Being a single mom chasing a college degree can seem really hard at times. With the right guidance, you will get time to balance your family life and your academic goals. Scholarships for single moms are one of the most effective ways to reduce the financial load of higher education.
In 2026, across the country, you can find a variety of scholarships for single moms, state-specific ones, that can assist you in affording a college and realizing your dreams. Whether you are going back to school after an interval or you are just beginning your college life, there is a scholarship out there that can assist you in triumphing.
Let’s jump in and find the best scholarships for single parents available in 2026, along with the easy steps on how to apply.
Key Takeaways:
- What Are Scholarships for Single Moms? Single mom scholarships are financial assistance that covers the educational costs for single mothers who lack partners and have children to raise(at least 1).
- Top Scholarships for Single Moms in 2026: Single mothers back in school can use big grants like ANSWER Scholarship, Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Support Awards, and the WISP.
- State-Specific and Age-Specific Scholarships: Most states, such as Texas, Florida, or Georgia, have their own scholarships, which are state-specific and are more often provided to single moms who are over 30 or 40, such as the Jeannette Rankin National Scholar Grant.
- Steps to Apply: Find Research Scholarships, get the documents necessary (i.e., FAFSA, showing that you are a parent), and write an excellent personal statement to increase your chances of receiving the financial assistance.
10 Real Scholarships for Single Moms in 2026
Here you’ll find the best national scholarships for single parents. They fit moms in every part of the United States. Make sure you note the deadlines and get ready soon.
1. ANSWER Scholarship
ANSWER Scholarship offers a reward to single moms aged 25 and above with school-going children in the Carolinas. This fits the scholarships for single moms returning to college, which require mentoring, career development, and financial aid. To win this award, you need to prove that you are financially needy and that you are highly determined to study.
- Award Amount: Pay up to $2750 per year for a 2-year degree $5500 per year for a 4-year degree, for your studies.
- Application Period: November 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026.
- Deadline: February 28, 2026. Mark your calendar soon.
- How to Apply: Go to the ANSWER webpage and complete the online application, provide your finances, and a goal essay.
2. Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Support Awards
The scholarship is in honor of a congresswoman who struggled to assist low-income women, especially single mothers, pursuing vocational or degree programs. It works better with single moms who are older than 30 or those who are combining family and education. Applications are based on personal stories of success.
- Award Amount: Up to $5,000 to help with your education.
- Application Period: May 1, 2026, to August 1, 2026.
- Deadline: August 1, 2026.
- How to Apply: Go to the foundation site, complete the application, share a personal story essay, and provide income proof.
3. Women’s Independence Scholarship Program (WISP)
Women’s Independence Scholarship Program (WISP) is designed to support single mothers who have survived abuse by a partner and desire to become independent today. It is one of the main scholarships for single moms in college that has renewable funds that extend for 5 years. You have to demonstrate that you left the abuser one to ten years ago and demonstrate your need.
- Award Amount: $500 to $2,000 each semester or quarter.
- Application Period: Varies, as Spring 2026 opens in September 2025.
- Deadline: March 1, 2026, for the Spring term start.
- How to Apply: Go to the Sunshine Lady Foundation site and fill in your story. Add financial info and get references from people you trust.
4. Colwell Law Group 2026 Single Parent Scholarship
Colwell Law Group 2026 Single Parent Scholarship awards cash to single parents in undergrad, grad, or law programs. Scholarships for single parents, such as this, require an essay on challenges and triumphs as a parent. It helps extra if you study law or live in the New York area.
- Award Amount: $1,000 to support your school journey.
- Application Period: Open now through May 31, 2026.
- Deadline: May 31, 2026. Please submit on time.
- How to Apply: Visit the Colwell Law website and write a 750 to 1000-word essay. Send your resume and a school transcript as well.
5. Mom to Scholar Scholarship for Mothers
Mom to Scholar Scholarship for Mothers comes from Scholarships360 and helps moms resume their technical or college degrees. This matches scholarships for single moms over 35 who took time off and now want to finish their degrees. You need to explain how education will change your family’s future in the application.
- Award Amount: $1,000 for your education needs.
- Application Period: Open based on previous cycles.
- Deadline: January 31, 2026.
- How to Apply: Go to the Scholarships360 site and write a short essay. Click Apply Fast after you log in there.
6. Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund
Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund offers semester assistance to single parents seeking certificates, associate’s, or bachelor’s degrees. Southern scholarships for single moms like this include mentoring to keep you on track always. It covers Arkansas residents and some in Texas with kids at home.
- Award Amount: Up to $1,600 per semester for support.
- Application Period: Spring, January 1 to February 1, 2026, opens.
- Deadline: February 1, 2026, for the Spring semester start.
- How to Apply: File your FAFSA form first and visit the fund site. Submit proof of income and your single-parent status.
7. Bold.org Scholarships for Single Moms
Bold.org hosts many scholarships for single moms, including the Promising Pathways Single Parent Scholarship for low-income parents. Platforms like this make it easy to find single mom scholarships for college, with a variety of amounts and quick applications. Create a profile that’s compatible with the best options.
- Award Amount: Varies, for example, $2,000 for the Promising Pathways award.
