Pursuing a college education as a single mom can be both challenging and rewarding. With the added responsibilities of parenting, managing finances, and balancing schoolwork, finding the necessary resources to fund your education is essential. Fortunately, there are numerous scholarships specifically designed to support you in achieving your academic goals as a single mother.
Keep reading to learn about the various types of scholarships for single moms, their eligibility requirements, and how to apply, empowering you to pursue your educational dreams.
Table of Contents
Key Points
• Single moms can apply for both need-based and merit-based scholarships.
• Requirements for scholarships can include citizenship, location, academic qualifications, college major, and enrollment status.
• Scholarship databases allow you to search by keywords, such as “scholarships for single moms in medical school.”
• Key tips for success include meeting all application deadlines, applying for the opportunities that fit your situation, writing a strong essay, and not getting discouraged by rejections.
• If scholarships and grants are insufficient, you can explore options such as cash savings, federal student loans, and private student loans.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility requirements for scholarships for single moms differ from scholarship to scholarship. Carefully review the qualifications for each one so you understand whether you’ll qualify. Beyond being a single parent, scholarship committees may impose other requirements, such as:
• Citizenship
• Location
• Academic qualifications, such as grade point average (GPA) or test scores
• Desired college major
• Enrollment status (full-time or part-time student)
• Financial qualifications, which may require filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®)
• Essay requirements
• High school or college transcripts
• Letters of recommendation
• Extracurricular activities
It can be tricky to keep all the eligibility requirements organized for each scholarship, so you may want to create a spreadsheet to keep it all straight.
How to Find Scholarships for Single Moms
Scholarship databases can help you find scholarships specifically geared toward single moms, and you can also look for scholarships based on keywords specific to your area, major, and more. For example, you may want to use the keywords “scholarships for single moms in medical school” or other criteria that will allow you to find scholarships for your situation.
Furthermore, you can also file the FAFSA to learn more about the types of scholarships you can apply for based on the school you want to attend.
Recommended: Steps to Filling Out the FAFSA Form for 2026-2027
Scholarships for Single Moms
Below is a list of scholarships for single mothers. Make sure to check out the requirements and deadlines for each:
• The Colwell Law Group, LLC Single Parent Scholarship: To qualify for this $1,000 award, you must be enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or law program within the U.S., have a minimum GPA of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, and submit an up-to-date resume, current official or unofficial transcripts, and an essay of 750-1,000 words about how being a single parent has impacted your life.
• Women-in-Transition Scholarship: This scholarship offers $5,000 over two years to students pursuing a bachelor’s degree at an accredited college or university, or $2,000 over two years for students pursuing an associate degree. You must maintain a 2.0 GPA, enroll in an accredited school in the U.S., commit to an accounting or finance degree, and demonstrate financial need.
• Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation: The Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation offers up to $5,000 for students who are at least 17 years of age and pursuing their first degree at an accredited postsecondary institution. You must demonstrate financial need to qualify for this scholarship.
• ANSWER Scholarship: The ANSWER Scholarship, which typically ranges from $2,750 per year for associate degrees to $5,500 per year for bachelor’s degrees, goes to primary female caregivers with at least one school-age child. You must be U.S. citizens and legal residents of Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Catawba, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Rowan, Stanly, or Union County in North Carolina, or Lancaster or York County in South Carolina. You must also attend accredited institutions in those counties and plan to pursue specific degrees. Lastly, you must also participate in the Mentors For Mom Program, maintain satisfactory academic performance, and attend the annual May Celebration Luncheon.
• Jeannette Rankin National Scholar Grant: To apply for the National Scholar Grant, you must be 35 or older, demonstrate financial need, and have a plan for reaching your goals. You must also be pursuing a technical or vocational education degree, an associate degree, or a first bachelor’s degree at an accredited institution. The award is worth up to $2,500 per year for up to five years.
• Judith McManus Price Scholarship for Women and Minorities in Planning: This $5,000 scholarship is for women and minority students enrolled in Planning Accreditation Board-approved programs who are U.S. citizens and demonstrate financial need.
• Beatrice F. Kroesche Memorial Scholarship: To qualify for this $1,500 per semester scholarship for single parents, you must enroll in the Education, Humanities, Engineering, Business, and/or English department at the University of Utah. You must also carry at least 12 credit hours and maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher.
