Exploring educational opportunities later in life can be both rewarding and financially challenging. Discover how government grants can ease the burden of tuition costs for those over 40 pursuing further education.
Returning to school after age 40 is more common than ever, and a variety of government grants can help reduce the cost of tuition, training, and career development. These programs are designed to support adult learners looking to advance their skills, switch careers, or complete a degree they may have started years earlier. Below are the primary grant opportunities available to adults over 40 in the United States.
Federal Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant is one of the most widely available forms of financial aid for adults returning to school. This grant does not require repayment and is based on financial need. It is available to undergraduate students who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree and who meet federal eligibility requirements.
The maximum Pell Grant award for the current aid year is $7,395, though the exact amount varies depending on income, family size, school costs, and whether you attend full-time or part-time. To be considered, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which determines individual eligibility.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Grants
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act provides federal funding to support adults seeking job training, new credentials, or career advancement. These grants are especially helpful for individuals over 40 who may be transitioning into new fields or reentering the workforce.
WIOA funding is administered through local workforce centers, where eligible adults can receive tuition assistance for approved training programs, certificates, technical education, apprenticeships, and community-college courses. Additional services may include career counseling, job placement, and support for transportation or supplies associated with training.
State-Specific Educational Grants
Most states offer their own grant programs to help residents access higher education or career training. These programs vary widely but often include support for adult learners and mid-career professionals.
Examples include tuition-assistance grants for low-income residents, workforce-development grants for in-demand careers, and need-based financial aid for students pursuing undergraduate degrees at public institutions. Award amounts, eligibility rules, and deadlines differ by state, so adult learners should review available options through their state’s higher-education or student-aid agency.
Grants for Veterans and Military Members
Veterans and active-duty service members over 40 have access to several federal education benefits that function similarly to grants.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill covers full tuition and fees at public universities and provides additional allowances for housing, books, and supplies. The Yellow Ribbon Program can help cover remaining tuition costs for those attending private or higher-cost institutions. Other military education programs may offer monthly stipends or tuition assistance for eligible individuals.
These benefits can be used at community colleges, four-year universities, technical institutions, and many approved training centers.
Institution-Specific Scholarships and Grants
Many colleges and universities have developed financial-aid opportunities specifically for adult learners. These can include grants, tuition discounts, and scholarships designed for students returning to school after time in the workforce.
Some institutions offer awards based on financial need, academic performance, or intended career paths. Others provide targeted support for part-time students, mid-career professionals, or those completing degrees they previously started. Prospective students should contact the financial-aid office at their chosen institution to explore available programs.
Conclusion
Today, adults over 40 have access to a wider range of educational support than ever before. Federal grants, state initiatives, workforce training funds, military benefits, and institutional aid can all help reduce the financial burden of going back to school. By researching these resources and submitting necessary applications ahead of deadlines, adult learners can confidently work toward new skills, credentials, and career opportunities.