- Application Period: Varies by each scholarship you choose.
- Deadline: December 2025 for some, like Promising Pathways one.
- How to Apply: Sign up on Bold.org, search single mom options, and apply with essays or clicks.
8. Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards
Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards provide grants to women who support their households and dependents, such as children. Scholarships for single moms going back to school, love this for empowerment focus and big possible payouts always. Apply through local clubs for a shot at the international funds level.
- Award Amount: Up to $16,000 to empower your dreams.
- Application Period: August 1 to November 15, 2026.
- Deadline: November 15, 2026. Set a reminder now.
- How to Apply: Find your local Soroptimist club online, submit financial need proof, and a dream essay.
9. Jeannette Rankin National Scholar Grant
The Jeannette Rankin National Scholar Grant targets women over 35 with low income who need their first degree or certification. Among the top scholarships for single moms over 30, it is renewed for up to five years to build self-sufficiency. You focus on the economic barriers your app faces.
- Award Amount: Up to $2,500 for your education path.
- Application Period: November 3, 2025, to February 13, 2026.
- Deadline: February 13, 2026, so apply early.
- How to Apply: Visit the Rankin Foundation site and provide income details. Share a personal story statement in your submission.
10. Newland & Newland Single Parent Scholarship
The Newland & Newland Single Parent Scholarship supports single parents pursuing law or related education paths in school. College scholarships for single moms like this require essays on your unique journey as a parent. It works for spring terms in various states, including Florida.
- Award Amount: $1,000 to aid your studies.
- Application Period: Open now for the Spring 2026 term.
- Deadline: Varies, so check the site often.
- How to Apply: Submit to the Newland site with an essay on single-parent life.
These legit scholarships for single moms can provide a strong foundation, but don’t stop there; combine them with state-specific aid for maximum support. For those seeking graduate scholarships for single moms or scholarships for single moms in graduate school, many, like the Colwell Law Group, apply to grad programs, offering flexibility for advanced degrees.
Government Scholarships and Financial Help for Single Mothers
Beyond private awards, the government helps boost scholarships for single moms with free grants that you do not have to repay ever. In 2026, Pell Grant provides up to $7,395 to low-income students, including single mothers, depending on need. States provide special assistance, such as Missouri’s Access Missouri Financial Assistance, up to $10,000.
To receive priority funds in the form of financial aid to single moms in college, fill out your FAFSA early each year. Federal student aid for single parents makes college more affordable for you.
State-Specific Scholarships for Single Moms
Where you live matters a lot for the scholarships for single moms you can get. Many states run programs that fit local needs just right. Here we highlight key ones from popular search areas.
1. Scholarships for Single Moms in Texas
- Rolando Jimenez Memorial Foundation Scholarship: Assists students whose parents are no longer alive (many single-mother families) and provides college students with varying amounts of money. Deadlines: March-April 2026.
- Elizabeth Anne Ala Scholarship: Up to $3,000 grant is given to those who are residents of Texas and who are seeking an education. Deadlines: March-April 2026.
- Texas Educational Opportunity Grant: This grant is awarded to single mothers returning to school and is administered by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Deadlines: March-April 2026.
2. Scholarships for Single Moms in Florida
- Step Up For Students Scholarship: Single moms can receive up to $7,800 and renew it to postsecondary studies. Applications open in November 2025 for 2026 awards.
- Florida Bright Futures Scholarship: It is a merit-based scholarship that could finance single moms in college programs. Applications open in November 2025 for 2026 awards.
- Newland & Newland Single Parent Scholarship: Provides a single parent with a scholarship of $1,000 in law. Applications open in November 2025 for 2026 awards.
- Florida Student Scholarship and Grant Programs: This has single mothers as beneficiaries. Applications open in November 2025 for 2026 awards.
3. Scholarships for Single Moms in Georgia
- AAA Scholarship Foundation: Awards up to $9,000 to families in need, single moms included. Deadlines: early awards by the end of 2025.
- Georgia Promise Scholarship: Up to $6,500 is awarded up to 2026, with more focus on access. Deadlines: early awards by the end of 2025.
- HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarships: Single mothers are allowed to access them, but they require degrees to do so, which are based on merit. Deadlines: early awards by the end of 2025.
4. Scholarships for Single Moms in Ohio
- EdChoice Scholarship: Assists in the costs of private education up to college-level assistance. Deadlines: January 2026.
- Ohio Township Association Scholarship: Up to $1,500. Deadlines: January 2026.
- Catalyst Scholarship on Bold.org: $10,000 is available to Ohio residents. Deadlines: January 2026.
- College Now Greater Cleveland: Provides local assistance to single moms. Deadlines: January 2026.
5. Scholarships for Single Moms in Indiana
- Huggable Supermom Scholarship: Single moms or those affected receive $2,000. Applications: February 2026.
- Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship: Paid in full tuition with Indiana residents. Applications: February 2026.
- 21st Century Scholars Program: Provides assistance to low-income students, even single parents. Applications: February 2026.
6. Scholarships for Single Moms in Arkansas
- Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund: Provides single parents with up to $1,600 each semester of certificate, associate, or bachelor’s degree programs, with consideration of childcare needs. Deadlines: February 1, 2026, and spring applications opened in January.
