Thinking of going back to school? Going after your first degree? There may be a single mom scholarship, grant, or financial aid program with your name on it.
If you are a single parent, these scholarships can help you set your family up for greater success, expand your standard of living, inspire your children, and place your dreams within reach.
- Scholarships and grants for any single parent
- School or state-specific scholarships and grants for parent students
- More scholarships and grants
We’ve also provided other resources to help you find money for school, save money for college and research funding programs. Also, you may be deciding how much you can or should help your own child pay for college.
Scholarships and grants for any single parent
These scholarships are for single moms or dads pursuing their education but do not have requirements regarding where parents attend school or live.
Bethel Foundation Grace Scholarship
The Bethel Foundation Grace Scholarship Fund helps single moms pursuing a degree or certificate full- or part-time. Established by Lynda Powell, who knows the struggle of being a single mother, this scholarship awards up to $3,000 per year for tuition or books.
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Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting
Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting offers multiple scholarships for single moms. These financial aid programs offer up to $16,000 over a four-year period for women who are the sole breadwinners for their families as they pursue higher education in the field of accounting.
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Custody X Change Giving Fund Scholarship
The Custody X Change Giving Fund Scholarship is a global award program open to single mothers pursuing a course of study part- or full-time at an accredited school. Three undergraduate scholarships for single moms are awarded each year, ranging between $500 and $1,000.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant awards up to $4,000 per school year to undergraduate students who need financial help to attend an accredited college or university. The grant is renewable. You must fill out the FAFSA to be considered.
Harold J. West Memorial Scholarship
The Harold J. West Memorial Scholarship provides up to $2,500 to parents enrolled in or preparing to attend college while also working a part-time job. To apply, you must work a minimum of 24 hours per week and attend or plan to attend a University of California, Cal State University, or community college in Southern California. The scholarship is needs-based and renewable for up to four years as long as you keep a minimum GPA of 3.2 as a full-time student.
Kathleen McVey Memorial Scholarship
The Kathleen McVey Memorial Scholarship is awarded to single parents enrolled in the Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) or Registered Nursing (RN) program at College of the Redwoods in Eureka, California. It’s a need-based scholarship for continuing college students who graduated from high schools in Humboldt County or Del Norte County. Award amounts vary.
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Park Foundation Scholarship
The Park Foundation Scholarship program offers two scholarships a year: one for a single mom and one for a single father. Additionally, you are eligible if you are a Vietnam veteran without education benefits. The need-based award offers $2,000 for education expenses.
Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation Scholarship
The Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation Scholarship awards single moms up to $5,000 to tear down the financial barriers to higher education. Patsy Takemoto’s legacy, as a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, reflects a commitment to offer a boost to single moms pursuing a post-secondary degree.
Pell grants for single mothers
Federal Pell Grants are a helpful financial resource for low-income single moms seeking a degree and certain teaching certifications. The first step to receiving the grant is submitting the FAFSA. You can get up to $6,495 during the school year for education expenses.
Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards
The Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards is a global scholarship opportunity offering up to $16,000 to single moms to cover the costs of tuition, childcare, transportation, books and other financial concerns while pursuing an undergraduate degree, vocation, or skills training program. From Soroptimist International of the Americas.
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School or state-specific scholarships and grants for parent students
The following scholarships are available to parent students but have eligibility requirements based on location or school.
Answer Scholarship
The Answer Scholarship is an ideal single mom scholarship for enrolled or accepted students seeking a first-time degree at an accredited university. You must reside in select counties in the Carolinas. The award amount varies, and the scholarship is renewable.
Arkansas scholarships
The Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund offers scholarships for single moms in Arkansas and Bowie County, Texas. If you’re a single mom holding down your household while pursuing a degree, certificate or skilled trade, it’s worth a look. Money is available for school, but also to help navigate the cost of living while you level up.
The Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas provides up to $2,500 per school year for single parent students enrolled in degree or licensing programs at accredited colleges and trade schools in Arkansas. You can also get up to $2500 per term if you are pursuing credentials in various health care or tech programs.
