College grants for adults going back to school
16 states run grants or scholarships made specifically for adults and returning students, and 17 states waive tuition for older adults. Here's every one we've found, checked against its official page. Adults can also qualify for the federal Pell Grant and their state's regular grants: see federal aid and your state's full list.
Grants for adults and returning students
Alabama
(Re)Engage Alabama Grant Program
Up to $1,500 per semester (community college, associate) or $3,000 per semester (university, bachelor's) for full-time students; prorated for 6-11 hoursAlabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE)
Open now · due February 15, 2027For Alabama adults 22+ returning to finish a degree in a high-demand field: up to $1,500 per semester at community colleges or $3,000 per semester at universities (full-time).
- What it takes: FAFSA + state application + transcript
- For undergrads, adults going back to school
- For high-demand workforce fields (129 approved CIP codes) students
- Who can get it: US citizen or lawful permanent resident
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Idaho
Idaho Opportunity Scholarship for Adult Learners
Up to $3,500 per academic year, renewable for up to four years; prorated for part-time (50% at 6-8 credits, 75% at 9-11 credits)Idaho State Board of Education
Open nowUp to $3,500 a year (renewable up to four years) for Idaho adults who already earned 24+ college credits and are returning to school after a break of at least 24 months; 2.5 GPA minimum, part-time allowed.
- What it takes: state application + FAFSA + transcript
- For adults going back to school, undergrads
- Needs a 2.5+ GPA
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Idaho LAUNCH for Adults
80% of tuition and fees, up to $3,500Idaho Workforce Development Council (Office of the Governor)
Apply any timeTraining grant covering 80% of tuition and fees, up to $3,500, for Idaho adults pursuing short-term training for an in-demand career.
- What it takes: state application
- For adults going back to school, trade school students
- For approved in-demand career training students
- Partly need-based: your FAFSA can affect whether you get it or how much.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Indiana
Adult Student Grant
up to $2,000 per year (by SAI: $2,000 / $1,750 / $1,250 / $750 / $500)Indiana Commission for Higher Education (CHE)
Open nowUp to $2,000 a year for financially independent adults working toward an associate, bachelor's or certificate, at least 6 credits a term.
- What it takes: FAFSA + state application
- For adults going back to school, undergrads, trade school students
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Iowa
Future Ready Iowa Grant
Up to $3,000 per year (2026-27), prorated for part-timeIowa Department of Education, Bureau of Iowa College Aid
Open nowUp to $3,000 a year (2026-27) for Iowans 25 and older finishing a bachelor's degree in a high-demand field.
- What it takes: FAFSA + state application
- For undergrads, adults going back to school, transfer students
- For Future Ready Iowa high-demand bachelor's programs students
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident, or other eligible noncitizen (as for federal student aid); undocumented students are not eligible for state-appropriated aid
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Kansas
Kansas Adult Learner Grant
$3,000 per semester full-time ($6,000/yr); prorated to $1,500 per semester at 6 hoursKansas Board of Regents
Opens laterService scholarshipThe catch: Live and work in Kansas for 2 years in a row after graduating, or repay the award with 5% interest.
$3,000 per semester (prorated part-time) toward a bachelor's in a high-demand field for Kansans 25 and older; live and work in Kansas 2 years after.
- What it takes: FAFSA + state application
- For adults going back to school, undergrads
- Needs a 2+ GPA
- For information technology, health care, nursing students
- Usual timing: Annual; opens early January, closes July 1 or when funds run out (2026-27: Jan 5-July 1, 2026). 2027-28 opens early January 2027.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Maine
Competitive Skills Scholarship Program (CSSP)
up to $10,000 per year full time; up to $5,000 per year part timeMaine Department of Labor
Open nowUp to $10,000 a year for lower-income Maine adults training for high-wage, in-demand jobs, plus help with child care, transportation and books.
- What it takes: state application
- For adults going back to school, undergrads, trade school students
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Michigan
Michigan Reconnect
free in-district tuition, mandatory fees and contact hours at a Michigan community college (last-dollar); out-of-district students get up to the in-district rateMichigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP)
Apply any timeTuition-free community college for Michigan adults 21 and older without a college degree: covers in-district tuition, mandatory fees and contact hours (last-dollar).
- What it takes: state application + FAFSA
- For adults going back to school, undergrads
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Mississippi
UPSKILL Mississippi Grant (Upgrading Priority Skills for Key Industry Learning and Labor)
Remaining tuition and required fees after other grant aid, plus a $500 annual stipend (prorated by enrollment)Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid (Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning)
Opens laterFor Mississippi adults 24+: the rest of community college tuition and fees after other grants, plus a $500 yearly stipend, in eligible certificate and associate programs for priority jobs.
