Going back to school as an adult can feel overwhelming for many reasons. You might be juggling work, family, and other responsibilities, wondering if your previous credits will transfer, trying to manage your time, or figuring out how to pay for it all. The good news? There are cost-effective ways to fund your degree, making it possible to finish your undergraduate program without unnecessary financial stress.

How to Go Back to College as an Adult Without Breaking the Bank

Going back to college as an adult doesn’t have to mean taking on overwhelming debt. From federal aid and employer tuition programs to affordable adult degree completion programs, let’s explore ways to fund your education as you work toward finishing your degree. 

FAFSA for Adults

Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step toward securing financial aid for your degree. Many adult learners assume they’re not eligible, but that’s not true—both traditional undergraduate and adult and returning students can qualify for federal, state, and institutional aid.

Through the FAFSA, you may gain access to several need-based aid programs, including the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), State Grants, and Federal Work-Study. These programs are designed to help make your degree more affordable without relying entirely on loans.

→ Learn How to Complete Your FAFSA

Employer Tuition Reimbursement

If you’re currently employed, check whether your organization offers tuition reimbursement or tuition assistance. Many companies provide financial support for employees who want to continue their education—sometimes covering partial or even complete tuition costs.

This benefit can reduce out-of-pocket expenses and demonstrate your commitment to professional growth, which can strengthen your long-term career prospects. Ask your HR department or manager if a tuition assistance policy is available and what steps you need to take to qualify.

Grants and Scholarships for Adults Returning to College

Beyond federal and state programs, there are scholarships and grants explicitly created for adults and degree completion students. Examples include:

• Return2College Scholarship: open to students over 17 planning to return to school

• Imagine America Adult Learners Scholarship: scholarships for adult learners attending participating colleges

You can also find additional funding through local banks, churches, and community organizations, or through institutional grants. Your financial aid office can help you explore every option to minimize out-of-pocket costs.

Adult Degree Completion Programs

One of the most affordable ways to finish your degree is to choose a degree completion program designed specifically for working adults. These programs maximize the value of your previous education by transferring existing credits, earning credit for prior learning or professional experience, and saving you both time and money.

At Neumann University, our degree completion programs are designed to fit your schedule and budget. Courses are offered in flexible formats that allow you to keep working full-time, and tuition rates are structured to make returning to college accessible and cost-effective. You’ll also have the support of faculty and advisors who understand the challenges adult learners face and are committed to helping you reach your goal, without unnecessary financial strain.

Choosing a degree completion program is a strategic investment in your future that helps you finish what you started—affordably, efficiently, and on your own terms.

FAQ: Financial Aid for Adults

How can I pay for college as an adult? 

Adult learners can pay for college using a mix of federal and state aid, scholarships, employer tuition reimbursement, paid internships, and flexible degree completion programs that leverage prior credits and experience.

What financial aid for adult students is available?

Financial aid options include grants, scholarships, and loans, as well as employer tuition assistance. Many adult learners also qualify for need-based programs like the Federal Pell Grant, SEOG, and State Grants.

What is a degree completion program, and why is it a cost-effective option for adults?

A degree completion program is designed for adults who have some college credits or relevant experience. It’s cost-effective because it allows you to transfer prior credits, finish faster, and balance work while reducing tuition costs.

Are there scholarships for adults going back to college?

Yes! Scholarships like the Return2College Scholarship and the Imagine America Adult Learners Scholarship support adult learners. Local organizations, community groups, and institutional grants may also be available.

Can I apply for the FAFSA as an adult?

Absolutely. Adults returning to college are eligible to apply for the FAFSA, which determines access to federal and state grants, loans, and work-study programs.

What is tuition reimbursement?

Tuition reimbursement is a benefit some employers offer that pays part or all of your college tuition, helping working adults complete their degree with minimal out-of-pocket cost.

Affordable Online College for Adults: Finish Your Degree Online at Neumann

At Neumann University, our community is alive with intellectual energy and creativity. The faculty who teach in our adult degree completion programs are experts in their fields, with many still working in the industries they teach.

They’re passionate about helping adult learners thrive, fostering an environment of critical thinking, problem-solving, and professional growth. Because our professors take the time to understand your goals, they create an intentional community that supports your success from day one to graduation.

Whether you’re finishing your undergraduate degree to advance your career, change fields, or fulfill a lifelong goal, Neumann is here to make it affordable and achievable. 

See how Neumann’s degree completion programs can help you finish your bachelor’s in our free resource—A Guide to Getting a Bachelor’s Degree as an Adult.