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Top 29 Scholarships for Moms and Single Moms in March 2024

Written by Will Geiger

Will Geiger is the co-founder of Scholarships360 and has a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. He is a former Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at Kenyon College where he personally reviewed 10,000 admissions applications and essays. Will also managed the Kenyon College merit scholarship program and served on the financial aid appeals committee. He has also worked as an Associate Director of College Counseling at a high school in New Haven, Connecticut. Will earned his master’s in education from the University of Pennsylvania and received his undergraduate degree in history from Wake Forest University.

Full Bio

Learn about our editorial policies

Updated: March 1st, 2024

According to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, the number of single mothers in college more than doubled between 1999 and 2012. Between the costs of child care and time caring for their children, single moms face unique obstacles to getting their college degree. Luckily, there are a number of scholarships for single moms and moms in general to pay for college.

These scholarships for single mothers include awards that support students who are attending both two year and four year institutions. These types of scholarships are so important because they will transform the lives of moms and their children.

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Scholarship Review Process

The Scholarships360 Research Team reviews all scholarships individually and strives to exclude any scholarship where any of the below applies:

  • The scholarship requires a fee to apply
  • The scholarship provider’s privacy policy allows for the misuse of student data
  • The scholarship requires paid membership in an organization (with certain exceptions for reputable trade organizations and others)
  • Student are required to sign up for a site or service to apply*
  • The scholarship seems primarily used for lead generation** or idea harvesting purposes***
  • The scholarship website has many grammatical errors and/or advertisements
  • The scholarship or scholarship providing organization seem untrustworthy
  • There is no evidence the scholarship was previously awarded
  • The scholarship has not been awarded in the past 12 months
  • There is no available contact information

If you believe a scholarship has been published in error, please reach out to [email protected] and we’ll take a look!


* There are certain exceptions to this, for example if the sponsoring organization is a major corporation or nonprofit with its own scholarship application system.
** Lead generation scholarships will require students to sign up for an app or website and require minimal (if any) application requirements.
***Idea harvesting scholarships will require students to submit blog posts or other materials that companies may use for marketing purposes.

Learn about our editorial policies
29 scholarships
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$10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Scholarships360

Exclusive
1 award worth $10,000
Deadline Jun 30, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels

Offered by Scholarships360

Exclusive

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high…Show More

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high…Show More

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high school student who hopes to go to college, a graduate student who’s in a master’s program, or an adult learner who wants to return to school, you are eligible for our no essay scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded to students who get the most out of Scholarships360 scholarships and content. You will be a strong applicant if you apply to scholarships with the Scholarships360 platform. Finalists for this scholarship will be interviewed about their process for funding their education.Show Less

1 award worth $10,000
Deadline Jun 30, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels
Apply

$2,000 Sallie Mae Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Sallie Mae

Easy Application
1 award worth $2,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level HS Upperclassmen, College & Graduate Students

Offered by Sallie Mae

Easy Application

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for…

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for…

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for school.

1 award worth $2,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level HS Upperclassmen, College & Graduate Students
Apply

“Mom to Scholar” Scholarship for Mothers

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Maria Geiger

Exclusive
1 award worth $1,000
Deadline Jan 31, 2025
Grade Level College Students

Offered by Maria Geiger

Exclusive

The “Mom to Scholar'' Scholarship for Mothers is open to mothers who want to begin or resume their journey towards earning a technical or college…Show More

The “Mom to Scholar'' Scholarship for Mothers is open to mothers who want to begin or resume their journey towards earning a technical or college…Show More

The “Mom to Scholar'' Scholarship for Mothers is open to mothers who want to begin or resume their journey towards earning a technical or college degree. This scholarship is funded by Scholarships360’s own Maria Geiger, who started her journey toward a B.A. at the same time that her oldest son Will started college. Maria knows firsthand how challenging it is to raise a family, have a job outside the home, and attend college, but would not change the way she did things for the world. Mothers who have a desire to earn their college degree bring unique perspectives that greatly enhance their learning experiences; for some, motherhood is a vocation that enlightens like no other. If you are a mother over the age of 35 who feels that the time is right to begin your academic or career journey, please apply! Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their essay and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Scholarships360 users who are more active on the platform will be given higher consideration. We look forward to reading your application!Show Less

1 award worth $1,000
Deadline Jan 31, 2025
Grade Level College Students
Apply

$40,000 BigFuture Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by The College Board

Easy Application
Multiple awards worth up to $40,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Sophomores & Juniors

Offered by The College Board

Easy Application

Open to US-based high school students in the class of 2025 and 2026 - no essay, no minimum GPA, and no citizenship requirements.

