Last updated on March 31, 2025

Single Parent Scholarships with 2025 Deadlines

The following Single Parent Scholarships are found only on Bold.org!

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  1. Poynter Scholarship

    Funded by
    The Poynter Foundation
    This scholarship aims to support parents who are pursuing their own academic goals while encouraging the educational ambitions of their children.
    • Education Level: Undergraduate or graduate student
    • GPA: 2.8 or higher
    • Background: Single-parent with a school-aged child or children
    $6,000
    Only 16 days left!
    One Click Apply
    1
  2. Resilient Scholar Award

    Funded by
    Lana Chou
    This scholarship seeks to support students who have overcome hardships in pursuing their journey to college.
    • Education Level: High school student
    • Background: Single-parent and/or guardian household
    $1,000
    Only 24 days left!
    One Click Apply
    2
  3. Minority/BIPOC Students in STEM Scholarship

    Funded by
    Floyd|Snider
    This scholarship seeks to support underrepresented students as they prepare to pursue their college education.
    • Education Level: High school or undergraduate student
    • Field of Study: Environmental or civil engineering, geology, or environmental science
    • Race: BIPOC
    • State: Oregon, Idaho, or Washington
    $10,000
    Deadline:May 01, 2025
    One Click Apply
    3
  4. Jennifer Gephart Memorial Working Mothers Scholarship

    Funded by
    Andrew Gephart
    This scholarship is dedicated to the memory of Jennifer Gephart, mother of two and military spouse, whose work not only supported her children but also added meaning to her life while she made a difference in the lives of those she served and who worked alongside her.
    • Background: Mother
    $3,000
    Deadline:May 10, 2025
    One Click Apply
    4
  5. Curtis Holloway Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Lesley Holloway
    This scholarship seeks to honor the life of Curtis Holloway by supporting a student who has lost a parent or lives in a single-parent household.
    • Education Level: High school or undergraduate student
    • Background: Has lost a parent or lives in a single-parent household
    $2,000
    Deadline:May 18, 2025
    One Click Apply
    5
  6. Jerrye Chesnes Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Chesnes
    This scholarship will honor the memory of Jerrye Chesnes and support college students returning to school after a break in education to raise children.
    • Education Level: Undergraduate or graduate
    • Background: Parent, returning to school
    $500
    Deadline:Jun 01, 2025
    One Click Apply
    6
  7. Vickie Drum Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    David Cline
    In honor of Vickie Drum, this scholarship will support North Carolina female students with a child in their pursuit of higher education
    • State: NC
    • Background: Female student with a child
    • GPA: 3.0+
    • Education Level: Undergraduate
    $2,000
    Deadline:Jun 01, 2025
    One Click Apply
    7
  8. Gina Colosimo Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Jeffrey Craig’s Hair Concepts Inc. DBA Color Room Salon & Day Spa.
    This scholarship seeks to honor the memory of Gina Colosimo by supporting a cosmetology student who is following in her footsteps.
    • Education Level: Cosmetology student
    • Background: Single parent
    $2,000
    Deadline:Jun 23, 2025
    One Click Apply
    8
  9. Debra Victoria Scholarship

    Funded by
    Thomas-Banks
    This scholarship aims to honor the legacy of Debra Victoria by supporting underrepresented students from single-parent households so they can complete their education.
    • Race: BIPOC
    • Education Level: Undergraduate student
    • GPA: 3.0 or higher
    • Family: Single-parent household
    $645
    Deadline:Jun 30, 2025
    One Click Apply
    9
  10. Joseph Joshua Searor Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Searor
    This scholarship seeks to honor the life of Joseph Joshua Searor by supporting students who share his passion for nursing and education.
    • Education Level: Undergraduate, trade school, or graduate student
    • Field of Study: Nursing
    $5,000
    Deadline:Jul 05, 2025
    One Click Apply
    10
  11. Iliana Arie Scholarship

    Funded by
    dimitrula velez
    This scholarship aims to honor the memory of Iliana Arie Velez by supporting students who share her incredible spirit.
    • Background: From a single-parent household
    • Education Level: High school senior or undergraduate student
    • State: Texas
    $515
    Deadline:Aug 09, 2025
    One Click Apply
    11
  12. Andrea N. Santore Scholarship

    Funded by
    Bronson Loatman
    This scholarship seeks to honor the life of Andrea N. Santore by supporting students who are pursuing her fields of interest.
    • Background: From a single-parent family
    • Financial Status: Low-income
    • Education Level: High school or undergraduate student
    • Field of Study: Veterinary medicine or a business-related field
    $1,856
    Deadline:Aug 28, 2025
    One Click Apply
    12
  13. Jill S. Tolley Scholarship

