Financial Aid for Returning Students
The Returning Students' Program of the Counseling Center at the University of Maryland, College Park, is designed for individuals aged 25 and over who have experienced a break in their formal education, and would like to return to or begin college study.
Applicants who are members of this category are eligible to apply for Federal, State, and Institutional Financial Aid and should refer to the Application Process for guidance on how to apply for aid. As a class of students, returning students are not subject to unique requirements for applying for aid or specific aid programs. Returning students do, however, have special eligibility for certain scholarship and aid programs intended to support the adult learner.
How to Begin
- Search Other Scholarship Sites
- Below is a list of resources that has been compiled to assist you in your search for financial aid. Eligibility details and award amounts vary. For some of these scholarships you must demonstrate financial need. For more information, please contact the specific organization directly.
Scholarships for Men and Women from the Returning Students' Programs
- Gerald G. Portney Memorial Scholarship
- Irwin S. Kamin Adult Learner Emergency Fund
Scholarships available to full/part-time UM male and female students who are at least 25 years old. Priority will be given to adults with extenuating circumstances.
Returning Students Program
Offers emergency funds for adult returning students.
For women:
- Charlotte W. Newcombe Scholarship
- Alpha Epsilon Phi Foundation
Returning Students Program
301-314-7693
Scholarships are available to UM undergraduate female students, at least 25 years old, who have completed at least half of the credits needed for their degree.
Returning Students Program
301-314-7693
Scholarships are available to women at least 25 years old, with at least a five year break from formal education.
Additional Scholarships for Women
- Zeta Phi Beta Sorority
- Jeanette Rankin Award
- Rita Levine Memorial Scholarship
- Daughters of Penelope
- Karla Scheber Foundation Scholarship
- Women's Opportunity Award Program
- Lavina Engle Scholarship Fund Inc.
- American Association of University Women
- Business and Professional Women's Foundation
- Montgomery County Commission for Women - Counseling and Career Center
Scholarships for African American Women
202-387-3103
1734 New Hampshire Ave.
NW Washington, DC 20009
General Graduate: full-time graduate women pursuing a professional degree.
General Undergraduate: full-time undergraduate students.
Isabel M. Herson Scholarship in Education: full-time undergraduate and graduate women enrolled in elementary or secondary education degree programs.
P.O. Box 6653
Athens, GA 30604
Scholarships available to undergraduate women who are at least 35 years of age.
MENSA Education and Research Foundation
c/o Toni McLaughlin
1502 Jackson Keller #A6
San Antonio, TX 78213
Scholarships available to women returning to school after a seven year interruption to their education.
Re-entry Grant
202-234-9741
1709 Q Street. Suite 500
NW Washington, DC 20009
Scholarships available to unemployed returning female students of Greek descent who are in need of retraining or refresher courses.
313-259-4520
100 Renaissance Center, Suite 1680
Detroit, MI 48243-1009
Scholarships available to re-entry or first degree seeking women interested in preparing for a career in business.
Liz Pittman
301-236-9715
14562 Farmcrest Place
Silver Spring, MD 20905
OR contact your local chapter listed in the yellow pages.
Scholarships offered in most locales to mature women who are head of households and completing undergraduate, vocational or technical programs.
Note: Recipients of individual club awards are automatically eligible for the $1500 regional award.
Judith Heiman
301-229-4647
6900 Marbury Road
Bethesda, MD 20817
Scholarships available to undergraduate female residents of Montgomery County accepted or enrolled in a Maryland college or university.
1111 16th Street, NW
202-728-7603
Washington, DC 20036
Resources for graduate women include: American Fellowships, International Fellowships, Research and Projects Grants.
Educational Training Department
202-293-1200
2012 Massachusetts Ave.
NW Washington, DC 20036
Scholarships available to undergraduate and graduate women such as: BPW Career Advancement; New York Life, Health; and Clairol Scholarship.
Ms. Janice Herold
240-777-8317
255 North Washington Street
Rockville, MD 20850
Tuition Assistance Program for displaced homemakers.
Additional Scholarships Resources for Men and Women
- Max and Emmy Dreyfuss Jewish Undergraduate Scholarship
- Maryland Higher Education Commission
- Office of the Dean for Undergraduate Studies
- Experiential Learning Program
- College Level Examination Program(CLEP)
- Department Credit by Examination
Jewish Social Service Agency
301-881-3700
6123 Montrose Road
Rockville, MD 20852
Scholarship available to full/part-time undergraduate male and female Jewish students, no older than 30 years of age.
State Scholarship Administration
410-974-5370
16 Francis Street
Annapolis, MD 21301
Scholarships offered based on need or merit. Also scholarships are offered in fields of critical shortage.
Hornbake Library
301-405-9362
Assistant Dean, Room 1115
National scholarships, fellowships, and research opportunities for undergraduates students.
Hornbake Library
301-314-7225
Career Center
Opportunities to obtain credit and/or money through individually developed programs/internships or cooperative education placements.
Shoemaker Building
301-314-7688
Room 0106A
Nationwide standardized testing program offering examinations in many subjects for those knowledgeable about an area of study for which college credit has not been received.
Check individual department advisory office. This is not offered by all departments. These are comparable to comprehensive final examinations in specific university courses. See the University Catalog for more information.
Loans
- Marilyn K. Brown Memorial Loan Fund
- Jewish Educational Loan Fund
Returning Students' Program
301-314-7693
Short-term interest free loans available to returning women students. Priority given to women 30 years of age or older with children.
Jewish Social Service Agency
301-881-3700
6123 Montrose Road
Rockville, MD 20852
Interest free loans for Jewish undergraduate and graduate students who are within 18 months of completing a degree.