Open to US-based high school students in the class of 2025 and 2026 - no essay, no minimum GPA, and no citizenship requirements.

Open to US-based high school students in the class of 2025 and 2026 - no essay, no minimum GPA, and no citizenship requirements.

Multiple awards worth up to $40,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Sophomores & Juniors
Apply

“Making Waves” Scholarship for Women

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Scholarships360

Exclusive
1 award worth $500
Deadline Jan 31, 2025
Grade Level All Grade Levels

Offered by Scholarships360

Exclusive

Are you a woman in high school, college, or graduate school enrolled during the 2024-25 academic year? If so, let us help you! Our $500…Show More

Are you a woman in high school, college, or graduate school enrolled during the 2024-25 academic year? If so, let us help you! Our $500…Show More

Are you a woman in high school, college, or graduate school enrolled during the 2024-25 academic year? If so, let us help you! Our $500 “Making Waves” Scholarship for Women aims to help women cover the costs of pursuing their dreams. Whether that dream is starting a business, learning a foreign language, or attending college on the path to fulfilling your dream, the scholarship will cover those costs and make your journey a little easier. No matter your goals, we want to help out a woman who is passionate about their higher education journey and actively looking for ways to fund it. In order to apply, simply write an essay about how the $500 “Making Waves” Scholarship for Women will help you fulfill your dreams. Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their essay and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Scholarships360 users who are more active on the platform will be given higher consideration. We encourage you to apply and look forward to reading your essay. Good luck!Show Less

1 award worth $500
Deadline Jan 31, 2025
Grade Level All Grade Levels
Apply

Niche $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Niche

Easy Application
1 award worth $10,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels

Offered by Niche

Easy Application

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year

1 award worth $10,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels
Apply

“Follow Your Own Path” Essay Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Scholarships360

Exclusive
1 award worth $500
Deadline Jan 31, 2025
Grade Level College & Graduate Students

Offered by Scholarships360

Exclusive

At Scholarships360, our mission is to help students find and fund their postsecondary education. We know that students have a variety of educational and career…Show More

At Scholarships360, our mission is to help students find and fund their postsecondary education. We know that students have a variety of educational and career…Show More

At Scholarships360, our mission is to help students find and fund their postsecondary education. We know that students have a variety of educational and career interests and aspirations. That is why we are offering the “Follow Your Own Path” Essay Scholarship. This scholarship aims to support all current postsecondary students, regardless of the type of education they are pursuing. Thus, no matter your own unique educational path, we hope you apply for this $500 scholarship. In order to apply for the “Follow Your Own Path” Essay Scholarship, students must submit an essay about their career ambitions. Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their essay and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Scholarships360 users who are more active on the platform will be given higher consideration. We look forward to reading your application!Show Less

1 award worth $500
Deadline Jan 31, 2025
Grade Level College & Graduate Students
Apply

“Outstanding Undergraduate” Essay Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Scholarships360

Exclusive
1 award worth $500
Deadline Jan 31, 2025
Grade Level College Students

Offered by Scholarships360

Exclusive

The U.S. is home to over 2,000 four-year universities offering bachelor’s degrees. However, attending such universities can sometimes come with hefty costs that can deter…Show More

The U.S. is home to over 2,000 four-year universities offering bachelor’s degrees. However, attending such universities can sometimes come with hefty costs that can deter…Show More

The U.S. is home to over 2,000 four-year universities offering bachelor’s degrees. However, attending such universities can sometimes come with hefty costs that can deter students from attending. If you’re in a situation similar to this, we may just have the perfect scholarship opportunity for you: the “Outstanding Undergraduate” Essay Scholarship! With this scholarship, we aim to help out a lucky undergraduate student (enrolled during the 2024-25 academic year) who is passionate about their higher education journey and actively looking for ways to fund it. The scholarship is open to any U.S. citizen who is enrolled as an undergraduate at a four-year university in the U.S. during the 2023-24 academic year. In order to apply, submit an essay explaining how earning your bachelor’s degree will help you achieve your educational and career goals. Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their essay and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Scholarships360 users who are more active on the platform will be given higher consideration. We look forward to reading your application!Show Less