Beatrice F. Kroesche Memorial Scholarship
The Beatrice F. Kroesche Memorial Scholarship is for single moms at the University of Utah enrolled in the College of Education or Department of English. Maintain a full course load and a 3.0 GPA to be in the running. With yearly awards between $1,000 to $2,000, it’s worth a shot.
Bernice Murray Scholarship
The Bernice Murray Scholarship is for trailblazing single parents securing an undergraduate degree. Applicants must live in Vermont, demonstrate financial need, and use the funds for childcare expenses. Single moms studying part- or full-time can get up to $4,000 to lighten the load at home.
Bruce and Marjorie Sundlun Scholarship
The Bruce and Marjorie Sundlun Scholarship is open to single parents living in Rhode Island going after a post-secondary education. While preference is given to applicants who are current or past recipients of state benefits or previously incarcerated, all single moms can apply. Awards vary, but can be as much as $2,000 annually.
BYU Marriott School Single Parent Scholarships
Brigham Young University (BYU) Marriott School Single Parent Scholarships are for single moms in the graduate program at BYU Marriott in Provo, Utah. It’s a renewable single mom scholarship designed to help with education expenses for full-time students looking to improve life for their children. Award amounts vary.
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Capture the Dream, Inc. Single Parent Scholarship
The Capture the Dream, Inc. Single Parent Scholarship awards $1,000 to single parents in the Greater San Francisco Bay Area earning a degree at an accredited, not-for-profit, two- to four-year institution. It minimizes tuition cost and the stress of balancing work, home and school.
Downer-Bennett Scholarship
The Downer-Bennett Scholarship is one of the multiple scholarships available to students attending the University of New Mexico, main campus. To be considered you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This single-parent scholarship offers a one-time award of up to $1,000.
Ellen M. Cherry-Delawder Memorial Scholarship
The Ellen M. Cherry-Delawder Memorial Scholarship is a merit- and need-based award bestowed upon single parents pursuing a business or finance-related degree. Preference is given to single moms raising children. Applicants must reside in Maryland and attend Howard Community College.
Helping Hands for Single Moms
Helping Hands for Single Moms program provides scholarships for post-secondary education for single moms in Dallas, Tx. and Phoenix, Az. Scholarship recipients also have access to a community of assistance, from legal help to emergency funds. To apply, you must meet requirements for income, school enrollment, residency, and more. Financial awards vary.
LouEllen Dabbs Scholarship
The LouEllen Dabbs Scholarship is one of dozens of scholarships offered by the Holyoke Community College (HCC) Foundation in Massachusetts. To apply, you need to be a single parent enrolled at HCC with at least nine credit hours. Awards vary and go toward tuition. Single moms with strong academic performance can stand out.
Sacramento Region Community Foundation
The Sacramento Region Community Foundation is a top provider of scholarships in the Sacramento region. The foundation also lists grants and scholarships from other organizations. Awards range from $500 to $10,000. Apply now — the deadline for many of these opportunities is March 10.
Scholarships and grants in Florida
The P.E.O. International Continuing Education Grant is a great option if you are looking for scholarships for single moms in Florida. It offers a one-time gift of up to $3,000 to help with any educational expense, from tuition to childcare when you are in class. You must be enrolled in a degree or certification program at an accredited school.
The William L. Boyd, IV Effective Access to Student Education Program helps undergraduate Florida residents pay for tuition if they are attending an accredited college or university in Florida. You must be pursuing your first degree. Award amounts vary, and eligibility requirements are set by each participating school.
The First Generation Matching Grant offers needs-based grants to undergraduate students whose parents have not earned a baccalaureate degree or higher. It encourages a legacy of higher education and is offered at Florida state universities and community colleges.
The Florida Law Enforcement Academy Scholarship Program pays for tuition, fees, and up to $1,000 for eligible expenses for students enrolled in a law enforcement officer program at a Florida institution or technical learning center.