• Women With Promise Scholarship: For this scholarship, you must be a full- or part-time student in North Texas and plan to attend an accredited institution. You can receive between $250-$5,000 for tuition, books, and fees.
These aren’t the only scholarships available. Search for other opportunities as well, and check for potential scholarships at your intended college or university.
Types of Scholarships Available for Single Moms
There are two main types of scholarships for moms: need-based and merit-based scholarships. What’s the difference between the two? Let’s dive into it below.
Need-Based Scholarships
Need-based scholarships are given to students based on financial need. In most cases, you qualify for financial aid if you have a low income. Need-based aid often comes from the government, though nonprofit organizations and businesses may prioritize giving scholarships and awards to low-income students.
In many cases, you may also qualify for grants, which do not need to be repaid. For example, if you have a high financial need, you may receive the Pell Grant after filing the FAFSA. For the 2025-26 school year, you can potentially receive a maximum Pell Grant award of $7,395. The Pell Grant amount adjusts every year.
Recommended: 10 Popular Scholarships for Women
Merit-Based Scholarships
Merit-based scholarships aren’t based on need but rather a multitude of other factors, such as:
• Academic achievements (such as GPA or test scores)
• Extracurricular activities
• Leadership
• Community service
• Talents and skills
These scholarships come from a wide variety of sources, such as colleges and universities, private organizations, and businesses. Check with the college or university you plan to attend to learn more about merit-based scholarships. In most cases, you’ll have to submit your application materials to the college or university to qualify for merit-based scholarships, which could include:
• Transcripts
• Recommendation letters
• Resume
• Essays
• Interviews
• Performance or display (especially for theater, music, or art merit-based scholarships)
What happens if you don’t qualify for need-based or merit-based scholarships or grants? You can tap into private student loans for single parents.
Tips for Applying
To successfully apply for scholarships and increase your chances of getting selected, consider the following tips:
• Meet application deadlines: One of the most important things you can do is to meet your application deadlines. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to gather materials, including letters of recommendation, so the application doesn’t look rushed or messy.
• Apply for everything: Apply for everything that fits your situation, even if the award amount is small. Smaller awards ($250-$500) usually have less competition, so your odds are greater when it comes to being selected.
• Write a good essay: The essay is your opportunity to showcase your situation and qualifications. If needed, hire a proofreader to ensure your essay is error-free.
• Don’t get discouraged: If you get declined for a scholarship, there are thousands of others available. Consider all your qualifications, not just the ones that have to do with your single-parent status.
• Use a scholarship search tool: SoFi’s scholarship search tool, arranged in order of closest deadline, helps you see scholarships by keyword, award type, location, study level, and more. Learn more about SoFi’s monthly $2,500 Scholarship Sweepstakes.
The Takeaway
Securing a scholarship can be a transformative experience for single moms pursuing higher education, providing both financial support and motivation to achieve academic and career goals. By understanding the various scholarships available, carefully reviewing eligibility requirements, and submitting strong applications, you can significantly reduce the cost of your education and focus more on your studies.
And if scholarships aren’t enough to pay for the cost of college, you can rely on cash savings or federal and private student loans.
If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.
FAQ
Is there a limit on how many scholarships you can apply for?
No, you can apply for as many scholarships as you want, but keep in mind that the college or university that you apply to may revoke some awards if you earn more in outside scholarships than the allowable limit. For example, if you receive a $10,000 outside scholarship, it may affect your financial aid award. Get in touch with the college or university of your choice to learn more.
Are there scholarships for single dads, too?
Absolutely! Use Google to search for scholarships for single dads, just like you would for scholarships or grants for single mothers. Ask your college or university for information about other scholarships and awards (including merit-based scholarships) you can apply for, as well.
Do I need to be a full-time student for single mom scholarships?
No, not necessarily. While some grants and scholarships require you to be a full-time student, others may accept part-time students. However, check the scholarship requirements. If it’s not clear, check with the scholarship committee for more information.
About the author
Melissa Brock
Melissa Brock is a higher education and personal finance expert with more than a decade of experience writing online content. She spent 12 years in college admission prior to switching to full-time freelance writing and editing. Read full bio.
Photo credit: iStock/miniseries
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