1 award worth $500
Deadline Jan 31, 2025
Grade Level College Students
Apply

$25k “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Bold.org

Easy Application
1 award worth $25,000
Deadline Apr 1, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels

Offered by Bold.org

Easy Application

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

1 award worth $25,000
Deadline Apr 1, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels
Apply

Elevate Women in Technology Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Bold.org

Easy Application
1 award worth $500
Deadline Apr 30, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels

Offered by Bold.org

Easy Application

The tech industry is in dire need of more women. The Elevate Women in Technology Scholarship aims to change that by supporting the next generation…Show More

The tech industry is in dire need of more women. The Elevate Women in Technology Scholarship aims to change that by supporting the next generation…Show More

The tech industry is in dire need of more women. The Elevate Women in Technology Scholarship aims to change that by supporting the next generation of female leaders. This scholarship is open to women of any educational level and field of study who plan to use technology to make a positive impact on the world. While STEM and entrepreneurial experience is a plus, all women with a passion for tech are encouraged to apply. Join Calvin Rosser, who sponsors the scholarship, in elevating women in technology and driving innovation forward.Show Less

1 award worth $500
Deadline Apr 30, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels
Apply

Women In Transition Scholarship

Offered by Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting

1 award worth $4,000
Deadline Apr 30, 2024
Grade Level College Freshman

Offered by Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting

Are you a female breadwinner in the first year of an undergraduate (bachelor's) Accounting program? If so, consider applying for the Women In Transition Scholarship!…Show More

Are you a female breadwinner in the first year of an undergraduate (bachelor's) Accounting program? If so, consider applying for the Women In Transition Scholarship!…Show More

Are you a female breadwinner in the first year of an undergraduate (bachelor's) Accounting program? If so, consider applying for the Women In Transition Scholarship! The Women In Transition Scholarship is open to women who are the primary source of support for their families and who are enrolling as incoming college freshmen and pursuing a degree in Accounting. The scholarship is offered by the Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting, an organization that supports "equitable access to education" and the advancement of women who are pursuing careers in accounting. Each year, the scholarship awards a $4,000 scholarship to one hardworking applicant. The scholarship can be renewed for up to four years, for a total of $16,000 in scholarship money. If you’re a hardworking mom passionate about Accounting and are looking for some help to pay off your degree, we encourage you to apply!Show Less

1 award worth $4,000
Deadline Apr 30, 2024
Grade Level College Freshman
Get Started

$10,000 CollegeXpress Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by CollegeXpress

Easy Application
1 award worth $10,000
Deadline May 1, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors

Offered by CollegeXpress

Easy Application

Annual $10k scholarship from CollegeXpress open to all high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.

Annual $10k scholarship from CollegeXpress open to all high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.

Annual $10k scholarship from CollegeXpress open to all high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.

1 award worth $10,000
Deadline May 1, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors
Apply

Women In Need Scholarship

Offered by Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting (EFWA)

1 award worth $2,000
Deadline Apr 30, 2024
Grade Level College Sophomore

Offered by Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting (EFWA)

The Women In Need Scholarship is for a student who is the primary source of support for her family and is completing her sophomore year…Show More

The Women In Need Scholarship is for a student who is the primary source of support for her family and is completing her sophomore year…Show More

The Women In Need Scholarship is for a student who is the primary source of support for her family and is completing her sophomore year of academic pursuit to earn a Bachelor's degree in Accounting. Applicants must be attending an accredited US school, be committed to the goal of pursuing a degree in Accounting in preparation for a career as an accounting or finance professional, have demonstrated aptitude in accounting and business as evidenced by prior coursework and/or work experience, and have clear evidence that goals and a plan for achieving those goals, both personal and professional, have been established. The scholarship will be awarded to the top applicant in the amount of $2,000 per year. It may be renewed for a second year upon completion of satisfactory coursework as evidenced by a 3.0 GPA. If you fit the above criteria, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

1 award worth $2,000
Deadline Apr 30, 2024
Grade Level College Sophomore
Get Started

Vickie Drum Memorial Scholarship

Offered by Bold.org

1 award worth $1,500
Deadline Jul 1, 2024
Grade Level College Students

Offered by Bold.org

The Vickie Drum Memorial Scholarship was established in honor of a remarkable woman who overcame the challenges of being a mother while pursuing her college…Show More

