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Last updated on November 18, 2024

The Best Single Parent Scholarships with Upcoming Deadlines in 2024

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SCHOLARSHIPS FEATURED BY:
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49 SCHOLARSHIPS
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  1. 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.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • 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
    Amount:$3,250
    Deadline:Mar 15, 2025
    One Click Apply
    1
  2. Judy Ann Watland Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Heather Oakley
    This scholarship seeks to help single mothers who are pursuing higher education so they have the support they need to complete their degrees.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school, undergraduate, or graduate student
    • Religion: Christian
    • Field of Study: Nursing
    • Background: Single mother
    Amount:$1,425
    Deadline is Approaching! 11 days left
    One Click Apply
    2
  3. Stephanie Staggers Curtis Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Stephanie's Perfect Gift
    This scholarship aims to support single mothers fron North Carolina or South Carolina who are balancing their education with their parental duties.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: Undergraduate student
    • Identity: Single mother
    • State: South Carolina or North Carolina
    Amount:$1,130
    Deadline:Jan 03, 2025
    One Click Apply
    3
  4. Linda Fontenot-Williams Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Yalonda Wright
    This scholarship aims to honor the life of Linda Fontenot-Williams by supporting single mothers throughout their education.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school or undergraduate student
    • Background: Single mother
    • Race: Black/African American
    Amount:$1,000
    Deadline is Approaching! 9 days left
    One Click Apply
    4
  5. Maria Scholarship

    Funded by
    Zachary Tarantino-Woolson
    This scholarship seeks to honor Maria's hard work and determination by supporting parents who are pursuing higher education.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: Undergraduate student
    • Identity: LGBTQIA+
    • Background: Parent
    Amount:$2,000
    Deadline is Approaching! 10 days left
    One Click Apply
    5
  6. 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

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • State: NC
    • Background: Female student with a child
    • GPA: 3.0+
    • Education Level: Undergraduate
    Amount:$2,000
    Deadline is Approaching! 11 days left
    One Click Apply
    6
  7. Mark D. Schwarck Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Angela Boswell
    This scholarship aims to honor the memory of Mark D. Schwarck by supporting students who have encountered barriers in their pursuit of higher education.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Background: Has overcome adversity
    • State: Iowa
    • Education Level: High school senior
    Amount:$1,000
    Deadline is Approaching! 25 days left
    One Click Apply
    7
  8. 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.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior or undergraduate student
    • Family: Single parent or the child of a single parent
    Amount:$500
    Deadline:Feb 01, 2025
    One Click Apply
    8
  9. 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.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: Undergraduate or graduate student
    • GPA: 2.8 or higher
    • Background: Single-parent with a school-aged child or children
    Amount:$6,000
    Deadline:Apr 15, 2025
    One Click Apply
    9
  10. Resilient Scholar Award

    Funded by
    Lana Chou
    This scholarship seeks to support students who have overcome hardships in pursuing their journey to college.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school student
    • Background: Single-parent and/or guardian household
    Amount:$1,000
    Deadline:Apr 23, 2025
    One Click Apply
    10
  11. Organic Formula Shop Single Parent Scholarship

    Funded by
    Organic Formula Shop
    This scholarship will be awarded to one student who is a single parent and is currently attending college while caring for their child.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Parental Status: Single Parent
    • Education Level: Undergraduate or graduate student
    Amount:$4,000
    Deadline:May 05, 2025
    One Click Apply
    11
  12. 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.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Background: Mother
    Amount:$3,000
    Deadline:May 10, 2025
    One Click Apply
    12
  13. 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.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: Undergraduate, trade school, or graduate student
    • Field of Study: Nursing
    Amount:$5,000
    Deadline:Jul 05, 2025
    One Click Apply
    13
  14. 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.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Background: From a single-parent household
    • Education Level: High school senior or undergraduate student
    • State: Texas
    Amount:$515
    Deadline:Aug 09, 2025
    One Click Apply
    14
  15. 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.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • 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
    Amount:$1,856
    Deadline:Aug 28, 2025
    One Click Apply
    15
  16. 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.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Age: Over 25
    Amount:$2,000
    Deadline:Nov 17, 2025
    One Click Apply
    16
  17. Dr. Alexanderia K. Lane Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Caroline Rufyikiri
    This scholarship will support students in undergraduate or trade school.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: Undergraduate or trade school
    Amount:$10,000
    Deadline:Oct 01, 2023
    One Click Apply
    Scholarship is awarded to
    1 winner
    17
  18. AMPLIFY Diversity in Technology Scholarship

    Funded by
    Steph Smith
    This scholarship exists to amplify underrepresented voices in technology.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Status: Underrepresented group
    Amount:$700
    Deadline:Dec 01, 2021
    One Click Apply
    Scholarship is awarded to
    1 winner
    18
  19. Law Family Single Parent Scholarship