- What it takes: state application + FAFSA
- For adults going back to school, trade school students
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
- Usual timing: Annual; MAAPP deadline September 15, supporting documents (including FAFSA) due October 15 (2026-27 pilot year)
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Missouri
Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant
Remaining tuition and fees after other non-loan aid (public schools fully covered; private capped at the comparable public rate), or up to $500 for other costs if tuition is already coveredMissouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development
Check datesCovers remaining tuition and fees (or apprenticeship costs) for Missouri adults 25+ training for high-demand jobs; up to $500 for other costs if tuition is already covered.
- What it takes: state application + FAFSA
- For adults going back to school, undergrads, trade school students
- For state-designated high-demand programs and apprenticeships students
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
New Mexico
New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship
100% of tuition and course-specific fees up to $50 per credit hour (at New Mexico public colleges and universities)New Mexico Higher Education Department (NMHED)
Apply any timeTuition-free college for New Mexico residents who aren't recent high school grads (and a gap-filler for recent grads): covers tuition and course-specific fees at any New Mexico public or tribal college, part time or full time.
- What it takes: See how to apply
- For students starting college, undergrads, adults going back to school, transfer students, trade school students
- Needs a 2.5+ GPA
- Who can get it: Not required: New Mexico residency, or eligibility for New Mexico's nondiscrimination waiver (students of any immigration status who attended a New Mexico high school for at least one year and graduated or earned a high school equivalency credential in New Mexico); active New Mexico National Guard members also qualify
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
New York
SUNY and CUNY Reconnect (Free Community College for Adults)
Free tuition, books, supplies and waived fees (last-dollar, after other aid)New York State, via SUNY and CUNY (New York State Opportunity Promise Scholarship)
Apply any timeFree tuition, books, supplies and waived fees for New Yorkers 25-55 without a degree, in high-demand associate programs
- What it takes: FAFSA + state application
- For adults going back to school, students starting college, undergrads
- For high-demand fields: advanced manufacturing, AI, cybersecurity, engineering, nursing/allied health, renewable energy, teaching shortage areas, technology students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Ohio
Second Chance Grant
$3,000 one-timeOhio Department of Higher Education (ODHE)
Apply any timeOne-time $3,000 grant for Ohioans returning to college after stopping out 8 months to 5 years ago.
- What it takes: FAFSA only
- For undergrads, adults going back to school, trade school students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Oklahoma
Reach Higher Finish Line Scholarship
Up to $5,000 (associate degree, within 5 semesters) or $7,000 (bachelor's degree, within 7 semesters, including prior associate awards); minimum $500 per semesterOklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE) - Reach Higher adult degree completion initiative
Open nowFor Oklahoma adults close to finishing a degree: up to $5,000 for an associate degree or $7,000 for a bachelor's (at least $500 per semester) at participating Reach Higher colleges.
- What it takes: state application + essay
- For adults going back to school, undergrads, transfer students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Tennessee
Tennessee Reconnect Grant
Varies: the remaining tuition and mandatory fees after all other gift aid has been appliedTennessee Higher Education Commission & Student Assistance Corporation (THEC/TSAC)
Apply any timeLast-dollar grant for adults: covers tuition and mandatory fees not paid by other gift aid for a certificate or associate degree at TN community colleges, TCATs and eligible schools.
- What it takes: state application + FAFSA
- For adults going back to school, undergrads, students starting college, trade school students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Tennessee Nontraditional HOPE Scholarship
Up to $2,250 per full-time semester (freshman/sophomore) and up to $2,850 per full-time semester (junior/senior), including summersTennessee Higher Education Commission & Student Assistance Corporation (THEC/TSAC)
Apply any timeHOPE for independent adult students with AGI of $36,000 or less in a bachelor's program: up to $2,250 per semester (years 1-2) and $2,850 per semester (years 3-4).
- What it takes: FAFSA only
- For undergrads, adults going back to school, transfer students
- Needs a 2.75+ GPA
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Utah
Adult Learner Grant Program
Up to the cost of attendanceUtah System of Higher Education (USHE) - Utah Board of Higher Education
Check datesNeed-based Utah grant, up to cost of attendance, for independent adult students enrolled in eligible online programs in high-need fields.
