In 2026, single mothers no longer have to put their education dreams on hold. It is now easier than ever to go back to college with plenty of federal, state, and privately funded grants available. These initiatives also offer college grants and scholarships for single mothers, which, in many cases, do not have to be paid back, taking the pressure off college, books, and other fees. The distinction between grants, scholarships, and loans is one of the most important steps to receiving maximum support.
In this guide, you will find the most suitable college grants for single mothers that can take you to the top. Let us see the best opportunities that would make your educational goals a reality.
The Crucial Difference: Grants vs. Loans vs. Scholarships
Before diving into specific scholarships and college grants for single mothers, it is vital to understand the terminology. In seeking financial assistance for single moms in college, you will come across three broad categories:
- Grants: Also known as gift aid, grants are normally need-based. This is the most preferred form of financial assistance, since it does not need to be repaid. When we discuss college grants for single moms, we are discussing free money you receive based on your financial status.
- Scholarships: Just like grants, scholarships do no need to be repaid. However, they are usually merit-based (e.g., single-mother scholarships based on grades or achievements) or purely demographic (e.g., special scholarships for single moms).
- Student Loans: Unlike scholarships and grants, student loans for single mothers have to be repaid with interest. Although occasionally essential to cover the gap, the overall objective of most single mothers is to maximise grant funding and limit their dependency on student loans.
This guide focuses on maximising scholarships and college grants for single mothers, as they do not require repayment and are therefore the best alternatives.
Federal College Grants for Single Mothers
Single mothers seeking higher education highly depend on federal grants. Such single mother grants are generally need-based, i.e., given according to your financial status and not repayable. Some of the most needed government grants for college for single mothers are listed below:
1. Pell Grants for Single Mothers
The Pell Grant is the most prevalent and most necessary federal grant among low-income students. Your award amount will depend on your Student Aid Index (SAI) and enrollment status, with an award of between $740 and $7,395 a year. This single mother Pell grant can be used on tuition, books, and other college fees, and that does not require any repayment.
- Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen, an undergraduate enrollee, and financially needy and without a previously earned bachelor’s degree.
- How to Apply: Fill out the FAFSA at studentaid.gov.
2. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
FSEOG provides additional financial aid to students with exceptional need, particularly those already receiving the maximum Pell Grant. The amounts of awards are between $100 and $4,000 each year, and awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis. Similar to the Pell Grant, these college grants for single mothers are also not repayable.
- Eligibility: Must be Pell Grant-eligible, enrolled at least half-time, and show exceptional financial need.
- How to Apply: Complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov.
3. TEACH Grant
The TEACH Grant provides students with up to $ 4,000 annually to pursue a teaching career in a high-needs area, especially in math, science, and special education. When the recipients graduate, they must agree to teach in a low-income school on a full-time basis within four years; otherwise, the grant will be turned into a loan with interest.
- Eligibility: Have to be pursuing a teaching career in a high-need field, have to be willing to teach in a low-income school, and must meet certain academic qualifications.
- Application: Fill in the application form at studentaid.gov. and do the required counselling and agreement using FAFSA.
4. Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) Grant
The CCAMPIS Grant supports low-income student parents by providing low-cost child care services as they engage in their studies. Colleges that participate spend the funds to provide on-campus or subsidised off-campus child care, which helps parents balance their school and family life. However, not all colleges are part of CCAMPIS, and its availability is based on institutional funding.
- Eligibility: Must be eligible as a Pell Grant recipient and enrolled in a participating institution, and have dependents under the age of 18.
- How to Apply: For applications, get in touch with the financial aid office at your college and see whether they are part of the CCAMPIS program, and complete the application form.
State-Specific Grants and Scholarships
States provide customised college grants for single mothers that can be reviewed for federal aid, usually based on residence, income, and, in some cases, academic performance or discipline. Among single mothers, there are often low-income students or non-traditional students as a priority. Below is a breakdown of available college grants for single mothers in certain areas:
1. College Grants for Single Mothers in Florida
In Florida, there are numerous college grants for single mothers available in 2026 to facilitate their education, including both merit and need-based opportunities.
- Florida Bright Futures Scholarship: Scholarship provided to deserving Florida residents based on merit, and covers 100 percent of tuition and other fees charged.
- Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG): Need-based grants for the residents of Florida undergoing undergraduate courses, with an average yearly award of approximately $2610 (depending on enrollment and funding).
