Grants for Single Mothers in College
Single mothers returning to college can access federal and state grants to cover tuition, textbooks, childcare, housing, and living expenses. With 125 verified grant opportunities available, you can pursue your degree without taking on additional debt.
Types of College Grants for Single Mothers
Tuition & Textbook Grants
Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), state tuition assistance, and textbook vouchers for student parents.
Living Expense Support
Housing assistance, meal plans, transportation grants, and emergency funds for college-attending mothers facing financial hardship.
Childcare Assistance
On-campus childcare subsidies, dependent care grants, and after-school program funding for children of students.
Program-Specific Grants
Nursing, teacher education, STEM, and other program-specific grants for single mothers pursuing high-demand careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What grants can single mothers use for college?
Single mothers attending college can access federal Pell Grants, Federal Work-Study (FWS), Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), state tuition assistance programs, dependent care grants, and emergency financial aid. Many colleges also offer institutional grants specifically for student parents.
Do I need to repay grants for college?
No, grants are gift aid that never needs to be repaid. This differs from loans, which must be repaid with interest. Grants are available based on financial need and eligibility. Make sure to maintain satisfactory academic progress and meet your school's requirements to keep receiving grant funding.
How much grant money can single mothers receive?
Federal Pell Grant amounts range up to $7,395 for the 2024-2025 academic year (amounts change annually). FSEOG grants range from $100-$4,000 per year. State grants and institutional grants vary widely by school and state. Total aid depends on your financial need, enrollment status, and cost of attendance.
Can I get grants for dependent childcare while in college?
Yes. The federal Dependent Care Grant provides up to $3,000 annually for dependent care expenses while you attend school. Additionally, Federal Work-Study can include childcare positions on campus, and many schools offer subsidized childcare for student parents. Check your college's financial aid office for specific programs.
What counts as income for grant eligibility?
Grant eligibility is determined by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Income includes wages, self-employment earnings, child support, alimony, and other household income. Asset limits may also apply to certain grants. The FAFSA calculates your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) which determines your eligibility for federal and state grant programs.
How do I apply for college grants as a single mother?
Start by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at FAFSA.gov. Submit your FAFSA to your college's financial aid office, which will determine your eligibility for federal and state grants. Contact your school's financial aid office about dependent care grants, emergency aid, and institutional grants. Apply early, as some grants have limited funding.
Are there grants if I'm part-time or attend online?
Yes. Part-time students can receive Pell Grants, FSEOG, and state grants (eligibility varies by program and state). Your aid is calculated based on your enrollment status and expected cost of attendance. Online students may also qualify for the same grants as on-campus students—eligibility depends on the school's accreditation and your enrollment status.
What if I've already received a grant before?
You can continue receiving grants as long as you remain eligible. If you previously completed a degree and are now pursuing a different one, eligibility rules may differ (especially for Pell Grants, which have lifetime limits). Contact your financial aid office about your specific situation and any cumulative limits that may apply.
5 Steps to Get College Grants as a Single Mother
- Complete the FAFSA: Go to FAFSA.gov and submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid. You'll need your Social Security number, tax information, and proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible noncitizen status. File by your college's deadline to maximize aid.
- Enroll in a Degree Program: Grants require enrollment in an accredited degree or certificate program. Contact the college's admissions office and complete your enrollment documentation. Part-time enrollment qualifies for reduced grant amounts.
- Submit Financial Aid Paperwork: Provide your college's financial aid office with any requested documents (tax returns, verification forms, proof of dependent status, etc.). Missing documents can delay your aid. Respond to requests promptly.
- Review Your Financial Aid Offer: Your college will send a financial aid award letter showing grants, loans, and work-study. Review it carefully. Grants are the "free" aid portion. Contact your school if you have questions about dependent care or emergency grants.
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress: Continue meeting your school's SAP standards (GPA, completion percentage). Losing satisfactory progress status will suspend your grant eligibility until you appeal and regain good standing.
Key Resources for Single Mother Students
Federal Student Aid (StudentAid.gov)
Official government source for FAFSA, Pell Grants, FSEOG, and federal student aid information. Check grant amounts, deadlines, and eligibility requirements.
FAFSA.gov
Complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid online. Required to apply for federal and state grants, loans, and work-study.
College Board's BigFuture
Research colleges, scholarships, grants, and financial aid options. Includes tools for single parent students.
Grants.gov
Federal grant search database. Search for specific grant programs from federal agencies that support education and dependent care.
125 Verified Grant Opportunities
National Cancer Institute Youth Enjoy Science Research Education Program (R25 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
National Institutes of Health
View Grant Details →Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (Parent K01 - Independent Clinical Trial Required)
National Institutes of Health
View Grant Details →Risk and Protective Factors of Family Health and Family Level Interventions (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)
National Institutes of Health
View Grant Details →NIDCD's Mentored Research Education Pathway for Otolaryngology Residents and Medical Students (R25 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
National Institutes of Health
View Grant Details →Leveraging Network Infrastructure to Conduct Innovative Research for Women, Children, Pregnant and Lactating Women, and Persons with Disabilities (UG3/UH3 - Clinical Trial Optional)
National Institutes of Health
View Grant Details →Research Experiences and/or Mentoring Networks through Research Education to Enhance Clinician-Scientists' Participation in NIDCDs Research (R25 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
National Institutes of Health
View Grant Details →EONS 2018: Appendix E Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) for Sustainability and Innovation Collaborative – (MUSIC)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
View Grant Details →National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program - Opportunities in NASA STEM FY 2020 – 2024
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
View Grant Details →Facilities for Atmospheric Research and Education
U.S. National Science Foundation
View Grant Details →Development of Research-based Educational Outreach Materials
NCA Contracting
View Grant Details →International Research Experiences for Students
U.S. National Science Foundation
View Grant Details →Innovations in Graduate Education (IGE) Program
U.S. National Science Foundation
View Grant Details →Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Institutional Research Training Grant (Parent T32)
National Institutes of Health
View Grant Details →Hispanic-Serving Institutions: Enriching Learning, Programs, and Student Experiences
U.S. National Science Foundation
View Grant Details →Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Fellowship for Students at Institutions Without NIH-Funded Institutional Predoctoral Dual-Degree Training Programs (Parent F30)
National Institutes of Health
View Grant Details →Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Fellowship for Students at Institutions with NIH-Funded Institutional Predoctoral Dual-Degree Training Programs (Parent F30)
National Institutes of Health
View Grant Details →Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Predoctoral Fellowship (Parent F31)
National Institutes of Health
View Grant Details →Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Senior Fellowship (Parent F33)
National Institutes of Health
View Grant Details →Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Postdoctoral Fellowship (Parent F32)
National Institutes of Health
View Grant Details →Cancer Research Education Grants Program - Courses for Skills Development (R25 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
National Institutes of Health
View Grant Details →