For many adults, returning to college is not about exploration or campus life.
It is about completing unfinished goals, gaining new skills, and navigating education
alongside work and personal responsibilities.
Across higher education, adult learners represent a growing portion of the student population.
Many enroll online, attend part time, and balance education with full-time employment.
While flexible learning models have expanded access, financial considerations remain a
central factor in how and when adult learners progress through a degree program.
The Financial Reality of Adult Learners
Adult learners often approach education with different financial circumstances than
traditional-age students. Many have families to support, existing financial obligations,
or limited access to employer tuition benefits. Even when federal financial aid is available,
gaps can remain.
Scholarships funded through private philanthropy can help reduce out-of-pocket costs
and support continued enrollment for eligible students. While scholarship amounts may vary,
timely financial support can play an important role in helping adult learners stay on track
with their educational plans.
The Role of University Foundations
University foundations exist to support students and institutional priorities through
privately funded giving. At National American University, the NAU Foundation was established
to raise and steward donor support, with scholarships serving as a primary focus.
Foundation-supported scholarships are funded through individual donors, families, and
organizations that choose to invest in education. These contributions are separate from
federal financial aid and are awarded according to defined criteria.
Why Scholarship Support Is Often Targeted
Many institutions that serve adult learners focus scholarship support at specific points
in a student’s academic journey. This may include students returning to education after
a break, students facing short-term financial challenges, or students nearing degree completion.
Targeted scholarship models allow foundations to align donor support with identified student
needs, while maintaining responsible stewardship and clarity around how funds are used.
Philanthropy, Workforce, and Education
For donors, supporting scholarships can be a way to engage with education, workforce development,
and community priorities. Individuals, small businesses, and organizations may choose to support
scholarships that align with professional fields, areas of study, or broader educational values.
Named and co-branded scholarships are one way foundations recognize donor support, while
maintaining alignment with institutional guidelines and student eligibility criteria.
Building Awareness and Access
As higher education continues to evolve, foundations play a role in sharing information
about available scholarship opportunities and ways to give. Clear communication helps
prospective donors understand how their support may be used and how it aligns with student needs.
For students, access to accurate scholarship information can help inform enrollment and
financial planning decisions.
Looking Ahead
The NAU Foundation continues to focus on supporting eligible students through scholarship funding
and donor engagement. As new initiatives are developed and approved, information will be shared
through official Foundation communications.
To learn more about the NAU Foundation, available scholarships, or ways to support students,
visit naufoundation.org.