    Funded by
    Caleb Banegas
    This scholarship aims to support single mothers so they can overcome the obstacles they face and complete their college degrees.
    • Background: Single mother
    • Education Level: High school senior, undergraduate, trade school or graduate student
    $500
    Deadline:Apr 30, 2026
    One Click Apply
    13
  14. Dr. Alexanderia K. Lane Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Caroline Rufyikiri
    This scholarship will support students in undergraduate or trade school.
    • Education Level: Undergraduate or trade school
    $10,000
    Scholarship is awarded to
    1 winner
    Deadline:Oct 01, 2023
    One Click Apply
    14
  15. Charles Pulling Sr. Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Carrie Mochan
    This scholarship seeks to honor the memory of Charles Pulling Sr. by supporting those who want to provide a better life or experience for their families and feel furthering their education is the best way to do so.
    • Age: Over 25
    $2,000
    Scholarship is awarded to
    2 winners
    Deadline:Dec 06, 2024
    One Click Apply
    15
  16. AMPLIFY Diversity in Technology Scholarship

    Funded by
    Steph Smith
    This scholarship exists to amplify underrepresented voices in technology.
    • Status: Underrepresented group
    $700
    Scholarship is awarded to
    1 winner
    Deadline:Dec 01, 2021
    One Click Apply
    16
  17. Raise Me Up to DO GOOD Scholarship

    Funded by
    Ginger Zappa
    This scholarship seeks to support students who have been raised by parents who have made an impact on them and their ambitions.
    • Education Level: High school senior, undergraduate, or trade school student
    • GPA: 3.0 GPA or higher
    • Background: From a single-parent or blended-family home
    $3,650
    Scholarship is in review
    Deadline:Mar 15, 2025
    One Click Apply
    17
  18. TALSN Scholarship for Certified Nursing Assistants

    Funded by
    TALSN Professional Services
    This scholarship will support everyday people to develop and grow into a profession of nursing without the financial burden.
    All students are eligible
    $1,610
    Scholarship is awarded to
    2 winners
    Deadline:Oct 01, 2021
    One Click Apply
    18
  19. Sola Family Scholarship

    Funded by
    Mariko Sola
    This scholarship seeks to honor some amazing single mothers by supporting students who have been raised by a single mom.
    • Education Level: High school or undergraduate student
    • Background: Child of a single mother
    $1,000
    Scholarship is awarded to
    1 winner
    Deadline:Sep 23, 2024
    One Click Apply
    19
  20. Larry Darnell Green Scholarship

    Funded by
    Gloria Green
    This scholarship aims to honor Larry’s legacy by helping single parents or the children of single parents afford their college education.
    • Education Level: High school senior or undergraduate student
    • Family: Single parent or the child of a single parent
    $500
    Scholarship is awarded to
    1 winner
    Deadline:Feb 01, 2025
    One Click Apply
    20

For single parents, pursuing higher education can change their life and their children's—but it's not without cost. On the road to getting a better job, single parents will need to juggle parenting, schoolwork, and even part-time work.

Single-parent scholarships can help reduce some financial burdens of returning to college. As they already need to pay for school and child-related expenses, some extra cash for tuition can go a long way. With single-parent financial aid from federal grants, including the Pell Grant, and private scholarships like the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund, this list includes some of the most relevant forms of financial support.

Bold.org's commitment to finding the best resources to help you finance your undergraduate degree means we provide scholarships for students of all backgrounds. Whether you're a first-time student attending college or returning, we want to connect you with the best financial support.

Create a free profile with Bold.org today to find more scholarships for college students of all backgrounds!

Best Single Parent Scholarships

1. Scholarships for Single Mothers

These scholarships are specifically for women who are single parents. The struggles of motherhood and being a student can give anyone a headache. While financial aid may not pay for all of your tuition, single-mom scholarships can help reduce some of your financial stress.

2. Scholarships For First-Generation Students

A college education is especially exciting for first-generation students. If no one in your family has attended college before, you may be eligible for these grants. Single parents who don't have relatives who have gone to college may find it even more difficult to break into higher education, which is why these scholarships provide assistance.

3. Scholarships for Immigrants

Navigating a new country with your children is no easy feat. A college degree is often one of the fastest ways to achieve upward mobility after relocating. If you're a single parent who's emigrated to the United States, see if these scholarships can offer you support.

4. Scholarships for Returning Students

Students who have had to suspend their college education can get back into the groove of going to class with these college scholarships for returning students. With opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, anyone who's had to take a break from school can get a break from student loans with these scholarships.

