A recent study by the National Center for Education Statistics has found that adult students, or 'non-traditional' students, are going back to school in droves. By 2012, the study says 6.7 million adult students will make their way to campus. The rise in adult students has shown that in the current economy, going back to school not only gives you a professional edge, but also more money in your pocket. An average person with a bachelors degree makes around $900 a week while someone with only a high school diploma makes only $554 per week. That's a 62 percent increase in pay! Most of all, it never hurts to go back to school and learn.

A major obstacle for many returning students is the cost of tuition. The average in-state tuition at public institutions is hovering around $10,000 a year. Luckily, the Bernard Osher Foundation sponsors the Osher Reentry Scholarship for adult students. The scholarship provides grants for full and part-time study to adults who've been out of school for 5 years or more. A select number of schools participate in the program and awards range from $2,000 to $6,000 a year depending on the school. Go to the foundation's website to see which schools offer the scholarship and then check out the school's website for more info on how to apply.