The Vickie Drum Memorial Scholarship was established in honor of a remarkable woman who overcame the challenges of being a mother while pursuing her college…Show More

The Vickie Drum Memorial Scholarship was established in honor of a remarkable woman who overcame the challenges of being a mother while pursuing her college education, and who serves as an inspiration to many. Her story resonates with countless young mothers who aspire to improve their lives through higher education. However, the financial burden of attending college can be overwhelming for these individuals. In honor of Vickie Drum's legacy, this scholarship aims to support female students in North Carolina who are raising a child while pursuing an undergraduate degree. Eligible applicants must meet this criterion and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. To apply, share your unique journey through higher education as a parent and how it has shaped your path. This scholarship is an opportunity to not only honor Vickie Drum's memory but also empower mothers to achieve their educational goals and create a brighter future for themselves and their families.Show Less

1 award worth $1,500
Deadline Jul 1, 2024
Grade Level College Students
Get Started

$1,000 Appily Easy College Money Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Appily

Easy Application
Monthly awards worth $1,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshman, High School Sophomore, High School Junior, College Freshman & College Sophomore

Offered by Appily

Easy Application

This easy scholarship from Appily is open to U.S. high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, 2027) and college transfer students. One scholarship will be…Show More

This easy scholarship from Appily is open to U.S. high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, 2027) and college transfer students. One scholarship will be…Show More

This easy scholarship from Appily is open to U.S. high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, 2027) and college transfer students. One scholarship will be awarded each month.Show Less

Monthly awards worth $1,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshman, High School Sophomore, High School Junior, College Freshman & College Sophomore
Apply

Charles Pulling Sr. Memorial Scholarship

Offered by Bold.org

2 awards worth $1,000
Deadline Jul 31, 2024
Grade Level High School & College Students

Offered by Bold.org

Introducing the Charles Pulling Sr. Memorial Scholarship, a tribute to a cherished father and the middle child among eleven siblings, whose circumstances compelled him to…Show More

Introducing the Charles Pulling Sr. Memorial Scholarship, a tribute to a cherished father and the middle child among eleven siblings, whose circumstances compelled him to…Show More

Introducing the Charles Pulling Sr. Memorial Scholarship, a tribute to a cherished father and the middle child among eleven siblings, whose circumstances compelled him to enter the workforce prematurely and leave his high school dreams behind. However, recognizing the limited job prospects available to him, he understood that obtaining his high school diploma was the key to unlocking a better life for his loved ones, and headed back to the classroom. This prestigious scholarship aims to honor the memory of Charles Pulling Sr. by empowering those who also wish to enhance their families' lives through education. Whether you are a high school or GED student, an undergraduate pursuing a non-traditional path, a first-generation student, a single parent, someone who took a break from education before returning, or over the age of 25, you are invited to apply. To apply, reveal what sets you apart as a non-traditional student and what fuels your relentless pursuit of greatness.Show Less

2 awards worth $1,000
Deadline Jul 31, 2024
Grade Level High School & College Students
Get Started

Helping Hands for Single Moms – Phoenix Scholarship

Offered by Helping Hands for Single Moms

Multiple awards worth Varies
Deadline Rolling
Grade Level College & Graduate Students

Offered by Helping Hands for Single Moms

Are you the single mom of a young child (or children) in Phoenix who is attending college or university? If so, consider applying for the…Show More

Are you the single mom of a young child (or children) in Phoenix who is attending college or university? If so, consider applying for the…Show More

Are you the single mom of a young child (or children) in Phoenix who is attending college or university? If so, consider applying for the Helping Hands for Single Moms - Phoenix Scholarship! The scholarship is open to legally single/divorced moms residing in the Phoenix area who are attending college and able to participate in Single Mom College Community meetings. Eligible applicants must also have at least one child under the age of 11. The scholarship is offered by Helping Hands for Single Moms, a nonprofit organization started in 2002. Their mission is to assist low-income single moms in attaining a post-secondary education. Helping Hands regularly grants awards of varying amounts to help single moms gain financial independence, pursue their postsecondary educations, and provide a positive family legacy for their dependents. If you are a single mom in the Phoenix area who is looking for funds for your education, we encourage you to apply!Show Less

Multiple awards worth Varies
Deadline Rolling
Grade Level College & Graduate Students
Get Started

$5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Christian Connector

Easy Application
1 award worth $5,000
Deadline May 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors

Offered by Christian Connector

Easy Application

Students applying to the $5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship must be current high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, or 2027) interested in attending a Christian…

Students applying to the $5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship must be current high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, or 2027) interested in attending a Christian…

Students applying to the $5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship must be current high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, or 2027) interested in attending a Christian university or college.

