Single Parent Scholarships with 2025 Deadlines
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Poynter Scholarship
Funded byThe Poynter FoundationThis 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
$6,000Only 16 days left!One Click Apply1Resilient Scholar Award
Funded byLana ChouThis 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
$1,000Only 24 days left!One Click Apply2Minority/BIPOC Students in STEM Scholarship
Funded byFloyd|SniderThis 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
$10,000Deadline:May 01, 2025One Click Apply3Jennifer Gephart Memorial Working Mothers Scholarship
Funded byAndrew GephartThis 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
$3,000Deadline:May 10, 2025One Click Apply4Curtis Holloway Memorial Scholarship
Funded byLesley HollowayThis 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
$2,000Deadline:May 18, 2025One Click Apply5Jerrye Chesnes Memorial Scholarship
Funded byChesnesThis 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
$500Deadline:Jun 01, 2025One Click Apply6Vickie Drum Memorial Scholarship
Funded byDavid ClineIn 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
$2,000Deadline:Jun 01, 2025One Click Apply7Gina Colosimo Memorial Scholarship
Funded byJeffrey 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
$2,000Deadline:Jun 23, 2025One Click Apply8Debra Victoria Scholarship
Funded byThomas-BanksThis 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
$645Deadline:Jun 30, 2025One Click Apply9Joseph Joshua Searor Memorial Scholarship
Funded bySearorThis 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
$5,000Deadline:Jul 05, 2025One Click Apply10Iliana Arie Scholarship
Funded bydimitrula velezThis 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
$515Deadline:Aug 09, 2025One Click Apply11Andrea N. Santore Scholarship
Funded byBronson LoatmanThis 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
$1,856Deadline:Aug 28, 2025One Click Apply12Jill S. Tolley Scholarship
Funded byCaleb BanegasThis 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
$500Deadline:Apr 30, 2026One Click Apply13Dr. Alexanderia K. Lane Memorial Scholarship
Funded byCaroline RufyikiriThis scholarship will support students in undergraduate or trade school.- Education Level: Undergraduate or trade school
$10,000Scholarship is awarded to
1 winnerDeadline:Oct 01, 2023One Click Apply14Charles Pulling Sr. Memorial Scholarship
Funded byCarrie MochanThis 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
$2,000Scholarship is awarded to
2 winnersDeadline:Dec 06, 2024One Click Apply15AMPLIFY Diversity in Technology Scholarship
Funded bySteph SmithThis scholarship exists to amplify underrepresented voices in technology.- Status: Underrepresented group
$700Scholarship is awarded to
1 winnerDeadline:Dec 01, 2021One Click Apply16Raise Me Up to DO GOOD Scholarship
Funded byGinger ZappaThis 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
$3,650Scholarship is in reviewDeadline:Mar 15, 2025One Click Apply17TALSN Scholarship for Certified Nursing Assistants
Funded byTALSN Professional ServicesThis scholarship will support everyday people to develop and grow into a profession of nursing without the financial burden.All students are eligible$1,610Scholarship is awarded to
2 winnersDeadline:Oct 01, 2021One Click Apply18Sola Family Scholarship
Funded byMariko SolaThis 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
$1,000Scholarship is awarded to
1 winnerDeadline:Sep 23, 2024One Click Apply19Larry Darnell Green Scholarship
Funded byGloria GreenThis 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
$500Scholarship is awarded to
1 winnerDeadline:Feb 01, 2025One Click Apply20
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.
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.
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:
- Federal financial aid and grants
- Private scholarships
- 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.
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
For more free college guides and financial assistance, check out the scholarship blog on Bold.org!
Frequently Asked Questions
Some schools may subsidize all or most of your education if you are a single mother or father. There are some scholarships only available to single mothers, but plenty of single parent aid packages are available for single fathers as well. Check the financial aid policy of the school you're applying to and see if they'll pay for your education.
Federal grants like the Pell Grant and FSEOG will provide single parents with money to pursue a college degree, provided applicants can demonstrate financial need. Different states may also have different support programs for single parents, some of which may not be dependent on your education status.
Check the city and state you live in for existing local programs that help single mothers and fathers raise their children. Many areas offer assistance with childcare that may be partially or fully subsidized, depending on your situation. In addition, online services like Gingerbread offer single parents free advice and guidance on raising children and navigating adulthood as a single parent.