    Funded by
    Law
    This scholarship seeks to support single parents so they can continue their education and create a better future for themselves.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Parental Status: Single parent
    Amount:$10,000
    Deadline:Apr 11, 2024
    One Click Apply
    Scholarship is awarded to
    2 winners
    19
  20. 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
    Amount:$1,610
    Deadline:Oct 01, 2021
    One Click Apply
    Scholarship is awarded to
    2 winners
    20
  21. 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.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school or undergraduate student
    • Background: Child of a single mother
    Amount:$1,000
    Deadline:Sep 23, 2024
    One Click Apply
    Scholarship is awarded to
    1 winner
    21
  22. Rebecca Hunter Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Ryan Lester
    This scholarship will support a single parent pursuing education in memory of Rebecca Hunter.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: Any
    • Parental Status: Single parent
    Amount:$1,200
    Deadline:Aug 01, 2024
    One Click Apply
    Scholarship is awarded to
    1 winner
    22
  23. Bald Eagle Scholarship

    Funded by
    Alexis Olivas
    This scholarship aims to provide assistance to students whose families have faced difficulties so they have the support needed to pursue higher education.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school or undergraduate student
    • Background: Family hardship (single-parent household, a widowed household, an immigrant family, a family who's experienced medical hardship, etc.)
    Amount:$2,000
    Deadline:Apr 14, 2024
    One Click Apply
    Scholarship is awarded to
    2 winners
    23
  24. Little Bundle Superdad Scholarship — College Award

    Funded by
    Little Bundle
    This scholarship will be given to one undergraduate or graduate every 6 months. All students who are either single fathers or are the children of single fathers are eligible to apply.
    All students are eligible
    Amount:$2,000
    Deadline:Jun 30, 2021
    One Click Apply
    Scholarship is awarded to
    1 winner
    24
  25. Barbara J. DeVaney Memorial Scholarship Fund

    Funded by
    Estate of Barbara DeVaney
    This scholarship seeks to honor the legacy of Barbara J. DeVaney by supporting women from demographics who often fall through the cracks.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school, undergraduate, graduate, or trade school student
    • Gender: Women
    • Identity/Background: Single mother, widow, immigrant, woman of color, first-generation college student, and/or survivor of abuse
    Amount:$90,000
    Deadline:Sep 21, 2023
    One Click Apply
    Scholarship is awarded to
    12 winners
    25
  26. Dimon A. Williams Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Arlecia Threbits
    This scholarship aims to honor the memory of Dimon A. Williams by supporting students from single-parent families who are pursuing higher education.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Family: Single-parent household
    • Education Level: High school or undergraduate student
    • GPA: 3.0 or higher
    • Background: Volunteering experience
    Amount:$1,050
    Deadline:Jul 26, 2024
    One Click Apply
    Scholarship is awarded to
    1 winner
    26
  27. Zakita D. Bond Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Zakia Yarbrough
    This scholarship will support a single mother or any education level.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: Any
    • Parental Status: Single mother
    Amount:$500
    Deadline:Dec 06, 2023
    One Click Apply
    Scholarship is awarded to
    1 winner
    27
  28. Empowering Motherhood Scholarship

    Funded by
    VeryVery
    The Empowering Motherhood Scholarship aims to support mothers seeking to further their education.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior, undergraduate, or graduate
    • Background: Mother, U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident
    Amount:$1,000
    Deadline:Feb 02, 2024
    One Click Apply
    Scholarship is awarded to
    1 winner
    28
  29. Yvela Michele Memorial Scholarship for Resilient Single Parents

    Funded by
    American Notary & Signing Services
    This scholarship seeks to ​​support single parents or the children of single parents who have overcome adversity and demonstrated a will to succeed.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student
    • Identity: Single parent or the child of a single parent
    Amount:$1,000
    Deadline:May 19, 2023
    One Click Apply
    Scholarship is awarded to
    1 winner
    29
  30. AB Foundation Scholarship

    Funded by
    AB Scholarship Foundation
    This scholarship will support college bound students who were pregnant during their high school years or children of teen mothers.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education level : High school senior & undergraduates
    • Background: Teen mom and/or child of a teen mom
    Amount:$10,220
    Deadline:Oct 01, 2024
    One Click Apply
    Scholarship is in review
    30
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30 / 49 scholarships shown

About 30 percent of families with children under 18 years old in the United States are single-parent families. Single parents have at least one biological or adopted child who lives with them. A single parent is a parent that may have been divorced, separated, widowed, never married, or not living with a partner.