1 award worth $5,000
Deadline May 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors
Apply

Helping Hands for Single Moms – Dallas Scholarship

Offered by Helping Hands for Single Moms

Multiple awards worth Varies
Deadline Rolling
Grade Level College & Graduate Students

Offered by Helping Hands for Single Moms

Are you the single mom of a young child (or children) in the DFW (Dallas Fort Worth) area who is attending college or university? If…Show More

Are you the single mom of a young child (or children) in the DFW (Dallas Fort Worth) area who is attending college or university? If…Show More

Are you the single mom of a young child (or children) in the DFW (Dallas Fort Worth) area who is attending college or university? If so, consider applying for the Helping Hands for Single Moms – Dallas Scholarship! The scholarship is open to legally single/divorced moms residing in the DFW area who are attending college and able to participate in Single Mom College Community meetings. Eligible applicants must also have at least one child under the age of 11. The scholarship is offered by Helping Hands for Single Moms, a nonprofit organization started in 2002. Their mission is to assist low-income single moms in attaining a post-secondary education. Helping Hands regularly grants awards of varying amounts to help single moms gain financial independence, pursue their postsecondary educations, and provide a positive family legacy for their dependents. If you are a single mom in the DFW area who is looking for funds for your education, we encourage you to apply!Show Less

Multiple awards worth Varies
Deadline Rolling
Grade Level College & Graduate Students
Get Started

Women’s Independence Scholarship Program

Offered by Women's Independence Scholarship Program, Inc.

Multiple awards worth $500 - $2,000
Expected deadline March 2025
Grade Level College Students

Offered by Women's Independence Scholarship Program, Inc.

The Women's Independence Scholarship Program annually awards between $500 and $2,000 to female survivors of intimate partner abuse who have applied to or been officially…Show More

The Women's Independence Scholarship Program annually awards between $500 and $2,000 to female survivors of intimate partner abuse who have applied to or been officially…Show More

The Women's Independence Scholarship Program annually awards between $500 and $2,000 to female survivors of intimate partner abuse who have applied to or been officially accepted into an accredited course of study at a United States institution. To be eligible, applicants must have also been physically separated from their abuser for a minimum of one year but not more than seven, and have sought services from a non-profit agency that provides services to survivors of intimate partner abuse for a minimum of six consecutive months. First priority will be given to candidates who are single mothers with young children who have the greatest barriers (i.e. childcare needs) to successfully complete their education. If you're a female survivor of intimate partner abuse who is now pursuing your post-secondary education within the United States, we encourage you to apply. Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

Multiple awards worth $500 - $2,000
Expected deadline March 2025
Grade Level College Students
Get Started
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How to win scholarships for moms and single moms

Just as with any scholarship, scholarships for moms and single moms receive a lot of applications. They can only choose the most compelling applications to award their money to, so it’s important to stand out in yours. One great way to do this is to research the organization and read the scholarship carefully to figure out what values they are looking for in a candidate.

Once you have this figured out, try to emphasize these values in your essays and application materials. In order to craft an effective essay, we recommend checking out some of our guides, like how to write a winning scholarship essay, how to write an essay about yourself, and how to tailor your writing to 250 or 500 word limits. We can also walk you through some common scholarship essay prompts and help you write a scholarship resume.

Finally, don’t forget to apply to local scholarships! Local scholarships typically receive far less applications than nationwide or international ones. This means that each applicant has a better chance of winning. Look for some local community organizations, whether it is a church or community college or community center, and see if there are any opportunities offered.

Related: Top Colleges in the United States for Affordability

Other ways to save

College scholarships aren’t the only way for women returning to school to save as they further their education! There are many other ways you can help pay for qualifications to advance your career. Here are a few other things to consider, including college alternatives:

Tuition reimbursement

An increasing number of employers offer tuition reimbursement. Some of the best-known tuition reimbursement programs in the country are at Starbucks, Chipotle, and Amazon. Try asking your HR department to see whether this is a benefit your employer offers.

