Scholarships for single mothers can pay for everything from daycare to covering tuition and living expenses.
We know it is much harder to achieve an education when you have dependent children.
The good news is that there is help available. For example, suppose you are a single mother in the US and want to attend college. In that case, numerous scholarships can help you achieve your goals.
There are even scholarships tailor-made for you!
We will guide you through how to apply for all the college scholarships in one place and the best ways to find scholarship money.
Why Get a College Degree as a Single Mom
These days some might argue that education is not as important as it was back in the day.
Of late, there are many success stories from people who never went to college or dropped out.
However, it is still a proven fact that getting a college education can help your income level double.
According to Rochester University, on average, those with a four-year degree earn 2.3 million in their lifetime. That is 84% more than someone with only a high school diploma.
It is also clear that single mothers with college degrees have more opportunities to thrive than those without qualifications.
It is usually hard for single mothers to afford college; this is where scholarships arrive at the party.
Financial need is probably the most significant factor that will help you get financial assistance for your bachelor’s degree.
This is great news for single mothers because the more you need the money the more likely you are to get it.
Relevant Scholarships for Single Moms
There are many scholarships out there for single mothers in different circumstances.
From those who came from abusive marriages to ones who might be from minority communities, there are scholarships for all.
Some of these scholarships are funded by private sources, and the government offers others.
Factors That Can Help you Win Scholarships for Single Moms
The available programs also have different requirements. For example, some have an age limit, and others will require you to be fresh out of high school.
Before starting your search for a scholarship as a single mother, you should consider the situation you are in, as this will determine the type of scholarship you are likely to win.
It is advisable to make sure that you read and understand the eligibility requirements before applying for any scholarships. This way, you can focus your energy on the ones you qualify for.
You can find more unusual scholarships by considering what makes you different and then searching for that.
For example, if you are from a particular ethnic group or country, there may be scholarships just for you.
You can also search by what your major is or the type of job you want. For example, female-led realtors, lawyers, and engineering societies have special scholarships for women.
Use a free matching service to save time and make it easier to search for and apply for many scholarships at once.
Use a Scholarship Matching Service for Free
A great place to start is ScholarshipOwl.com, which offers a free matching service for scholarships and financial aid programs.
All you need to do is create a profile and take a short quiz about your background, interests, and goals. From there, ScholarshipOwl will provide you with a list of scholarships and financial aid programs for which you may be eligible.
Don’t stop there. Search online for “single mother scholarships [your state].” You may well find something that was overlooked by others or that is brand new.
Many private organizations offer scholarships specifically for single mothers—a quick Google search should reveal some options in your area.
Once you’ve listed all the scholarship or financial aid programs that suit you, it’s time to get started on your applications. The process can be daunting, but remember that plenty of resources are available to help you through it.
For example, the Department of Education offers an online toolkit with tips, from filling out the FAFSA form to writing personal statements.
Some Scholarships to Consider as a Single Mother
Federal Student Aid for Single Mothers
As a single mom struggling to pay for college expenses, the first stop is applying for Federal Student Aid.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the way to go if you are looking for federal grants, work-study, and loans for college.
This application puts you in a position to benefit from loans and grants, including Undergraduate Loans and Federal Pell Grants.
Pell Grants are given to undergraduate students needing critical financial aid who have not earned any high-level degree. You will not have to repay this grant, but there are exceptional instances where this might not be the case.
The FAFSA is essential when seeking Pell Grants as information on the form determines your eligibility and the amounts you get. The application form will be filled out every year in which you want aid.
Single Parents Alliance of America Scholarship
This scholarship is for single parents who seek to further their education and attain higher qualifications. These scholarships can often be direct financial support while you are in college.
To be eligible, you must be in a higher education course of study with a Single Parents Alliance of America membership. The organization provides support and resources to single parents.
Scholarship amounts differ based on need. Members are also connected to a network of affiliates and businesses.
Women’s Independence Scholarship Program
The WISP scholarship targets domestic abuse victims, and to be eligible, one must be in an accredited college.
