Single mothers who want to go to college often need a way to cut college costs. Yes, there are scholarships for single moms to help those returning back to school or attending college for the first time. Many scholarships go to single mothers who have unmet financial need or based on academic merit.
Unlike a loan, you do not need to pay back scholarship money. Though you may need to abide by the terms – like completing your program through to the end.
Here are scholarships for single mothers at different stages of life and education. Whether you plan to attend community college, seek a bachelor’s or graduate degree, there are many options.
Can a single mother go to college for free?
Grants and scholarships may help a single mother go to college for free. You might find single mom scholarships at:
Colleges and universities
State governments
Federal government
Private or nonprofit organizations
Women’s advocacy groups
What types of grants are available for single moms?
The federal Pell Grant is the primary source of grant funding. It may give single moms (and others) free tuition help. You might then attend any college in the U.S. As long as you meet certain criteria.
As a single mother, federal grants may be a very useful resource for you. While amounts vary each year, the most a Pell Grant pays in the current period is $6,195. It is available to undergraduate students. Ones who have not yet earned a bachelor’s, graduate or professional degree.
Your eligibility also depends on a few other things. Enrollment status, Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and cost of attending the school you select.
Do single mothers get more financial aid? Many single moms have a very low EFC which may mean more financial help.
Applying is also straightforward. The first step to do is complete a standard form called a FAFSA. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid asks some questions. These determine your financial situation. Then uses a formula to award the grant money based on eligibility.
Another need-based grant option is the FSEOG program. The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant is for low-income undergraduate students. It helps finance the costs of postsecondary education. There are about 3,800 colleges that take part in this program. You’ll need to file your FAFSA for this one too.
What’s Unique About Scholarships for Single Moms?
The number of single mothers is growing. But their income levels are not. Young mothers living on their own with no support often face the highest poverty rates.
The average age of single mothers is between 29 and 44. Of this group, never-married mothers are younger. Widows are usually older. But shared issues revolve around expenses. Things like child care, housing and health care.
Job training and education are one way that single mothers of all ages may improve their status. As a type of financial aid, scholarships may help single moms afford an education. This in turn may help with upward mobility.
Some scholarships are for freshman and may suit new moms and the younger ages on this scale. While others are for mothers who are returning to school after taking a break.
There are many scholarships reserved for women that single moms may apply to. You may want to start by defining your goals and the type of degree you want to pursue.
Do you want to go to community college? Technical school?
Is there a training program (E.g. nursing) that you are interested in?
Are you hoping to pursue a bachelor’s degree?
Have you been out of school and want to return to pursue a grad degree?
Answers to these questions can direct your search for scholarships.
Scholarships for Minority Single Moms
For instance, you may be a woman that also identifies as a minority group. There are scholarships for minorities that you might apply to also. One example is the Soroptimist International of the Americas. This organization helps empower women and girls. They invest over $2 million in education grants to women each year.
Scholarships for Victims of Abuse
Are you a single mom who is also a victim of abuse? You may look for a scholarship that supports female survivors. An example is the Women’s Independence Scholarship Program. You need to be working with an agency who will sponsor and mentor you as well as administer the funds.
This funding is available for women attending accredited programs in the U.S. These include training programs. Things such as hairdressing, medical billing and others from technical schools. Also, educational programs such as nursing, teaching, physical therapist and social work.
State Scholarships for Single Parents
You’ll also want to check with your own state. For example, the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund is for single moms who are pursuing studies to improve their income potential.
School Specific Scholarships
Many colleges and universities offer scholarships. Together with a Pell Grant, this may be enough to pay for school. You can look at local schools as well as online colleges.
Examples of Scholarships for Single Moms
Here are a few other examples of scholarships set aside for women. As a single mom, they might be worth applying to.
This scholarship is open to children of women who served honorably in the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserve or Army National Guard and are attending community college, certificate, college, university, or graduate programs. Community college or certificate students with a GPA of 2.5 or higher or undergraduates or graduate students with a 3.0 or higher are eligible.
This award is available to undergraduate and graduate women majoring in engineering. This scholarship is intended for re-entry/non-traditional students.
This scholarship is available for single mothers in the U.S. who are currently enrolled in a law school or undergraduate program. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and submit an essay on the advantages of parenting experience in school. Click to learn more and apply today!
The Executive Women International Tampa Bay Scholarship is available for female high school seniors in Hillsborough County, Florida who have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher. A $2,500 is being offered. This award is for U.S students. Click to learn more and apply today!
The George Snow Scholarship Fund partners with Palm Health Foundation to annually provide a needs-based scholarship program that encourages individuals in the community to enter and advance in the nursing profession. Amounts vary, but the average award in 2019 was $12,500.00. Learn more and apply today!
This award is for U.S. women who are 35 years of age or older as of March 1, 2019. Students must be pursuing a technical/vocational education, an associate’s degree, or a first bachelor’s degree. The student’s family must have an annual income that meets the described financial need guidelines.
The goal is to assist single parents in obtaining a degree.?Each year, the foundation selects up to 50 students for the program. Outstanding character, work ethic, initiative, volunteer experience, GPA, test scores, financial need and the ability to communicate are also important considering factors.
This award is open to women who are establishing themselves as a head of household and a single parent, and due to extreme circumstances following the dissolution of an abusive or emotionally traumatic relationship, have no other adequate financial means, and require funds to meet immediate needs for themselves and their children, including rent & food. Students must reside in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and Ventura counties in California.
This annual award, it goes to an outstanding re-entry Virginia Beach female resident, enrolled in an accredited two or four-year institution. ?The program is supported by Branch member donations and occasional fundraising events. At least one $500 scholarship is available each spring. Learn more and apply today!
The Jason Kulpa Special Needs Scholarship was created to assist parents or siblings of special needs children or adults. Parents and siblings of special needs children or adults are encouraged to apply.