If you are a parent, you may focus on providing for your family and not consider a college education. But 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. Moreover, sin­gle moth­ers are much more like­ly to be poor when com­pared to sin­gle fathers. For single parents who wish to graduate from college, financial aid like scholarships, grants, and loans are crucial to lowering tuition prices and making college more affordable.

In addition to helping single parents, financial aid can also help children of single parents. In the Unit­ed States, near­ly 24 mil­lion chil­dren live in a sin­gle-par­ent fam­i­ly. College scholarships and grants can significantly reduce the cost of undergraduate education. Suppose you are a single parent thinking about sending your children to college. In that case, looking into what financial aid is available either through the government or private organizations can be useful.

If you are a single parent or a child of a single parent who wants to get a college education, there are plenty of options for you. Sign up here and check which scholarships you are eligible to apply for right now!

Single Parent Scholarship Image 1

How does a single parent pay for college?

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

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 use it to determine how much aid you may receive at that school.

While many scholarships, grants, and some federal student loans require you to demonstrate financial need to receive money, there are options for single parents that need more financial aid. While private loans are an option, they must 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 the financial assistance they need 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.

Single Parent Scholarship Image 2

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 ensure you're eligible for all the many scholarships you're applying for.

Raising one or more children by yourself

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

Be the child of a single parent

While most scholarships seek to directly support single parents, there are some scholarships that aim to help the children of single parents. For these scholarships, students raised by a single parent can get scholarships for themselves in order to help their single parent pay for college.

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. Ensure you're checking all of the eligibility criteria for scholarships before you take the time to apply.

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How to find scholarships for single parents

You can find plenty of scholarships on Bold.org. If you go to our website, you can use the filter feature to browse scholarships by category. By going to the "family" category, you will be able to see all of the scholarships available to single parents. You can even bookmark scholarships you're interested in so you can go back to them later and apply.

If you're a single mother, you can also apply for scholarships specifically for you. Single mothers can find single parent scholarships on Bold.org.

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How to apply for single-parent scholarships

Applying for financial aid can be a daunting process, but it is an important step for your college education. On Bold.org, though, it is extremely easy to find and apply for scholarships.

On Bold.org, once you have a profile, you can apply for scholarships in only a few clicks. Applying for scholarships typically requires an essay submission, but no-essay scholarships often just require a few minutes to apply. Each scholarship will have relevant instructions or essay prompts in the description, making the application process simple.

When you apply for scholarships, keep in mind that there are certain ways to increase your chances of winning, such as having a detailed profile, earning as many bold points as possible, and writing impressive essays. Read on for our exclusive tips on winning!

When to start applying for scholarships

When it comes to securing financial aid for your college degree, it's never too early to start. You can begin applying for scholarships as early as high school so that you can apply for a larger range of scholarships and minimize your need for student loans. Many students begin applying for scholarships as high school seniors, but applying earlier will give you a head start on tackling your college costs.

However, don't worry if you're already in college and just starting to apply. Many scholarships are geared towards students pursuing college degrees or even graduate students, so you have plenty of time to apply. For single parents in college, especially, scholarships are still readily available whenever you need them.

Single Parent Scholarship Image 5

Frequently asked questions about single-parent scholarships

What percentage of single parents graduate college?

While there is not a lot of research about single-parent graduation rates, there is a lot of research on parents more generally and single mothers more specifically. 28% of single mothers graduated from college with a certificate or degree within six years in 2009, which was significantly lower than those without children and married women with children.

Furthermore, 52% of parents who are undergraduate students drop out of college before earning their degree. Most parents drop out because they are working full-time while they are in school, but with scholarships and other financial aid, it may be possible for more single parents to get their bachelor's degrees.

Are you a mom looking for scholarships? Apply today to our scholarships for moms!

Do colleges look at parents' income?

Yes, if you are a dependent, colleges do look at your parents' income to determine your Expected Family Contribution or EFC, but your income does not affect whether or not you get accepted into a school.

The EFC formula allocates 50 percent of a dependent student’s available income and anywhere from 22 to 47 percent of parents’ available income to cover college expenses. The amount of aid that you get will be determined by your school's financial aid office based on the provided EFC.

If you're a child of a single parent, your income and your EFC will only come from one parent, so you may be able to get more financial assistance from colleges to get through college. If you need financial aid, that does not look at parents' or students' income, though many private scholarships do not require students to provide any information about income level or financial need.

What gender is most likely to be a single parent?

Among single parents, 81% are single mothers, and only 19% are single fathers. In college, 43% of all student parents are single mothers, significantly higher than single fathers. Fathers in college are more likely to be married, while mothers are more likely to be single.

On Bold.org, we have many scholarship opportunities that can help anyone in a single-parent household. Browse Bold’s Scholarship Blog for more information about scholarships!