- What it takes: FAFSA only
- For adults going back to school, undergrads
- For eligible online programs in designated fields of industry need students
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Wyoming
Wyoming's Tomorrow Scholarship
Up to $1,800 per semester (full-time), up to $7,200 totalWyoming Community College Commission
Apply any timeNeed-based scholarship of up to $1,800 per semester ($7,200 total) for Wyoming adults aged 24+ pursuing a degree or certificate at UW or a Wyoming community college.
- What it takes: FAFSA + state application
- For adults going back to school, undergrads, trade school students
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
- Who can get it: US citizen or eligible noncitizen
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Wyoming Works Grant
Standard Grant up to $2,360 per academic year; Critical Grant up to $4,720 per academic year (2026-27)Wyoming Community College Commission
Apply any timeNeed-based grant of up to $2,360 a year (up to $4,720 for critical-workforce programs) for Wyoming residents in approved career and technical programs at Wyoming community colleges.
- What it takes: FAFSA + state application
- For trade school students, adults going back to school, undergrads
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
- Who can get it: US citizen or eligible noncitizen
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Tuition waivers for older adults
Free or reduced tuition at public colleges for residents above a set age (usually 60, 62 or 65).
Alabama
Senior Adult Scholarship (Tuition Waiver) - Alabama Community College System
Tuition waived (fees, books and supplies not covered)Alabama Community College System (ACCS)
Apply any timeFree tuition at Alabama's public community colleges for Alabama residents 60 and older, on a space-available basis (fees still apply).
- What it takes: state application
- For adults going back to school
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Arkansas
Arkansas Tuition Waiver for Students 60 and Older
Tuition (general student fees) waived; other fees vary by collegeArkansas Division of Higher Education (ADHE)
Apply any timeArkansas residents 60 or older can take credit courses at Arkansas public colleges without paying tuition/general student fees, on a space-available basis.
- Who it's for: Age 60 or older
- What it takes: See how to apply
- For adults going back to school, undergrads, grad students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Connecticut
Connecticut Tuition Waiver for Residents 62 and Older
Full tuition (space-available unless in a degree program at UConn/CSU)State of Connecticut (UConn, Connecticut State Colleges & Universities)
Apply any timeFree tuition at Connecticut public colleges for state residents age 62 or older.
- What it takes: state application
- For undergrads, grad students, adults going back to school
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Delaware
Tuition-Free College for Delaware Residents 60 and Older
Tuition and mandatory/registration fees waived (books, supplies and course/lab fees not covered)State of Delaware (University of Delaware, Delaware State University, Delaware Technical Community College)
Apply any timeDelaware residents 60+ can take credit courses tuition free at the University of Delaware and Delaware Tech (and Delaware State University under the same law).
- Who it's for: Age 60 or older
- What it takes: See how to apply
- For adults going back to school, undergrads, grad students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Georgia
University System of Georgia 62 and Older Tuition Waiver
Tuition and fees waived (you still pay supplies, lab or shop fees); space availableUniversity System of Georgia Board of Regents
Apply any timeGeorgia residents 62 and older can take University System of Georgia courses without paying tuition or fees (space available).
- What it takes: See how to apply
- For adults going back to school, undergrads, grad students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Kentucky
Tuition Waiver for Kentuckians 65 and Older
All tuition and fees waivedCommonwealth of Kentucky (KRS 164.284), granted by public colleges
Apply any timeKentucky residents 65 or older pay no tuition or fees at Kentucky state-supported colleges and universities.
- What it takes: See how to apply
- For undergrads, grad students, adults going back to school
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Massachusetts
Categorical Tuition Waiver (veterans, active military, Native American, seniors 60+, MRC clients)
full tuition for state-supported courses (fees not included)Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance
Apply any timeFull tuition waiver at Massachusetts public colleges for MA veterans, active-duty service members stationed in MA, Native Americans, residents over 60, and Mass Rehabilitation Commission or Commission for the Blind clients.
- Who it's for: Massachusetts veteran; active-duty U.S. Armed Forces member stationed and residing in MA; MA Rehabilitation Commission or Commission for the Blind client
- What it takes: FAFSA only
- For students starting college, undergrads, adults going back to school
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or Title IV-eligible noncitizen; or a state-approved eligibility status under the Massachusetts tuition equity law (MASFA filers)
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Minnesota
Senior Citizen Higher Education Program
Tuition and activity fees waived (administrative fee applies for credit courses)State of Minnesota (Minn. Stat. 135A.51-135A.52) at Minnesota public colleges
Apply any timeMinnesota residents 62+ can take public-college courses tuition-free when space is available (small administrative fee for credit).
