Scholarships for Single Moms

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Are there any scholarships for single mothers?

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.

List of Scholarships for Single Moms

CustomersFirst Academy Scholarship For Moms

At CustomersFirst Academy, we understand the financial challenges many mothers face when pursuing their education. To support hardworking moms, we’re delighted to announce our annual CustomersFirst Academy For Moms Scholarship. This scholarship offers a cash award of $1000. This money can be used to offset tuition costs, purchase books, cover transportation expenses, or secure reliable childcare. Our goal is to help you focus more on your education and less on how to pay your bills.
Award Amount

Total: $1000

Awards: 1

Deadline

Deadline: November 15, 2023

Selfless Parent Scholarship

The attorneys at Capital Family Law Group know all too well that everyday parents make selfless sacrifices for their kids, whether it’s sacrificing their time, their money, or something else to make sure their children are well taken care of. One way some parents help their kids is by providing financial support for their children to seek a higher education. We know how hard and stressful this can be, so we decided to offer a scholarship to help relieve some of the financial burdens on students and their parents. The 2023 Selfless Parent Scholarship will award a $1,000 scholarship to a student who best shares how their parent has made sacrifices for them throughout their life, and how these sacrifices have benefited the student. The best submissions will discuss examples of how the applicant’s parent(s) have made sacrifices to help the applicant succeed in life. Examples can include, but are not limited to, driving the applicant to after-school activities, buying a present for the student that helped him/her discover their passion, or sending the student to a new school to enhance their learning.
Award Amount

Total: $1000

Awards: 1

Deadline

Deadline: November 30, 2023

Overcoming Adversity Scholarship

At Kopfler & Hermann, we are pleased to continue our annual scholarship for 2023! This $1,000 award will be given to a student who has overcome adversity and emerged stronger. With over 40 years of legal experience, Kopfler & Hermann law firm has served the Gulf Coast since 1992. As personal injury attorneys, we are committed to serving justice and ensuring injured workers and accident victims receive full compensation for their injuries and damages. Following this mission, the attorneys at Kopfler & Hermann established the Overcoming Adversity Scholarship and are offering it for the fifth year in a row.
Award Amount

Total: $1000

Awards: 1

Deadline

Deadline: November 30, 2023

Army Women’s Foundation Legacy Scholarship Program – Children of Soldiers/Veterans

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.
Award Amount

Total: $1750

Awards: 12

Deadline

Deadline: January 10

B.K. Krenzer Re-entry Scholarship

This award is available to undergraduate and graduate women majoring in engineering. This scholarship is intended for re-entry/non-traditional students.
Award Amount

Total: $3000

Awards: 1

Deadline

Deadline: May 01

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers’ Single Mother Scholarship

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!
Award Amount

Total: $1000

Awards: 2

Deadline

Deadline: December 05

Executive Women International Tampa Bay Scholarship

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!
Award Amount

Total: $2500

Awards: 1

Deadline

Deadline: January 15

Palm Health Foundation Nursing Scholarship

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!
Award Amount

Total: $12500

Awards: 10

Deadline

Deadline: February 01

Jeannette Rankin Foundation Award

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.
Award Amount

Total: $8000

Awards: 4

Deadline

Deadline: February 26

Ford Opportunity Program

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.
Award Amount

Total: $40000

Awards: 50

Deadline

Deadline: March 01