Women with substantial financial challenges qualify, and single mothers with young children are among the preferred candidates.
The candidate must have separated from her abuser for a year and be in financial need.
The Lou Ellen Dabbs Scholarships for Single Moms
The LouEllen Dabbs Scholarship is for a single parent whose studies point in the direction of Finance, Business, and Banking.
Candidates are selected based on financial need, academic achievement, character, and potential.
There is a minimum number of credits to be considered, and the student must also have a GPA that is not lower than 2.35.
If you get the scholarship, the money awarded will only cover tuition, meaning other expenses are not covered.
The Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation
The foundation helps low-income-earning women to achieve their educational goals.
Patsy Takemoto Mink was the first woman of color elected to the US House of Representatives; she worked to improve women’s rights and civil liberties.
The first consideration is financial need, but then the educational path and civic duty or activism are considered.
Currently, college scholarships up to $5000 a year are available to help you with your college education.
To apply, one must be a mother aged at least 17 with minor children. The applicant must be pursuing a first college degree.
Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting Scholarships
The Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting offers scholarships to college students at various levels.
The scholarship is for women who are breadwinners for their families and enrolling as a newcomer studying for a degree in accounting.
As determined by the board, you get about $16,000 over four years, with an annual renewal upon completing coursework in the 3.0 GPA range.
Women in Need Scholarship for Single Moms Program is for a woman supporting her family who is completing her second year studying for a degree in accounting.
The award amounts to $2,000 annually for two years. It will be renewed for the second year upon completing coursework with a 3.0 GPA. They consider your financial need.
Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship
The fund provides scholarships as well as support for women in need.
Recipients must be above 35 and should be going after technical studies, a first bachelor’s degree, or an associate’s degree at an authorized institution.
National Scholar Grants, renewable for up to five years, are sent straight to recipients.
BYU Marriott Single Parent Scholarships
Like all BYU Marriott scholarships, you must have been accepted into one of the school’s programs to be eligible.
This scholarship is funded by the institution’s National Advisory Council’s Spouse Association.
These help single-parent graduate students from the school with educational expenses.
To qualify for the scholarship, the applicant must be a single parent with a dependent child in her custody. You must also be enrolled in one of BYU Marriott’s graduate programs.
You will be re-evaluated every year so being successful academically is a must.
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers Single Mother Scholarship
The program empowers single mothers with a couple of scholarships being offered each year to deserving candidates. They consider your financial need along with your history and goals.
One of the scholarships worth $1,000 is awarded to a single mother in an undergrad program or community college.
The other $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a single mother attending law school.
Applicants are to write an essay with 500 or more words highlighting the advantages of returning to school as a mother.
Wynetta A. Frazier “Sister-to-Sister” Scholarship
The scholarship provides financial support to African American women pursuing third-level education.
Returning students whose studies were disrupted by family responsibilities or personal demands and are now ready to continue can apply.
Two letters of recommendation are required, along with an official transcript from the last college or university you attended.
To apply, submit a recent photo with your full name printed on the back; and a personal statement.
Society of Women Engineers Scholarships
Financial help is extended to women admitted to accredited computer science, engineering, and engineering technology programs.
Some of the scholarships aid women graduates so that they also get jobs in the engineering sector. But, again, financial need is one of the considerations.
You can check the Society of Women Engineers website to see all the scholarships available.
Linda Lael Miller Scholarships for Single Moms
This organization aids women who find it hard to pay for higher education. Women above 25 who are US citizens or Canadian legal residents are eligible.
These scholarships for single moms can cover tuition, child care, and other expenses. Applicants have to write a 500-word essay to qualify.
Executive Women International Adult Student in Scholastic Transition Scholarship
These scholarships are for women facing monetary, social, or physical challenges and wanting to access educational opportunities.
Partnerships with educational institutions and social services agencies identify potential candidates.
Successful applicants can get scholarships ranging between $2,000 and $10,000.
