College Success
04.14.2023 • 10 min read
Subject Matter Expert
This article gives you a list of the best scholarships for single moms. Get eligibility requirements and top tips for applying and getting a scholarship.
In This Article
Imagine you’re an acrobat—high off the ground, walking across a little wire.
While you’re suspended in mid-air, you’re juggling 7 flaming bowling pins.
Somehow, you’re calm and smiling.
Everyone in the crowd is watching in awe as you pull it off.
Being a single mom as a college student is pretty much the same. Then add the cost of going to school on top of it.
But you don’t have to do it alone. Scholarships can help.
Many of the scholarships for single moms apply to those pursuing higher education of any sort, from a bachelor’s degree to graduate studies.
In this article, we’ll give you helpful tips and resources about this financial aid made for you.
According to The Education Trust, about 1 in 4 undergraduate students are single parents. While many of these students receive financial aid from the government, the amount isn’t always enough to cover tuition and other expenses.
Here's where scholarships come in.
Many scholarship opportunities for single moms exist, and each has its own requirements. Some are need-based, while others are merit-based. Some are for groups of people, such as minorities or women, and some are for students in certain majors or areas of study.
This article will focus on 10 popular scholarships for single moms. Each scholarship has its own eligibility requirements, application deadline, and award amount. These scholarships apply to all single moms, whether they’re right out of high school or in community college.
The two main types of scholarships for single mothers are:
Need-based
Merit-based
Need-based scholarships are awarded to students based on their financial needs. To apply for need-based scholarships, you will need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) on the FAFSA will determine your eligibility for need-based scholarships.
Merit-based college scholarships are awarded to students based on their academic achievement or other talents, such as athletics or the arts. To apply for merit-based scholarships, you will typically need to submit an application, along with transcripts, letters of recommendation, and an essay.
The deadline and award amount varies for each scholarship. Be sure to check the requirements for each scholarship before you apply.
Below is a list of 10 popular scholarships for single moms, along with information on eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Soroptimist is a global volunteer organization empowering women through education. The Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards provide financial assistance to female students serving as the primary breadwinners for their families.
To be eligible, applicants must show proof of enrollment in or acceptance to a vocational training program or an undergraduate degree program. The one-time award amount varies based on need, but it can be up to $16,000.
| Scholarship Amount | Type of Education | Deadline to Apply |
| Up to $16,000 one time | Any type and any level | November 15th |
The Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund offers scholarships to low-income single parents pursuing post-secondary education. This includes those pursuing an associate degree or a master’s degree.
To be eligible, applicants must be residents of Arkansas, have at least one dependent child under 18 years of age, be a US citizen, and demonstrate financial need. The award amount varies based on college costs, but can be up to $3,600 per academic year.
| Scholarship Amount | Type of Education | Deadline to Apply |
| $1,200 per semester | Any type at any level | March 15th |
A private company runs Cariloop's Caregiver Scholarship. It's open to students currently enrolled in or accepted to an accredited college or university. The scholarship is also available to those who are caregivers for elderly family members.
To be eligible, applicants must submit an essay discussing their caregiving experience and how it has impacted their educational goals.
| Scholarship Amount | Type of Education | Deadline to Apply |
| Up to $2,500 per year | College or university | May 30th |
The Mom to Scholar Scholarship provides financial assistance to moms who wish to earn their degree after the age of 35 and enroll as full-time students.
To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate financial need and be enrolled in or accepted into an accredited vocational training program or an undergraduate degree program.
| Scholarship Amount | Type of Education | Deadline to Apply |
| $1,000 one time | College or university | August 31st |
This is awarded to single mothers who are the primary financial providers for their families and are pursuing post-secondary education. To be eligible, single mothers must care for minor children and be enrolled or accepted into a college, university, or trade school.
The award amount is based on financial need, and recipients may be eligible to receive up to $3,000 per academic year.
| Scholarship Amount | Type of Education | Deadline to Apply |
| $1,000 per year | Undergraduate | Triannual deadlines |
The Curtis Holloway Memorial Scholarship is designed for single mothers who also grew up in a single-parent household. This scholarship is open to single mothers enrolled or accepted into an accredited college, university, or trade school.
The scholarship provides financial assistance up to $1,000 per award. This award is based on a combination of need and merit.
| Scholarship Amount | Type of Education | Deadline to Apply |
| $1,000 one time | Any type at any level | May 16th |
This scholarship is open to single mothers who wish to pursue a career in nursing. This scholarship provides financial assistance up to $1,000 and is renewable for each academic year.
This award is based on need and merit. Applicants must demonstrate how they plan to balance being a mother with nursing school. In their essay, applicants need to speak of their passion to become a nurse.
| Scholarship Amount | Type of Education | Deadline to Apply |
| $1,000 per year | Nursing (any level) | August 15th |
Supermom Scholarship recipients also receive access to a network of other single mothers who have achieved educational success. This network is a great resource for information and advice on making the most of the scholarship experience and the educational opportunities available.
Additionally, the Supermom Scholarship recipients receive access to an online portal. It includes resources such as job postings and career advice to help single mothers develop the skills and credentials needed to advance in their chosen fields.
