Top 11 Scholarships for Women Over 50

Top 11 Scholarships for Women Over 50

Pursuing education later in life can be a transformative experience, especially for women over 50 who are navigating new opportunities, careers, or personal goals. Whether you’re returning to school to complete a degree, starting a new field of study, or enhancing your skills, financial aid options exist to ease the burden of tuition and associated costs. This guide highlights scholarships specifically designed for women over 50, their unique eligibility requirements, and tips to help you secure funding for your educational journey.

The Importance of Scholarships for Women Over 50

As life evolves, so do personal and professional needs. Many women over 50 face unique challenges, including career changes, caregiving responsibilities, and financial constraints. Scholarships tailored for this demographic can provide essential support, allowing women to invest in themselves, gain confidence, and achieve their goals.

In addition to financial assistance, these scholarships recognize the value of life experience and diverse perspectives, making it easier for women to transition into new careers or improve their economic standing.

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Top Scholarships for Women Over 50

Below are detailed descriptions of scholarships and grants that support education for women aged 50 and above.

1. Jeanette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is one of the most well-known programs supporting older women. Named after Jeanette Rankin, the first woman elected to the U.S. Congress, this fund helps low-income women aged 35 and older pursue vocational education or undergraduate degrees.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• Age 35 or older.
• Enrolled in or accepted into a vocational or undergraduate program.
• Demonstrates financial need.

The Jeanette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund emphasizes not only academic goals but also the applicant’s desire to create a better future for herself and her family.

Pro Tip: Highlight personal challenges and aspirations in your application essay to stand out.

2. Talbots Charitable Foundation Scholarship

Designed for women re-entering education after a long break, this scholarship is ideal for those who earned their high school diploma or GED at least 10 years ago.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be seeking an undergraduate degree.
• Have obtained a high school diploma or GED at least 10 years ago.
• Demonstrates a strong academic record and community involvement.

Talbots awards a range of scholarships annually, with special emphasis on candidates who showcase resilience and determination in their applications.

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3. Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) Program for Continuing Education

The P.E.O. Program offers need-based grants to women returning to school after their education was interrupted. These grants are designed to cover tuition, books, and other related expenses.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must have had a gap in education.
• Demonstrates financial need.
• Enrolled in a program leading to a degree or certification.

The P.E.O. community provides a network of support alongside financial aid, empowering women to achieve their educational and career goals.

4. AARP Foundation Women’s Scholarship Program

AARP recognizes the challenges faced by older women seeking to improve their economic prospects. This scholarship focuses on women aged 40 and older pursuing education to enhance their financial independence.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Women aged 40 or older.
• Demonstrates financial need.
• Enrolled in an accredited institution.

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5. Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarships

The SWE offers several scholarships for women pursuing engineering and technology degrees, with options specifically for re-entry students. These scholarships are open to both undergraduate and graduate applicants.

Key Scholarships:

• BK Krenzer Memorial Re-entry Scholarship: $2,000 for women out of the workforce or education for at least two years.
• Olive Lynn Salembier Memorial Reentry Scholarship: $1,500 for non-traditional students in engineering.
• Wanda Munn Scholarship: $1,000 for women residing in the Northwestern U.S.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Enrolled in an ABET-accredited engineering or computer science program.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0.

6. Women’s Independence Scholarship Program (WISP)

This program supports survivors of intimate partner violence who are pursuing education to achieve financial independence.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must demonstrate financial need.
• Survivor of intimate partner violence.
• Enrolled in an accredited program.

7. Osher Reentry Scholarships

Funded by the Bernard Osher Foundation, this scholarship supports students aged 25–50 returning to education after a significant break. It aims to assist those completing their first bachelor’s degree.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Aged 25–50.
• Returning to education after a gap of at least five years.
• Enrolled in an undergraduate program.

8. Alma Baron Second Chance for Women Scholarship

Offered by the University of Wisconsin, this scholarship supports women aged 45 and older who are re-entering education.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Age 45 or older.
• Enrolled at the University of Wisconsin.

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9. Executive Women International (EWI) Adult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST) Scholarship

The EWI ASIST Scholarship helps women facing significant life changes, such as divorce, job loss, or re-entry into the workforce, by providing financial assistance for education. The scholarship also supports tuition costs, books, and childcare.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Demonstrates financial need.
• Women re-entering education after a major life transition.
• Enrolled in or accepted to a degree or certification program.

EWI awards scholarships annually to candidates selected by their local chapters. The application process often includes a personal essay and references.

10. Women’s Opportunity Awards by Soroptimist International

This award is targeted at women who are the primary source of financial support for their families. It assists with tuition, books, and other expenses associated with obtaining an undergraduate degree or vocational training.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Women with dependents.
• Primary financial provider for the family.
• Enrolled in an undergraduate or vocational training program.

Application Tip: This scholarship favors applicants who highlight personal growth and their commitment to overcoming obstacles in their essays.