Soroptimist Women’s Scholarships
This scholarship is available to women who have dependents and require financial assistance.
Applicants must be studying in an undergraduate degree program. In addition, you must not have already graduated college to qualify.
If you get the scholarship, you can get as much as $10,000.
PEO Program for Continuing Education
The program grants women who are citizens or legal residents of the US or Canada.
The grant is worth up to $3,000, with lesser amounts awarded based on the availability of funds.
Payment is deposited into the recipient’s bank account, and a check is mailed to the local PCE contact for recipients without access to bank accounts.
Asherah Foundation Scholarship Program
The program helps women with the costs of living while getting an education.
A woman aged above 24 and has a high school diploma or similar qualification can apply.
Those who make it receive $2,500 annually for expenses associated with their studies. This can be a lifesaver because it can be hard to work extra hours while studying.
Bethel Foundation Grace Scholarship Fund
The Bethel Foundation Grace Scholarship Fund was created to assist low-income single mothers in pursuing higher education.
Three scholarship awards are offered each year, with an amount of up to $1,500.
To qualify, one must be a single mother who is a US citizen with sole custody of one or more children below 18.
The applicant must have graduated from high school and must not have previously acquired an undergraduate degree.
The Anita Borg Memorial Scholarships
These scholarships are for women studying computing at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Google funds and administers the programs.
Students at the bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. stages with at least a year remaining for their program are eligible.
The scholarship is worth between $1,500 and $10,000 and is awarded based on interviews and essays. In addition, finalists can also have a retreat at Google offices.
Custody X Change Giving Fund
The Custody X Change Giving Fund hands out three scholarships annually for undergraduate study to single parents.
Email scholarships@custodyxchange.com with contact details, an essay, and a college transcript or admission letter to apply.
Application is open all year round.
To be eligible, you must care for one or more minor children. In addition, you should have enrolled as an undergrad at an accredited college or university.
Your GPA must be 3.0 or higher, or you must be a first-semester student to qualify.
Cindy Ross Scholarship for Single Parents
The Cindy Ross Scholarship for Single Parents is awarded to single mothers studying for a four-year academic degree at Cameron University.
You must be enrolled full-time at the university and have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA to be eligible.
The candidate must have a child or children under their custody.
The scholarship can be renewed each semester the candidate is enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program at the university.
Ford Opportunity Program
The Ford Opportunity Program assists single parents in obtaining college degrees.
The program now includes all parents of any age and other adults over 25, but single parents have an added advantage.
Unlike most of the programs on this list which cater to single mothers at a national level, this one targets students from Oregon and Siskiyou County, California.
About 96 scholarships are available annually.
In addition to financial aid, scholars also receive academic guidance, leadership development, and access to the Ford Family alum network.
Exploring other Scholarships
Being a single mother does not mean you must only apply for scholarships intended to benefit women.
There are many other programs and grants where everyone is given an equal opportunity despite their gender, race, or age.
While you have a better chance of getting a scholarship that supports women, you should also look at programs for everyone.
How Can Single Mothers Save More
Even after getting a scholarship as a single mother, there are other avenues to explore to save more money while chasing your dream.
There are numerous other programs you can apply for, including TANF, SNAP, Medicaid, and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
What is the Affordable Connectivity Program
The ACP is a program that helps low-income to access the internet.
Cutting back on expenses for rent, food, phone bills, and even your internet bill can go a long way in aiding your bottom line.
For example, if you sign up and qualify for the ACP, you can get free unlimited internet from EASY Wireless. Their offer is amazing because, besides the free data, you also get free talk and text. Meaning you can forget about paying that cell phone bill.
As a student, having unlimited free internet can be beneficial as this will make it easier for you to research and study.
With an EASY Wireless plan, communication with your family will not cost a penny. It is usually fast and easy for single mothers with dependent children to qualify.
Join the EASY Wireless family with America’s fastest and most reliable network, and start saving for college today. Learn more at EASY Wireless.
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