- Who it's for: Age 62+ (or 60+ receiving a railroad retirement annuity)
- What it takes: See how to apply
- For adults going back to school, undergrads, grad students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
New Mexico
Senior Citizens Reduced Tuition
$5 per credit hour, for up to 10 credit hours per semesterNew Mexico Higher Education Department (NMHED); New Mexico public colleges and universities
Apply any timeNew Mexico residents 65 and older pay $5 per credit hour (up to 10 hours a semester) at New Mexico public colleges and universities, space available.
- What it takes: See how to apply
- For adults going back to school
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Rhode Island
Rhode Island Tuition Waiver for Residents 60 and Older
Full tuition, space-available (fees and books not covered)State of Rhode Island; CCRI, RIC and URI
Apply any timeFree tuition (space available) at Rhode Island public colleges for Rhode Island residents age 60 or older with household income under three times the federal poverty level.
- What it takes: state application
- For undergrads, grad students, adults going back to school
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
South Carolina
Free Tuition for South Carolina Residents Age 60 and Over
Free tuition (fees and books not covered); space availableState of South Carolina (SC Code 59-111-320); administered by public colleges and technical colleges
Apply any timeSC residents 60 and older can take classes for credit or not at SC public colleges and technical colleges without paying tuition, space permitting.
- What it takes: See how to apply
- For adults going back to school, undergrads, grad students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
South Dakota
Reduced Tuition for Residents 65 and Older
45% off tuitionSouth Dakota Board of Regents
Apply any time45% tuition reduction at South Dakota public universities for residents age 65 or older.
- What it takes: See how to apply
- For undergrads, grad students, adults going back to school
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Tennessee
Tuition waiver for Tennesseans 60/65+ and totally disabled persons (T.C.A. 49-7-113)
Audit: free tuition and mandatory fees (60+ / totally disabled); credit: tuition and mandatory fees waived except a service fee (up to $70 per semester at TBR community colleges) for 65+ / totally disabledState of Tennessee (Tennessee Board of Regents and public universities; T.C.A. 49-7-113)
Apply any timeTennesseans 60+ (and totally disabled persons) can audit public-college courses free; those 65+ (and totally disabled persons) can take courses for credit for a service fee of up to $70 per semester at community colleges.
- Who it's for: Tennessee residents aged 60+ (audit) or 65+ (credit), or persons with a permanent, total disability
- What it takes: See how to apply
- For adults going back to school
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Texas
Senior Citizen (65+) Free Tuition for Up to 6 Credit Hours
tuition (not fees) for up to 6 credit hours per semesterTexas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Apply any timeTexas public colleges may let students 65 and older take up to six credit hours per semester tuition-free when space is available.
- What it takes: See how to apply
- For adults going back to school
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Utah
Higher Education for Senior Citizens and Veterans (space-available tuition exemption)
Tuition and other charges waived except a registration fee (space-available classes)Utah public colleges and universities (Utah Code 53H-11-304)
Apply any timeUtah residents 62 or older and veterans can take classes at Utah public colleges on a space-available basis exempt from tuition and other charges, paying only a registration fee.
- Who it's for: Utah resident aged 62+ or veteran
- What it takes: See how to apply
- For adults going back to school
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Virginia
Senior Citizen Tuition Waiver (Senior Citizens Higher Education Act)
Waiver of tuition and fees (course-material fees such as lab fees are not waived)Virginia public colleges and universities; overseen by State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV)
Apply any timeVirginians 60 and older can take credit courses tuition- and fee-free at Virginia public colleges if their prior-year taxable income was $23,850 or less, or audit/take noncredit courses free at any income.
- What it takes: state application
- For adults going back to school, undergrads, grad students
- Partly need-based: your FAFSA can affect whether you get it or how much.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
West Virginia
Reduced Tuition for Senior Citizens (60 and older)
Non-credit: up to $50 per course; for credit: no more than 50% of normal resident tuition and feesWest Virginia state institutions of higher education (W. Va. Code 18B-10-7a)
Apply any timeWest Virginia residents 60 and older can take public college courses at reduced cost: no more than $50 per course without credit, or no more than half the resident rate for credit, space permitting.
- What it takes: See how to apply
- For adults going back to school, undergrads, grad students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Keep looking
- Student discounts for grad students and adult learners
- The FAFSA in plain English: most of this money needs it.
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.