Grants that help Single Mothers Returning to School & get their Degrees
Single mothers returning to their studies can access significant financial support through federal programs based on financial need, private foundations, and state-specific grants designed to cover tuition, books, and living expenses. Since grants do not have to be repaid, they serve as an ideal foundation for financing higher education.
Federal Education Grants
Submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the crucial first step toward accessing public funding, as most universities and states use it to determine eligibility.
Federal Pell Grant
This program awards up to $7,395 annually to undergraduate students demonstrating financial need. Beginning in July 2026, Pell Grants will also be expanded to cover high-quality, short-term career training programs.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
This grant, administered by educational institutions themselves, awards between $100 and $4,000 annually to students demonstrating exceptional financial need. Funds are limited and are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis through participating institutions.
TEACH Grant
This program offers up to $4,000 per year if you plan to teach a high-demand subject at a low-income elementary or secondary school. Note: You must fulfill a four-year service obligation after graduation; otherwise, the grant will convert into a loan that must be repaid with interest.
Grants from Private Entities and Foundations
Many non-profit organizations offer grants nationwide, designed specifically to help mothers and non-traditional students achieve financial independence.
“Live Your Dream” Award
Administered by Soroptimist International, this program invests over $3 million annually to support women who serve as the primary financial pillars of their households. It helps recipients obtain academic degrees or specialized skills training to improve their employment prospects.
Jeannette Rankin Academic Grants for Women
This fund awards up to $2,000 to low-income women — aged 35 or older — who are returning to their studies to earn a technical certificate, an associate degree, or their first bachelor’s degree.
Patsy Takemoto Mink Foundation Scholarship
Offers up to $5,000 to low-income mothers seeking to obtain their first post-secondary degree or vocational training.
ANSWER Scholarship
Offers up to $22,000 to single mothers — aged 25 or older — with school-aged children, who are currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree. The program combines financial aid with robust mentorship and career-oriented learning opportunities.
Emma Johnson Grant for Single Mothers
A private initiative that awards $1,000 per month to single mothers striving to build a positive life, advance their careers, and support their families.
Specialised and Regional Aid
Your place of residence and your field of study can open doors to localized assistance programs; some of these are specifically designed to cover the hidden costs associated with returning to school, such as childcare.
State-Level Grants
Programs such as those offered by the Maryland Higher Education Commission’s Office of Student Financial Assistance provide specific pathways — such as Part-Time Grant Programs, “2+2” Transfer Scholarships, and “Community College Promise” Scholarships — aimed at reducing barriers to educational access for state residents.
Childcare and Comprehensive Support
Organizations like Georgia’s “Nana Grants” cover 100% of childcare costs for low-income student mothers enrolled in accredited institutions. Similarly, Pennsylvania’s “Parent Pathways” Initiative directly funds universities, enabling them to provide tuition assistance and emergency comprehensive support services to student parents.
Tips for Success
Apply early: funds are limited and are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Craft a strong personal statement that highlights your goals and challenges.
Look for local community foundations; many offer financial aid awards that, while modest, have a significant impact.
Summury
Educational scholarships provide single mothers with the opportunity to rebuild their future through education, without the burden of debt. By combining federal, state, and non-profit resources, single mothers can access the support they need to thrive both academically and financially.