Certificate programs

Certificate programs require significantly less time and money than a regular college education. They are typically more flexible time-wise as well. All of these make for a perfect solution for moms returning to school! There are a wide variety of certificate programs out there, including an especially inexpensive one from Google

Related: Top certificates to earn this year

Coding bootcamps

Computer science is one of the fastest-growing industries out there, so there’s no surprise that more and more people are getting computer science degrees. Coding bootcamps are a great college alternative to help you start a coding career.

Bootcamps often require no college education or prior knowledge. Additionally, they often offer income-share agreements or suspended tuition. Some won’t make you begin to pay off your tuition until you’ve landed a job after graduation. When they first began, coding bootcamps were very intensive experiences that would be difficult to maintain while raising a child. However, many opportunities now are flexible and doable for moms. One example is Flatiron School.

Also see: Top coding bootcamp scholarships

Community college

Community colleges are a great option for moms and single moms to earn a degree. They are far less expensive than traditional four-year colleges, and are typically flexible on timing. They often offer night classes which can fit into a parent’s schedule after work. 

Many adult learners end up enrolling at a community college to earn an associate’s degree, then transfer into a four-year program afterwards. This helps save money during those first two years, and allows you to move at your own pace.

Related: Top community college scholarships

Online college

Online college is another burgeoning alternative to traditional four-year colleges. Many schools are offering courses through sites like Coursera. This is an especially popular option for certificates, but also for advanced degrees. They are less expensive, more flexible, and less time-intensive than four-year colleges. This makes them all the more feasible for single parents.

Although their prestige is still forming because it is a relatively new concept, the effects of COVID have helped to make more of the population accept online college as a college alternative.

Also see: Top scholarships for online students

Frequently asked questions about scholarships for moms and single moms

Do single moms qualify for Pell Grants?

There are four main factors that determine Pell Grant eligibility:
1. Students must demonstrate financial need through the FAFSA
2. Students must be US citizens or eligible non-citizens
3. Students must be attending college as an undergraduate student
4. Eligible students may only use their Pell Grant for 12 semesters (this is total semesters and not necessarily consecutive semesters).



As long as you check off the above eligibility boxes, you will be eligible for a Pell Grant! There is no maximum age for eligibility. Remember, applying for the FAFSA will also qualify you for other types of financial aid including federal student loans and work study.

Do parents qualify for the FAFSA?

Yes – parents do qualify for the FAFSA! The FAFSA will allow you to unlock need-based financial aid to pay for college. This can include need-based grants, like the Pell Grant, which do not need to be paid back and federal student loans which can have more favorable interest rates and more flexible repayment plans available to you.

We recommend that every single mother who is contemplating going back to college or finishing their degree applies for financial aid with the FAFSA. The other benefit to the FAFSA is that you can typically combine need-based financial assistance with merit scholarships.

Where else can moms find scholarships?

We recommend that you start by looking at scholarships offered to your community. Chances are that your local community offers some great scholarship opportunities. We are a big fan of local scholarships, because students have a better chance of winning due to the smaller applicant pool. You can check out our guide to local scholarships to learn more about how to find, apply for, and win local scholarships.

You can also check out the websites of any college you are interested in. Some hold scholarships specifically for moms and single moms, like this scholarship at Wilson College. We also recommend that you try out our scholarship search tool! This will custom-match you with vetted scholarships and update as deadlines pass and new opportunities open.

What educational grants do moms qualify for?

One of the most useful educational grants for moms in school is the Pell Grant. This is only an option for those pursuing an undergraduate education, but it provides a substantial amount of money based on financial need. The Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship is another amazing grant for moms over 35.

Do single dads qualify for scholarships too?

Single dads also qualify for a wide range of scholarships. The best way to start off the search is to fill out the FAFSA and to look into scholarships from your employer and from local organizations. You should also check out our scholarship search tool!

Can I get a scholarship for being a mom?

Yes – there are many scholarships out there reserved specifically for moms to pursue a higher education! One great example is the Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation Scholarship. This annual scholarship program offers low-income women with children up to $5,000 to put towards education or professional training. Applicants must have already finished high school and children who are currently a minor.

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