5. Generations College Single Parent Scholarship

This scholarship covers up to $3,500 per semester in tuition fees for single parents. Applicants must attend Generations College and be Pell Grant eligible to apply. Single parents pursuing an associate's degree may be able to attend their classes for free with this scholarship. Generations College offers classes online or on campus in Chicago.

Need-Based Scholarships to Fund Your College Education

1. Need-Based Scholarships

These scholarships provide financial assistance to single parents who can demonstrate they have financial need. Filling out the FAFSA for need-based aid often does the heavy lifting when raising money to pursue higher education, but these need-based scholarships can help supplement your budget if the FAFSA doesn't provide you with enough.

2. Grants to Pay Off Student Loans

Similarly, single parents should use these grants to both pay off any existing student loan debt and avoid incurring more. If school is taking longer than you thought, or there have been unforeseen educational expenses, apply for these grants.

3. Pell Grant

The federal Pell Grant is awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional financial need and have not yet earned a college degree. Single parents can apply by submitting the FAFSA to receive award amounts that can go up to $7,000.

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Why College Scholarships Matter for Single Parents

Single parents are people living with at least one biological or adopted child who may have been divorced, separated, widowed, single, never married, or not living with a partner. The United States has among the highest rates of children living with a single parent. 23% of children under the age of 18 in the United States live with one parent and no other adults.

Supporting Single Parents Supports Families

Single parents are an important part of society who take on the burden of raising children and often working at the same time, contributing to both economic circulation and domestic life all on their own. This daunting task should be supported by the community, as with single parent scholarships.

Helping to fund the education of single parents also has an undeniable effect on their children. Parents who are under less financial stress are able to provide better care for their children. In addition, a college degree may help a single parent find a higher-paying job, which will mean higher-quality food and education for their child.

How Scholarships Provide Financial Assistance to Single Parents

If you are a parent who's part of this large percentage of families in the United States, you may be so focused on providing for your family that you are not thinking about getting a college education. However, a college education can allow single parents to access new careers and sometimes can help families get out of poverty.

If you are a single parent, it can be incredibly difficult to invest in a college education. Most college students leave college with large amounts of debt, so for single parents who are often the primary financial support in a family, it can be incredibly difficult to keep up with tuition payments while caring for their children.

Additionally, single parents may already be struggling financially. About 30% of sin­gle par­ents live in pover­ty, compared to just 6% of mar­ried cou­ples. For single parents who wish to graduate from college, financial aid like scholarships, grants, and loans are crucial in order to bring down tuition prices and make college more affordable.

College scholarships and grants can significantly reduce the cost of an undergraduate education. As most single parents' income likely goes towards supporting themselves and their children, scholarships can help parents save up for college without taking away money from childcare and rent.

A college degree helps single parents move upwards in society without incurring further debt. This allows single mothers and fathers to allocate some of their attention to school after demands for childcare and other expenses have been met.

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How to Pay for College as a Single Parent

When you are struggling to care for your child and keep up with schoolwork and work, it can seem difficult or even impossible for single parents to get an undergraduate or graduate degree. For single parents attending college, there are plenty of ways to keep up with tuition payments.

Most single parents will likely need a combination of these forms of aid to afford school:

  1. Federal financial aid and grants
  2. Private scholarships
  3. School financial aid packages

1. Federal Financial Aid and Grants

By filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or the FAFSA, you can gain access to student loans, grants, and scholarships that can help provide financial assistance. Once you fill out the FAFSA, your college will receive your information and will use it to figure out how much aid you may receive at that school.

2. Private Scholarships

While a lot of scholarships, grants, and some federal student loans require you to demonstrate financial need in order to receive money, there are options for single parents who need more financial aid. Although private loans are an option, they have to be repaid, and the interest rates can be difficult to keep up with. If you don't want to deal with repayment, private scholarships are a great way for college students to get financial assistance that doesn't have to be repaid.

While there are plenty of other places to find scholarships, including through local or state governments, private organizations like Bold.org can help you discover a variety of scholarships easily and quickly. For single parents who are incredibly busy, this can be extremely useful.

3. School Financial Aid Packages

Filling out the FAFSA may also automatically qualify you for some aid packages meant to support students. Whether you're attending a community college or in graduate school, your university likely has some financial aid services available. When applying for schools, research what kinds of aid they'll offer before you make your choice.