This scholarship is an amazing opportunity for single mothers to gain the education and skills necessary to make a meaningful impact in their lives and their communities.
| Scholarship Amount | Type of Education | Deadline to Apply |
| $2,000 every 6 months | Any type at any level | January 28th |
This scholarship opportunity is available to women who are pursuing a postsecondary degree after the age of 35. Scholarship recipients can receive $5,000 per year to put toward their educational goals.
Jeannette Rankin Scholarship recipients also gain access to the Scholarship Recipient Network, where they can provide support, advice, and encouragement to each other throughout their journeys.
The Scholarship Recipient Network also offers the opportunity to participate in virtual events such as webinars, workshops, and conferences. These events allow scholarship recipients to network with other recipients, learn about new opportunities, and develop professional skills.
| Scholarship Amount | Type of Education | Deadline to Apply |
| Up to $5,000 per year | Any type at any level | February 17th |
Open to moms in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, this scholarship helps moms who have at least one child under the age of 11 pursue post-secondary education. Award winners can receive $10,000 to put toward their educational expenses per year.
Through the Scholarship Recipient Network, Helping Hands Scholarship recipients have access to the same resources, opportunities, and recipients of the Jeannette Rankin Scholarship Fund. This allows them to build relationships with their peers and gain valuable skills, helping them to succeed in their educational and professional pursuits.
| Scholarship Amount | Type of Education | Deadline to Apply |
| Up to $10,000 per year | Any type at any level | Rolling |
Applying for scholarships as a single mom can seem overwhelming, but with planning and preparation, it can be a smooth and easy process. Below are some tips on how to apply for a single-mom scholarship:
Know what documentation you need. To apply for a scholarship, most organizations will require some basic documentation. This may include proof of financial need, transcripts, and a personal essay. Be sure to check the requirements for each scholarship before you begin the application process to ensure you have all of the necessary materials.
Fill out the application form completely and accurately. Scholarship applications can be long and detailed, but it's crucial to double-check your work before you submit it.. Incomplete or inaccurate applications will likely be rejected.
Take the time to write a good scholarship essay. When you’re thinking of topics, make sure your essay is unique to you. What is it about you that makes you stand out? Have a few people read it, and get feedback. It's usually the essay that makes one applicant stand out over the rest.
Some scholarships may have additional requirements, such as an interview or portfolio review. If this is the case, be sure to allow yourself enough time to prepare for these additional steps in the process.
Once you’ve gathered all of the required documentation and information, submit your application according to the instructions of the organization offering the scholarship. Be sure to follow any deadlines.
After you have submitted your application, wait patiently for a decision from the organization. Depending on the number of applications received, this process can take several weeks or even months. Be sure not to call or email the organization frequently asking for an update on your status; this will only delay their decision-making process further.
It can be difficult to get started applying for scholarships. Here are a few steps you can take to increase your chances of being awarded a scholarship as a single mom.
Apply for as many scholarships as you can find. Often, your prospective school subscribes to a website that helps students apply for scholarships. This way you can use the same essay and application to apply to several scholarships at once. The more scholarships you apply to, the better your chances are of getting more money.
Be careful and detail-oriented when filling out the application form, making sure all information is accurate and complete. Don’t let your application be thrown into the discard pile because you forgot to fill something out. Have a friend or family member check to make sure your application is complete.
Research the organization granting the scholarship to understand their values and what they’re looking for in an applicant. Then customize your essay accordingly. When you speak specifically to the mission of the organization and how you align with it, you better your chances of gaining their attention.
Write an outstanding essay that’s creative and passionate, and addresses the prompt directly. This is where it's important to spend most of your time. Do not make simple spelling or grammatical errors in your work. Most importantly, make sure the person reading your essay knows what makes you different from everyone else.
You can start by checking with the financial aid office at the college you're interested in attending. You can also do a scholarship search on the internet or ask friends and family if they know of any scholarships you may be eligible for. Additionally, look for websites listing scholarships by state or field of study.
Grants are another great way to get money for college and can be the primary financial support for going to college. A number of grants are available to single moms, including need-based grants, merit-based grants, and grants specifically for those pursuing a career in nursing.
To find out which grants you may be eligible for, you can search the internet or ask your financial aid advisor at the college you're interested in attending. You can apply for many federal grants simply by filling out a FAFSA.
The number of scholarships you can receive as a single mom is limitless. However, it's crucial to remember each scholarship has its own eligibility requirements and deadlines. Plus, some scholarships may only be renewable for a certain number of years. So make sure to read the requirements of each scholarship carefully before applying.
No, scholarships are not considered taxable income. But if you use scholarship money to pay for expenses other than tuition and books, such as room and board or travel expenses, you may be required to pay taxes on those amounts. For more information on the taxation of scholarship money, consult with a tax advisor.
You can also save on tuition as a single mom. You may be able to get discounts through your employer or through membership in professional organizations. Many colleges offer discounts to students who live in the area or are attending part-time. You can also look into government programs such as the Pell Grant program or federal student loans, which offer lower interest rates.
Online college can also be a great way to save money on your education and work on your own schedule. Outlier.org offers students of all ages the chance to take engaging courses 100% online through their award-winning platform.
At Outlier, students can take individual college courses earning transferable credits on their own time at a fraction of the cost of in-person education. Students can also choose to earn an associate degree through Golden Gate University’s Degrees+.
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