- Phyllis A. Keltner Foundation of Women Scholarship: Grants UA Little Rock opportunities to single parents with dependents. Deadlines: February 1, 2026.
7. Scholarships for Single Moms in Utah
- Live Your Dream Utah Single Mother Scholarship: Scholarship up to $3,000 to single mothers to any college or technical institution. Deadlines: November 1, 2026.
- Stella H. Oaks Foundation: This is aimed at empowering single mothers through the provision of skills and education. Deadlines: Relies on the check location of a cycle.
- CSAR Beatrice F. Kroesche Memorial Scholarship: Gives awards of $1,500 per semester to parents of undergraduate students who have raised single-parent families. Deadlines: November 1, 2026.
8. Scholarships for Single Moms in Arizona
- Helping Hands for Single Moms – Phoenix Scholarship: Awards vary for single moms in the Phoenix area with a child under eleven. Deadlines: Rolling for 2026.
- Pathways for Single Moms: Covers tuition, childcare, and a stipend for low-income single moms. Deadlines: Varies, check the site for 2026.
- Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation Scholarship: Up to $1,500 for single moms at Maricopa colleges. Deadlines: March to April 2026
Scholarships for Specific Demographics
1. Scholarships for Single Black Mothers
- UNCF General Scholarship: Awards more than $100 million each year to minorities, including single black moms. Deadlines: March-May 2026.
- NAACP Scholarships: Provides awards of up to $2,000 to 5,000 to high achievers among black single mothers. Deadlines: March-May 2026.
- Black Girl Vitamins Scholarship: Awards up to $5,000 to black women and moms. Deadlines: April 30, 2026.
- Frazier “Sister-to-Sister” Scholarship: Provides African American women with education funds to parent siblings. Deadlines: March-May 2026.
2. Scholarships for Single Moms Over 30 and Over 40
- AARP Foundation Women Scholarships Program: Aids women who are above 50 years old in higher education. Deadlines: Varies, check often.
- Toptal Scholarship for Women: Supports women over 40 years old in continuing their careers with a college degree. Deadlines: Varies, see site.
- Bottalla Scholarship: This is a scholarship of up to $1,500 given to any woman who is over 30 and returning to school. Deadlines: November 1, 2026.
3. Graduate Scholarships for Single Moms
- Colwell Law Group 2026 Single Parent Scholarship: Gives out $1000 to single parents studying in graduate schools. Deadlines: May 31, 2026.
- Washington-Nixon Nursing Scholarship for Single Mothers: up to $500 to single moms who are graduates of a nursing school. Deadlines: January 5, 2026.
- A Bright Future Scholarship awards up to $ 10,000 to minority single parents in graduate school. The deadlines are not the same, and thus, visit the site frequently.
How to Apply for Scholarships for Single Moms in 2026?
Applying for scholarships for single parents stays simple if you follow these clear steps.
- Research options on sites like Scholarships.com, Bold.org, and Fastweb now. Use terms like grants for single moms in your searches.
- Gather transcripts, proof of single parent status, and tax returns fast. Add recommendation letters to strengthen your application.
- Write compelling essays that highlight your strength as a single mom. Show how education benefits your family in big ways.
- Meet deadlines by setting phone reminders for January-March submissions, mostly for 2026 awards.
- Apply online through platforms like Going Merry to apply to multiple at once. It saves time and keeps things organized well.
- Follow up on status and reapply each year if the award renews. This ensures ongoing support for your studies.
- Avoid scams since real scholarships for single moms never ask for payment. Stick to trusted sites and official sources.
Tips: Join single mom support groups for insider advice on applications. Combine with grants like Pell to maximize aid.
Conclusion: Empower Your Future Today
Many scholarships for single moms in 2026 help you achieve your education goals with ease. With good resources and some determination, you can overcome financial barriers fast. Start researching scholarships for single moms today and gather your documents. Apply for single mom scholarships now so your future stays within reach. You have got this, and success waits for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The Sallie Mae second-advertised scholarship, the $2,000 No Essay, is a valid monthly giveaway. Every month, they choose a winner and forward the money to the school the student attends (after verifying enrollment).
Ensure that the scholarship has no application fee, you are dealing with a known organization or school, and it includes contact information. Authorized scholarships will specify the obvious eligibility conditions and will not guarantee success simply by entering.
Yes, you can take scholarships, grants, or non-repayable financial aid as a single mom. The money can be used to pay your tuition, fees, books, and even to pay your living costs as you learn.
Do not use a scholarship that requires any charge to be paid, guarantees a prize, or demands other sensitive or financial information, such as bank account or social security numbers. They are usually indicators of fraud.
Apply to several real scholarships, fill out each application or essay according to its specifics, make sure to send all required materials, and also show your actual financial need or a touching personal narrative (at least when you are a single mom).
Start by completing the Free Application to Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify as a federal grant or aid recipient. Next, search reputable scholarship websites such as Scholarships.com or Bold.org to identify single mom scholarships. Then, create an account, search for single parents, and apply to any scholarships that suit you.
