College can be expensive, but there are many types of grants for moms going back to school that can help reduce the overall cost.
A grant is a form of financial aid that doesn’t need to be repaid. If you’re eligible for federal or state financial aid, you might receive grants to help pay for your tuition and other college expenses.
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You can also seek scholarships that are rewarded to moms or women returning to school.
Grants for Moms Going Back to School
If you’re a mom thinking about going back to school to get your degree, you might be worried about the cost of tuition and all the other expenses that go into paying for your education. You can seek financial support in the form of grants and scholarships to help pay for college.
There are different types of grants that may be available to you through the federal government, such as need-based and non-need-based grants. Need-based grants are given to students who demonstrate financial need. One of the first things you can do to find out if you’re eligible for federal need-based grants is submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) through the US Department of Education.
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There are also specific scholarships for moms going back to school offered by organizations that support women pursuing higher education.
Some examples of scholarships and college grants for women include:
- Pell Grant
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
- American Association of University Women Fellowships and Grants
- Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation Scholarships for Mature Students
- Jeannette Rankin Foundation Scholar and Emerge Grants
- Capture the Dream Single Parent Scholarship
- The Sunshine Lady Foundation Grants
Some grants and scholarships are merit-based or career-based. Some scholarships support women interested in going into a STEM-related career or male-dominated field.
Rather than assessing your financial need, merit-based grants and scholarships focus on your academic and extracurricular achievements. Most grants are need-based, while scholarships may be open to a wider range of students for various reasons.
Securing grants and scholarships may relieve some of the financial stress that comes with going back to school as an adult. Returning to school and earning your degree may help increase job opportunities and allow you to enter your desired career.
Types of School Grants for Mothers Going Back to School
There are several types of grants and scholarships you may find through the state and federal government as well as private organizations.
Many organizations that support women’s issues offer grants and scholarships for single moms and mature women. Some grants and scholarships target students living in a certain region or state. Others are geared toward specific demographic groups and offer financial help for single moms going back to college.
These are some different types of grants that help students pay for their college education:
- Federal grants. These grants are awarded to students who have submitted a FAFSA and demonstrated financial need. Some examples of federal grants include the Pell Grant and the FSEOG.
- State grants. Similar to federal grants, state governments offer their own grant programs for residents seeking financial support.
- College grants. The college you plan on attending may offer different grant opportunities based on financial need or academic merit.
- Advocacy group grants. Many organizations offer grants that support women in pursuing higher education. Some examples of organizations that offer grants for women and moms going back to school include the Jeannette Rankin Foundation, the American Association of University Women, and The Sunshine Lady Foundation.
- Employer grants. Some employers offer tuition assistance programs, scholarships, or grants to their employees who want to enroll in college. Some examples of companies that offer grant and scholarship programs include Home Depot, Starbucks, and UPS.
Most grants and scholarships have certain criteria that organizations evaluate before considering a candidate. If a grant or scholarship is need-based, you may be asked certain questions about your financial situation.
Other criteria that may be considered include academic performance, community service, intended program of study, and professional recommendations.
How to Apply for Back to School Grants for Moms
To receive grants and scholarships, you may be asked to submit an application to determine your eligibility to receive financial support.
Here’s a checklist of steps you can take to apply for grants and scholarships:
- Federal aid: Fill out a FAFSA form through the US Department of Education.
- School aid: Contact your college’s financial aid office to inquire about additional grant programs the school offers that you may be eligible for.
- State aid: Contact your state’s government agency responsible for administering grants.
- Private aid: Submit applications for grant and scholarship programs offered by foundations, non-profits, and other organizations.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is one of the most important forms you can fill out to potentially receive college grants. The form may include questions about your household income, dependency status, bank account balances, and other information to determine your financial need.
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The US Department of Education offers a directory of programs intended to provide financial aid to eligible applicants. While filling out several grant and scholarship applications takes time, it could potentially increase your chances of receiving more financial assistance.
Eligibility Requirements for Single Mom Grants
These are some general eligibility requirements to receive federal college grants:
- Demonstrate financial need
- Be a US citizen or eligible noncitizen
- Possess a high school diploma or equivalent
- Be accepted or enrolled in an eligible degree, certificate, or vocational program
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress
The FAFSA form is an extensive application that includes many questions to get an understanding of your financial situation and other criteria required to be eligible for need-based aid.
Other types of grants offered by non-governmental organizations may not consider financial need. They may focus on other criteria, such as program of study, desired career, or academic performance.
What Are Grants for College?
Grants for college are monetary gifts distributed by the state and federal government, employers, and other organizations. One of the benefits of grants is they don’t need to be repaid, unlike loans.
There are many factors involved that determine how much money you may receive for a grant. If you receive a grant, you may be awarded a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. Grant money can go toward the cost of your tuition and other college expenses, such as school fees and supplies.
Is FAFSA for Single Moms Available?
The FAFSA is available to any student who wishes to apply for federal aid, be it grants to go back to school for the unemployed or single moms. As a single mom, you may have a greater chance of receiving aid, depending on your financial situation.
You can submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online through the US Department of Education’s website. The Pell Grant is one of the most common federal college grants for single moms going back to school because it’s awarded to eligible individuals who haven’t earned a degree.
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The FSEOG is another federal grant distributed to students who demonstrate exceptional financial need.
Best Grants for Moms Going Back to School
For moms who want to go back to school, here are 15 grant options to consider.
- American Association of University Women – Career Development Grants.
- Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund – Services include Career or Financial Planning, Referrals to Other Resources, Tutoring, and Mentoring.
- Beatrice F. Kroesche Memorial Scholarship – $1,000 to $2,000 per year.
- Capture the Dream Single Parent Scholarship – $1,000.
- Federal Pell Grant – $6,895.
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant – $1,000 to $4,000.
- Go Girl! Grant – Personalized Giving Grant.
- Jennette Rankin Foundation National Scholar Grant – Non-Tuition Grants.
- Multiples of Illinois Scholarships – Up to $150 to $250.
- P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education – Maximum grant is $3,000.
- RoseMarie Lipinski Foundation Scholarships – $10,000.
- Society of Women Scholarships – $1,000 to $16,000.
- Soroptimist’s Live Your Dream Awards – Up to $16,000.
- The Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation Scholarship – Up to $5,000.
- Women’s Independence Scholarship Program, Inc. – $1,000 to $6,000.
Each grant opportunity will have its own unique qualifications and application process.
College Grants for Moms
If you’re a mom ready to earn your degree, you can apply for grants to go back to school to help reduce the amount of money you may have to pay out of pocket.
Grants are considered gift aid because the money given to you doesn’t need to be paid back. There are many types of grants for mature women and single mothers who need financial support. After filling out a FAFSA, you can pursue additional sources of financial assistance.
You can start researching credible foundations and other organizations that offer need-based and non-need-based grants and scholarships to women today!
