Non-Traditional Student Aid

Non-traditional age college students represent a growing number of full and part-time students at Kutztown University. The non-traditional learner is typically defined as someone who is older than a student who attends college immediately after high school. He/she is often someone who may have begun pursuit of a college degree sometime ago but never finished. For financial aid purposes, there is no difference in the financial aid available and the aid application process between traditional and non-traditional students. We do recognize, however, that not all students have the same needs and offer this page to help our special population of non-traditional students.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Every year, complete the FAFSA online. This is the only application needed to apply for aid at Kutztown University.

What are the different types of aid at KU?

Please see types of aid.

Private Scholarships

In addition to aid offered to all students, here are some private scholarships for non-traditional students:

  • See our document on private scholarships (PDF) for more options worth exploring.
  • Information on local American Association of University Women (AAUW) scholarships for mature women is available in the Financial Aid Office.
  • Jeannette Rankin Foundation considers women for scholarships who are at least 35 years of age and in financial need with clear educational goals. The award is $1,000. Deadline is January 1 of every year.
  • Talbot's, a retailer known for women's clothing, offers scholarships for non-traditional women who earned their high school diploma or GED at least 10 years ago and are working toward their first bachelor's degree. Up to 55 scholarships are awarded, five for $10,000 and 50 for $1,000. Deadline for applications is January 15, or until the first 1000 eligible applications have been received, whichever is earlier.
  • Popcorn king, Orville Redenbacher, has a "second start" scholarship for persons 30 years of age or older enrolled part-time or full-time in an undergraduate or graduate program. Thirty scholarships of $1,000 are awarded each year. Deadline is May 1 with applications available in February. Write to Orville Redenbacher Second Start Scholarship Program, Box 4137, Blair, NE 68009.
  • The national Business and Professional Women Foundation offers career advancement scholarships to women 25 or older, who have a clear career goal and will graduate within 12-24 months from the date of the award. Deadline is April 15.
  • The Linda Lael Miller Scholarship offers $1,000 to five women pursuing college education. Deadline is December 31.
  • Royal Neighbors of America, a life insurance company and not-for-profit benefit society, offers 15 scholarships to students 23 and older - $500 for part-time and $1,000 for full-time enrollment. Deadline is January 1. Must be a member.
  • The Women's Independence Scholarship Program is sponsored by the Sunshine Lady Foundation for survivors of domestic violence. Priority is given to applicants who have left their abuser within the last two years. National competition with no deadline.


Questions? Need assistance in completing forms? Contact the Financial Aid Services office