These are some of the most sought after grants out there. School can be a great way to increase your earning power, but in the short run, if you don’t apply for financial aid, it sure can feel like it’s leaving you without a penny. The good news is, whether you’re just starting college or heading back after some time away, there are plenty of resources available to help with the costs (which can be overwhelming, to say the least). Education grants can be used to cover not only tuition, but also expenses such as college housing, textbooks and even computers. Availability and restrictions of grants for single moms going back to school vary widely. Don’t forget to look at available private and government grant money.
- Pell Grants. These need-based federal college grants are disbursed directly to students (some of them single mothers) to cover general college-related expenses up to a certain amount. Pell Grants for single moms and other students change each year. (The current cap is $5,550.) Although Pell Grants are not just for single moms, this is a great way to get the financial assistance that you may need. Like many college grants, you must apply by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (known as the FAFSA). Note: When they say “free” application, they mean it; you can fill this form out directly and should not have to pay anyone to do it for you, unless you so choose. Not all federal grants are free. This is one of the rare free applications that you’ll find out there.
- Other Federal Grants. The federal government has several other school grants for single moms, most of which require you to be Pell Grant-eligible and fill out the FAFSA (see above). Here is a list of grants. The Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant is for those with exceptional financial need and offers $100-$4,000. The Academic Competitiveness Grant is for single mothers who completed secondary school after 2005. This grant offers financial aid that can be as much as $750 in the first year or $1,300 in the second. The National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant (for third- or fourth-year students) offers up to $4,000. The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education is great if you’re looking for grants for students who want to prepare for a career in teaching. You can get as much as $4,000 with this option. However, not all financial aid comes free. In this case, it must be repaid unless you teach for four years in a low-income or high-need area. Another option for single mother grants is the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant for students under 24 whose parents died in service after September 11, 2001. Although this may not apply to a large population of women, it’s worth mentioning. This money is equal to the Pell Grant maximum, which changes yearly. Single moms aren’t the only people who can qualify for these grants, but it’s a great place to start looking for financial aid. Check the Web for more full descriptions and eligibility information about grants for single mothers to go to college.
- National and Local Scholarships. Generally merit-based rather than need-based scholarships are similar to grants in that they don’t need to be repaid. Many national corporations and associations offer educational scholarships, including Google (They offer grants for single moms going to school for computing and technology development.); AARP (They have financial aid for single mothers over 40.); the Jeanette Rankin Foundation (You can find grants for women over 35.); and the Association for Women in Science. In addition to these, you may also find local or state grants. The federal government also has a searchable database of scholarships that you may want to check out. (Many of these grants are specific to certain colleges.) Be sure to check with local organizations and schools to see if they offer financial help, too. As always, beware of scams; you should never have to pay money to win money. The free grants are probably your best bet.
- Your Company. If you work and are going back to school, check with your employer to see if they have any grants for single mothers. An estimated 60 percent of U.S. companies offer tuition assistance as an employee benefit. The IRS currently allows companies to provide up to $5,250 a year per employee (though not all are so generous), so your employer may be able to help you out. There are organizations that help single mothers in South Carolina, Michigan, Oklahoma and most other states. As previously mentioned, not all grants are free. Be aware that many education grants usually come with strings attached: Your academic performance will often set the bar for how much money you get. Some companies ask you to pay the costs and then reimburse you later. Other companies have a requirement that you work for them for a certain length of time after you’ve completed your education before they’ll agree to offer you money for college. If those requirements work for you though, you may be able to take advantage of the company’s grants for college.
- Your College. Colleges often have grants and other financial help for single mothers. These are available for accepted students, and some are even specific to single mothers. The money can help with the costs of textbooks, computers, tuition, housing and more. Be sure to check with the financial aid office of schools you are interested in attending to find out what grants are available. If you only need help with a portion of your schooling, such as computers, the financial aid office should be able to help you learn how to find grants for school technology things as well. “There are grants all over, but you have to ask,” says Britton of Parents Without Partners. “It’s not like they offer it up.” So when looking for loans, grants, or scholarships for moms, don’t forget to check out the school you’re attending as well.
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