11. Scholarships by Professional Organizations

Many professional associations and organizations offer scholarships aimed at women over 50 pursuing education in specific fields. These include:

• American Association of University Women (AAUW): Offers grants and fellowships for women in a variety of academic disciplines, including STEM fields.
• Association for Women in Science (AWIS): Provides scholarships for women pursuing careers in biology, chemistry, physics, and related sciences.
• National League for Nursing Foundation: Awards scholarships to women advancing their nursing education.

Pro Tip: Explore local chapters of these organizations, as many offer smaller, localized grants that are less competitive.

See: Top Scholarships Today

Here’s a comprehensive table featuring all 11 scholarships for women over 50, along with their descriptions, eligibility criteria, and official application links:

Scholarship Name	Description	Eligibility	Application Link
Jeanette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund	Provides financial support for low-income women aged 35+ pursuing vocational education or an undergraduate degree.	Women aged 35+, U.S. citizens or permanent residents, financial need, enrolled in an accredited institution.	Apply Here Rankin Foundation ​ Jeannette Rankin
Talbots Charitable Foundation Scholarship	Awards women who earned their high school diploma or GED at least 10 years ago and are now pursuing an undergraduate degree.	High school diploma/GED earned 10+ years ago, strong academic record, pursuing an undergraduate degree.	Learn More (Search “Scholarships” on their site)
P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education	Offers grants to women returning to school after a break, covering tuition, books, and other educational expenses.	Women with interrupted education, enrolled in a degree or certification program, financial need.	Apply Here
AARP Women’s Scholarship Program	Supports women aged 50+ returning to education to improve their economic opportunities.	Women aged 50+, financial need, pursuing higher education.	Learn More (Search “Scholarships” on their site)
Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarships	Provides funding for women re-entering engineering or technology fields through specialized re-entry scholarships.	Nontraditional female engineering students, enrolled in ABET-accredited programs, minimum GPA 3.0.	Apply Here
Women’s Independence Scholarship Program (WISP)	Assists survivors of intimate partner violence in gaining economic independence through education.	Survivors of intimate partner violence, financial need, pursuing higher education.	Apply Here
Osher Reentry Scholarship	Offers funding to adults aged 25–50 who are returning to school after a significant gap in their education.	Aged 25–50, enrolled in undergraduate programs, returning after a gap of 5+ years.	Learn More
Alma Baron Second Chance for Women Scholarship	Provides financial support to women aged 45+ attending the University of Wisconsin for re-entry education.	Women aged 45+, enrolled at the University of Wisconsin.	Learn More
Executive Women International ASIST Scholarship	Financial aid for women experiencing major life changes and re-entering education to improve career opportunities.	Women with significant life transitions, financial need, enrolled in accredited programs.	Apply Here
Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards	Supports women who are the primary financial providers for their families and are pursuing skills training or degree programs.	Women with dependents, primary family provider, enrolled in accredited programs.	Apply Here
Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation Scholarship	Focuses on assisting low-income women with children to achieve their educational goals.	Low-income women with children, pursuing undergraduate or vocational degrees.	Apply Here

How to Maximize Your Chances of Winning

1. Start Early: Many scholarships have early deadlines. Prepare your application materials well in advance.
2. Tailor Your Application: Each scholarship has unique criteria. Personalize your essays and recommendations to match the goals of the program.
3. Highlight Life Experience: Use your life and career experiences to showcase resilience and determination.
4. Demonstrate Financial Need: Clearly explain how the scholarship will impact your education and future.

Why Education Matters at 50 and Beyond

For women over 50, pursuing education is more than earning a degree—it’s about empowerment, growth, and new opportunities. Whether it’s advancing in a current career or exploring a new passion, these scholarships make lifelong learning attainable.

Additional Tips for Applying for Scholarships

1. Research Thoroughly: Look for niche scholarships tailored to specific life circumstances, career paths, or demographics. Many opportunities exist but are underutilized due to a lack of awareness.
2. Gather Strong References: Seek letters of recommendation from mentors, professors, or employers who can attest to your resilience and potential.
3. Polish Your Essays: Be authentic and personal. Share your journey, challenges, and aspirations.
4. Leverage Multiple Scholarships: Many scholarships allow recipients to stack awards. Apply to as many relevant opportunities as possible.
5. Utilize Scholarship Platforms: Websites like Scholarships.com, Fastweb, and Bold.org have filters to help you identify opportunities for older students.

Overcoming Challenges as a Nontraditional Student

For women over 50, returning to education comes with unique challenges—balancing family responsibilities, managing finances, and adapting to a new learning environment. Here are some strategies to help you succeed:

• Time Management: Create a schedule that balances your academic, personal, and professional commitments.
• Build a Support Network: Connect with other nontraditional students through campus organizations or online communities.
• Seek Mentorship: Many institutions offer mentorship programs that pair returning students with experienced guides.
• Leverage Resources: Utilize campus resources, including tutoring, counseling, and career services, to ease your transition.

Whether you’re embarking on a new career path, finishing a long-delayed degree, or exploring a lifelong passion, scholarships for women over 50 make it possible to invest in yourself. Take advantage of these opportunities, and remember: it’s never too late to learn, grow, and achieve your goals!