The Florida Student Assistance Grant Program provides a minimum $200 yearly grant to students enrolled in undergraduate or postsecondary studies at a public or private accredited college or university. This needs-based award is determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The Honorably Discharged Graduate Assistance Program is a needs-based benefit that helps students pay for living expenses during holiday or semester breaks. Students must be on active duty or honorably discharged from the Armed Forces. Students must have served on or after September 11, 2001 to be eligible.
The Jose Marti Scholarship Challenge Grant Fund awards up to $2,000 per semester to students in need who have Hispanic ancestry and attend public or private educational institutions in Florida. This grant is available for undergraduate and graduate applicants.
The Mary McLeod Bethune Scholarship Program offers financial help to students in need who attend Bethune-Cookman University, Edward Waters College, Florida A&M University, or Florida Memorial University. Each school determines eligibility and application procedures and deadlines.
The Minority Teacher Education Scholars (MTES) program awards $4,000 for up to three years to students pursuing a degree in education. Applicants must be of African-American, Hispanic-American, Asian-American, or Native American descent.
The Randolph Bracy Ocoee Scholarship Program provides an annual award of up to $6,100 to pay for tuition and fees. Applicants must prove that they are either a direct descendant of victims of the Ocoee Election Day Riots of 1920 or a current African-American resident of Ocoee, Fla.
The Rosewood Family Scholarship offers up to $6,100 each year for tuition and fees of students who can prove they are direct descendants of Rosewood, Fl. families who were victims of the massacre and destruction of the town in January 1923.
The Scholarships for Children and Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans offers financial awards to widows of deceased Florida veterans. Eligible applicants are not married and enrolled in an undergraduate or certificate program pursuing their first degree or certification.
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Scholarships and grants for women
AAUW grants and scholarships
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) has a number of fellowships and grants for women pursuing higher education and supporting community projects that empower women of all ages. Awards range between $2,000 and $50,000. Deadlines and requirements vary based on the scholarship or grant.
CustomersFirst Academy Scholarship for Moms
The CustomersFirst Academy Scholarship for Moms is for mothers who attend or are planning to attend an accredited college or university in the U.S. or Canada. The award is $1,000 and can be used for tuition, books, transportation, or childcare.
Deana Kendrick Foundation Scholarship
The Deana Kendrick Foundation Scholarship is for women over 30 who are enrolled in or returning to an accredited college anywhere in the U.S. Scholarship awards are up to $500 per semester or $125 per quarter or summer semester. Preference is given to students attending Foothill/DeAnza College or Ozarks Technical Community College.
Executive Women International Scholarships
Executive Women International (EWI) offers two scholarship programs: ASIST and EWISP. ASIST awards range from $2,000 to $10,000 and are for adults seeking higher education who need assistance due to financial, social, or physical challenges.
EWISP is for high school seniors and offers over $100,000 in scholarship money each year. Applicants must live near a participating chapter.
Jeanette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund
The Jeanette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund is an award-winning financial aid program bolstering income-challenged women aged 35+ seeking a degree or trade certificate. The program supports continuing education efforts with a focus on inclusion for all who identify as women. Open to U.S, residents and permanent citizens.
12 grants for single moms in 2024
Kickass Single Mom Grant
Every month, Wealthysinglemommy.com awards $500 to a single mom. The Kickass Single Mom Stimulus Grant offers a helping hand to single mothers struggling with life balance, health issues, childcare expenses and anything else keeping them from living their best life. Apply here:
National Hook-up of Black Women, Inc.
National Hook-up of Black Women, Inc. offers two scholarships:
- Dr. Anita Young Boswell Scholarship – $1,000 awarded to African-American students who excel academically and demonstrate care for their community while continuing a postsecondary education
- Dr. W. A. Frazier “Sister-to-Sister” Scholarship – $1,000 to provide financial help mature African-American women who are pursuing a postsecondary education.
P.E.O. STAR Scholarship
The P.E.O. STAR Scholarship is for young women in their last year of high school for tuition, fees, books, room and board or other qualified college expenses. The $2,500 scholarship is not renewable and can be paid directly to the recipient or the school of choice.
