aims to help women who are within two years of completing their degree. The scholarship awards range from $1,000 to $2,000 and is available to women studying at accredited U.S. institutions.
What you need to know:
US citizen: Yes
Live in the US: Yes
Minimum age requirement: 25
Deadline for application: Varies by local BPW chapters
Raquel Merlini Pay It Forward Scholarship
This $1,000 scholarship, offered by the Raquel Merlini organization, is designed to support divorced women or single mothers pursuing a degree in the medical field. It provides financial assistance to help these women continue their education and improve their professional opportunities.
What you need to know:
US citizen: No
Live in the US: No
Minimum age requirement: None
Deadline for application: Varies
Zonta Fund for Women
The Zonta Club of Sarasota offers this scholarship to women who are looking to start or grow their businesses. The fund provides grants and scholarships that help women obtain the training necessary to enhance their entrepreneurial skills.
What you need to know:
US citizen: No
Live in the US: No
Minimum age requirement: None
Deadline for application: Varies
Check Your Local Colleges
Across the country, over 60’s can take advantage of free (or heavily discounted) college courses for older residents at various public and private institutions. Some programs allow adults as young as 55 to participate.
There are some caveats, however. Many free-for-retirees programs only allow you to audit classes, meaning you won’t get college credit. This may be exactly what you are looking for however if you just want to learn the subject without needing credits.
If you are fortunate to live in a state that allows you to take credits, paying students generally get first priority for class enrollment, meaning you may not be able to get a place in popular classes. You may also have to go through the normal admissions process and be accepted at the college or university before you can enroll in individual classes. Books and other course materials will still need to be paid for. To find what is available in your state take a look here.
You are never too old to learn something new. Don’t forget that there are lots of free online education options like Coursera that offer certificates of completion. But if you want to earn a formal degree and money is tight, there is financial support to pursue.
We know attending college at any age is difficult but going back to school to get a further education will forever change your life and the lives of your adult children and grandchildren. They will be inspired by your tenacity and willpower, and you will be proud of yourself.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Have you gone back to school as an older student? How did you manage with the money? Are there any other great scholarships for women over 50 that you are aware of? If you have any other suggestions, or have had experience with any of the programs listed in this article, please join the conversation in the comments section below.