Some universities even offer scholarships specific to single parents, and, in some cases, these are full-tuition scholarships. An example of a full-tuition scholarship for single parents is Generations College's Single Parent Scholarship. This scholarship subsidizes the remaining cost of tuition after grants are applied, meaning most single parents will be able to receive an associate's degree free of charge.

How to Qualify for Scholarships for Single Parents

While some scholarships may require you to have a level of financial need or a minimum GPA, there are certain qualifications that a student must have in order to apply for single-parent scholarships. Applying for scholarship money can be a time commitment, so you want to make sure that you're eligible for all of the many scholarships you're applying for.

Raising One or More Children by Yourself

Single-parent scholarships are scholarships aimed toward people who are raising at least one child without the help of a partner. If you're divorced, a widower, or if another circumstance has caused you to raise your children alone, you should check out the scholarships above.

Meet Any Other Eligibility Requirements

Some single parent scholarships have additional requirements beyond just being a single parent or a child of single parents. Students could need to have a certain field of study, education level, or career goals in order to get financial assistance. Make sure you're checking all of the eligibility criteria for scholarships before you take the time to apply.

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How to Apply for Single Parent Scholarships

1. Research and Prioritize Scholarships

Start by searching for scholarships specifically designed for single parents, as well as general scholarships that match your background, education goals, or field of study. Use online scholarship databases, community organizations, and your school’s financial aid office as resources. Make a list of scholarships with eligibility criteria, application requirements, and deadlines. Prioritize scholarships with higher award amounts and those that align well with your circumstances.

2. Gather Required Documents

Collect all necessary documents early, such as transcripts, proof of enrollment, financial statements, and identification. Many scholarships for single parents may also require documentation of your parenting status, household income, or a personal statement explaining your situation. Having these materials ready in advance will make the application process smoother and help you meet deadlines.

3. Write Strong, Personalized Essays

Many scholarships require an essay or personal statement. Take the opportunity to share your story, including the challenges and strengths of being a single parent pursuing education. Highlight your goals, perseverance, and how the scholarship will support your journey. Tailor each essay to the specific scholarship, addressing any prompts or criteria provided by the selection committee. Proofread your essays to ensure they are clear, genuine, and free of errors.

4. Apply and Follow Up

Submit your completed applications before the deadlines, keeping copies of all your submissions. Organize your application dates and set reminders to ensure nothing is missed. If appropriate, follow up with the scholarship providers to confirm receipt of your application. Continue to search for new opportunities and apply regularly, as many scholarships have rolling deadlines or open applications throughout the year.

Tips for Applying to Single Parent Scholarships

  1. Look for Niche Scholarships: Many scholarships are specifically designed for single parents or non-traditional students. Search through scholarship databases, community organizations, and local resources that support single parents or adult learners. These niche scholarships often have less competition and may offer more tailored support.
  2. Apply for Federal and State Aid: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as possible to determine eligibility for grants, work-study programs, and low-interest student loans. Many schools and states also use FAFSA information to award additional aid, which can significantly reduce education costs.
  3. Consider Flexible Education Options: Explore programs that offer flexible schedules, online courses, or part-time enrollment. Many institutions provide support services for single parents, such as childcare, counseling, or academic advising, which can help balance education with parenting responsibilities.
  4. Leverage Community Resources: Many nonprofit organizations, local governments, and community centers offer financial aid, grants, or scholarships for single parents. Additionally, some employers provide tuition assistance or scholarships for employees continuing their education.
  5. Plan and Stay Organized: Create a calendar or spreadsheet to track scholarship deadlines, financial aid applications, and required documents. Staying organized helps ensure you meet all deadlines and submit complete applications, improving your chances of receiving financial support.
  6. Budget and Explore Additional Assistance: Develop a budget that considers tuition, books, living expenses, and childcare costs. Look for programs that offer childcare assistance, food support, or housing aid to help alleviate financial pressure while attending school.

Additional Resources for Single Parents

1. Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund

This fund helps Arkansas residents raise children and attend school without a partner. While it's only available in the state of Arkansas, it's a valuable resource for any single parents who live here as it provides financial assistance and personal support for single parents transitioning to undergraduate students.

2. Generations College Single Parent Scholarship

If you're looking to pursue an associate's degree online, this scholarship might be of interest to you. Single parents who enroll in the associate degree program at Generations College are eligible for up to $3,500 per semester to help with tuition costs. In some cases, you may be able to attend for free, depending on the cost of your classes and school supplies.

3. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

The FSEOG provides students with between $100 and $4,000 per year to pay for tuition costs. While the range of award money is extremely wide, the grant is need-based, meaning the more money you need, the more you will get. Single parents can apply by submitting the FAFSA.

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