For single mothers, going back to school or starting college is often essential for building a secure future—but the financial hurdles can be daunting. Fortunately, a variety of targeted education grants and scholarships are available to help single moms further their education, earn degrees, and access new career opportunities without incurring overwhelming debt.
These grants, available from the federal government, state agencies, universities, and private organizations, can help cover tuition, textbooks, childcare, and living expenses so single moms can focus on achieving their academic goals.
Unlocking Educational Opportunity for Single Mothers
Pursuing higher education can dramatically improve financial stability and open doors to better jobs. Education-focused grants for single moms are designed to reduce the burden of college costs, making degrees and training programs within reach.
Federal and State Education Grants
Federal Pell Grant:
This widely used grant provides up to several thousand dollars per year for low-income undergraduates. Eligibility is based on financial need as determined by the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG):
This campus-based grant supports students with exceptional financial need, supplementing other forms of aid at participating schools.
State Grants and Scholarships:
Many states offer grants specifically for women, parents, or low-income students, including needs-based and merit-based options. Some state universities have “single parent scholarships” or tuition waivers for single mothers.
Private Scholarships and Awards
Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards:
Designed for women who are the primary financial support for their families, these awards can help pay for college, skills training, or other educational pursuits.
Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation Grants:
Need-based grants for low-income women with children pursuing higher education or training.
Local and College-Based Scholarships:
Many community organizations, private foundations, and colleges offer scholarships just for single parents or women returning to school. Ask your campus financial aid office about these opportunities.
Additional Resources
- Childcare Grants: Some schools offer on-campus childcare grants or subsidies for student-parents.
- Work-Study: While not a grant, federal work-study can provide jobs that help pay for school expenses.
- Career Training Vouchers: Workforce development agencies often have special funding for single moms to complete certifications in high-demand fields.
Where to Get Started
- Submit the FAFSA as early as possible each year to qualify for federal, state, and college aid.
- Visit your state’s higher education website for information about single-parent or women’s scholarships.
- Explore private scholarship search tools like Fastweb and Scholarship America to find opportunities for single moms.
Final Thoughts
Balancing education and parenting is challenging, but single moms have a wealth of grant options to help fund their ambitions. With proactive planning, research, and the right support, higher education and a brighter financial future are within reach.