Veterans United Foundation Scholarship
The Veterans United Foundation Scholarship awards scholarships to surviving spouses or children of deceased service members and veterans. If you are a veteran with a 100% service-connected disability, you may also be eligible. These needs-based scholarships are for those who are enrolled or enrolling in an accredited college or university.
Worthy Women Scholarship
Every year, the jewelry buyback auction site Worthy.com gives away three scholarships — for $2,500, $1,500 and $1,000 — to women aged 30+ enrolled in school. Essay required. Learn more at Worthy Women Scholarship.
Other scholarships and grants
Discover Scholarship Award
The Discover Scholarship Award offers $5,000 scholarships to students pursuing or continuing education at an eligible school. There is one awardee each month through January 31, 2024.
You don’t need to purchase a Discover product or loan to be eligible, but you must be a resident of the United States (including U.S. territories), at least 16 years old when you apply, and meet one of the following:
- Senior in high school, an alternative school, or homeschooling
- Student who holds a GED or high school diploma equivalent
- Undergraduate or graduate student
First Responders Children’s Foundation Scholarship
The First Responders Children’s Foundation Scholarship provides financial help to students who have first responder parents. Preference is given to students whose parents died in the line of duty or became disabled. Awards vary, are renewable, and are for tuition and fees for an accredited college, university, or technical/vocational school in the U.S.
Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarship
The Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarship offers up to $10,000 in financial assistance for post-secondary education to children and spouses of workers killed or permanently disabled in roadway work zones. If you lost a spouse to an unfortunate roadway accident or have become the sole provider, this money can help you carry on.
Sallie Mae scholarship and grants database
Put your research hat on and dive into Sallie Mae’s database of grants, emergency cash and scholarships for single moms and women. The site has 6 million programs with rewards totaling $30 billion.
TEACH Grant
The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant is a federal grant that requires recipients to teach students full time for four years in a low-income area, in a field that is in need of qualified teachers. If you don’t fulfill the teaching service requirement, you must pay back the grant with interest. Grant awards are up to $4,000 per year.
Ways to save money for college
You can improve your financial reach to afford school by saving money for college by leveraging the following:
- Opening a savings account is a smart way to build up your funds for tuition, fees, books and other expenses.
- Budgeting helps you get control of your money and tell it what to do. With YNAB, you can use a proven method to manage and save money. Start your free trial today to learn how to set money aside for school.
- Selling jewelry with CashforGoldUSA or Worthy is a way to earn top-dollar for unwanted rings, earrings, watches and other jewelry you might have laying around the house. Both offer fast turnaround of funds which you can tuck away for education expenses.
- Starting a side hustle is a surefire way to generate more income. Consider attending free workshops by Bookkeepers.com to learn how to earn $30+ per hour as a bookkeeper from home. Proofreading is also an excellent career that does not require a degree or experience to earn $20+/hour.
Taking on student loans may be required, and when managed, can be a smart move. Work building your credit score or repairing bad credit — both of which can help you qualify for student loans.
How single moms can pay off debt (even on a low income)
Bottom line: Get single mom scholarships for school now
Getting your degree is attainable with the right plan. Start with the FAFSA — it’s a blanket application to pursue Pell Grants for single mothers and be considered for a wealth of programs that provide financial aid for single moms.
You’re not alone in your quest for a better life for yourself and your children. Tap into these scholarships, grants and financial assistance programs offered specifically to help you rise and fly.
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Other ways to find helpful and free resources for low-income families and individuals:
I became a full-time single parent when my son was born, and his father left us in the hospital. When my son’s disability made it impossible to keep a job and he was denied social security, I started a small business. We have gone through homelessness, many moves, domestic violence, and have had no real support system, but my job is to show my son that despite hardship and struggle, there is more to life. However, sometimes it feels like the world is caving in and I can’t catch a breath or a break. I could write a book about how many times we were given the short end of the stick. In 2019 my son’s father died owing over $180,000 in child support, I was denied state aid because my car was worth too much, 2020 despite being a small business owner, did not receive 2nd PPP, unemployment, and have been trying with SBA for EIDL loan for over 2 years now. I almost was ready to completely give up when I found your website and some resources I had not tried yet… wish me luck <3