- William L. Boyd, IV Effective Access to Student Education Program (EASE): Tuition aid to Florida residents enrolled in privately owned colleges within the state, usually in the range of 3500 per year (subject to legislative appropriation).
- Open Door Grant Program: Workforce education grant that can cover up to 100 % of tuition, fees, exam costs, books, and materials for eligible career and technical education programs.
2. College Grants for Single Mothers in Indiana
Indiana provides financial aid to close tuition gaps for low-income students, including single mothers. These Indiana college grants for single mothers offer significant support for in-state residents.
- Frank O’Bannon Grant: Provides grants of up to $10,000 to full-time Indiana students depending on financial need.
- 21st Century Scholars Program: This program provides full tuition aid to low-income students who made commitments in middle school.
- on assistance to low-income students who made commitments in middle school.
- Adult Student Grant: Covers tuition and fees for adult learners in Indiana up to $2000 each year.
3. College Grants for Single Mothers in Washington State
In 2026, Washington State highlighted high-level financial help for single moms to go to college, and this should prioritize low-income families.
- Washington College Grant (WCG): State grant assisting eligible residents of Washington to cover college or career training, with payment amounts varying according to income and family size (can pay full tuition fee at a public college on behalf of less affluent students).
- Washington State University Single Parents Scholarship: WSU scholarship for single parents who have primary custody, who attend full-time, and whose purpose is to help them educate their children.
- Opportunity Grant: Provides college grants for low income single mothers in Washington with low incomes and who enroll in college courses or certificate programs and cover tuition, fees, books, and supplies of up to 45 credits.
4. College Grants for Single Mothers in Texas
Texas has a variety of need-based college grants for single mothers, undergraduate students, especially residents, and single mothers seeking higher education.
- TEXAS Grant: Covers up to $5,000 annually of expenses of eligible Texas residents attending Texas public universities.
- Educational Aide Exemption: Qualifying Texas residents can receive a tuition/fee waiver in the field of education
- Communities Foundation of Texas Scholarships: Provides scholarships of $1,000 to $5,000, and it is also given to single mothers and other students, depending on eligibility.
5. College Grants for Single Mothers in Maryland
Maryland is offering a variety of last-dollar scholarships and need-based college grants for single mothers seeking education.
- Community College Promise Scholarship: High-income students at Maryland community colleges are offered up to $5,000 per year in scholarship once other grants have been considered.
- Howard P. Rawlings Educational Assistance Grant: The grant offers up to $3,000 in one-year financial aid for moms based on need at schools and colleges (both public and private) in Maryland.
6. College Grants for Single Mothers in Tennessee
Tennessee offers several college grants for single mothers, particularly adult learners returning to school.
- HOPE Scholarship: These grants to finish college for moms cover up to 4 years of education, give rewards up to $4500, depending on GPA and ACT scores.
- Tennessee Reconnect Grant: Provides tuition fees at community colleges to adults who are over 23 years old without any GPA requirements.
- Tennessee Promise: Pays tuition fees after other scholarships for high school graduates in community colleges.
- Tennessee Student Assistance Award (TSAA): Provides need-based grant money up to $4,000 to Tennessee residents attending eligible institutions.
Private Scholarships for Single Mothers
In 2026, websites like Bold.org, Scholarships360, and Scholarships.com list dozens of Scholarships for Single Mothers, many of which are renewable and designed to help single moms going back to college. Early application is good because time limits vary, and there may be a lot of competition. Make sure that you check on the official websites.
1. ANSWER Scholarship
This scholarship offers financial aid for single mothers aged 25+ residing in Mecklenburg or surrounding counties, ranging from $2,750 to $5,500. The applicant must be raising school-age children and enrolled in an undergraduate program. Apply online with essays and financial documents at answerscholarship.org. The deadline is February 28, 2026.
2. Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation Scholarship
These grants for online college for single mothers award up to $5000. The scholarship aids women with low incomes and children under the age of 18 who are pursuing postsecondary education or getting training in a vocation. U.S. residents who are 17 years and above are eligible. Essays on challenges and goals are required in the applications. Apply online at patsyminkfoundation.org. The deadline is August 1, 2026.
3. Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund
Single mothers aged 25+ with a low income can receive up to $2,500 annually, renewable for up to five years. This money for college single mothers is for U.S. citizens enrolled in an accredited vocational or undergraduate program. Apply online at rankinfoundation.org by February 13, 2026.
4. Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund
In Arkansas, single mothers may receive up to $1600 per semester to cover tuition, books, and childcare. In the case of college grants for single mothers, you have to reside in Arkansas or its neighboring counties, be at least a half-time student, and be in need of funding. Apply online, through aspsf.org, and the deadline is February 1, 2026 (by spring).
5. Live Your Dream Award (Soroptimist International)
The Live Your Dream Award provides single mothers who are the head of their family and attending undergraduate or vocational education with between $1,000 and $16,000. Candidates have to show financial need. Apply at local Soroptimist organizations at soroptimist.org by November 15, 2026.
6. Women’s Independence Scholarship Program (WISP)
WISP offers up to $6,000, an average $1,000 per semester, to survivors of intimate partner abuse who are seeking to rebuild their lives through education. Financial assistance for single parents is a requirement, and applicants must have been separated from their abuser for 1-10 years. Apply online at wispinc.org with rolling deadlines.
7. Colwell Law Single Parent Scholarship
Offering $1,000, this scholarship is for single parents with primary custody of their children who are enrolled in an accredited undergraduate, graduate, or law program. Applications require a 750-1000-word essay on the impact of single-parent households. Apply online at sallie.com by May 31, 2026.
8. Helping Hands for Single Moms Scholarship (Phoenix/Dallas)
This grant for single mothers to go to college program offers financial assistance to single mothers residing in Maricopa County (Phoenix) or in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. It grants tuition and subsistence to moms who have at least one child aged up to 11. Applications need financial records and involvement in community work. Apply online through Helping Hands for Single Moms.
9. Mom to Scholar Scholarship for Mothers
This scholarship is open to single mothers aged 35 and older and covers the cost of their undergraduate or graduate tuition. The applicants should be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents, or recipients of DACA. Apply via scholarships360.org with an essay by January 31, 2026.
10. Promising Pathways-Single Parent Scholarship
This grant money for single mothers going to college provides $2,000 in support to low-income single parents with children under 18 who are enrolled in higher education. It’s available to students pursuing technical or undergraduate degrees. Apply on bold.org by December 19, 2025.
How to Apply for College Grants for Single Mothers
Applying for grants for single mothers returning to college need not be daunting. Here is a step-by-step tutorial on how to apply for a single mother grant to help you begin and have a higher likelihood of being awarded some financial aid:
- Complete the FAFSA: Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid as early as possible to find out whether you can get federal grants such as Pell Grants.
- Gather Documents: Prepare the required financial records, such as tax returns, W-2s, and evidence of household size regarding single parent grants for college.
- Search for Scholarships and Grants: Bold.org, Fastweb, Scholarships360, and Going Merry are some of the best-known websites for scholarships and grants for moms, so use them to find grants and scholarships that fit your needs and objectives.
- Check State and College Aid: Go to the financial aid office of your college to get information on other state grants to single mothers and to college-specific grants to which you are eligible.
- Prepare Application Materials: Get your applications ready (essays, letters of recommendation, and her enrollment documentation).
- Apply to Multiple Opportunities: Do not stick to one program. Ensure that you apply to numerous scholarships and education grants for single mothers to increase your chances of receiving award funds.
- Be organized: Track deadlines and send follow-ups to organizations as needed regarding legit scholarships for single mothers.
These steps and organisation will help you navigate the process of college grants for single mothers with greater confidence and the financial aid you require to obtain an education.
Final Thoughts on College Grants for Single Mothers
Finding the right college grants for single mothers takes time and effort, but it’s worth it. Each grant you apply for will bring you one step closer to earning your degree, with less financial pressure and greater confidence. Start by completing the FAFSA, exploring the top single mother grants for college listed here, and don’t hesitate to ask your financial aid office for additional resources.
By taking these steps, you can move closer to achieving your college grants for single mothers. There are many grants available to support you on this journey. With the proper use of single mother college grants, you can turn your dreams into reality.
Sources
- Pell Grant, FSEOG, TEACH Grant: Federal Student Aid – Grants
- Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) Grant: U.S. Department of Education – CCAMPIS Program
- Florida Office of Student Financial Assistance. (2026). Florida Student Scholarship & Grant Programs
https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org - Indiana Commission for Higher Education. (2026). Frank O’Bannon Grant
https://www.in.gov/che/state-financial-aid/state-financial-aid-by-program/frank-obannon-grant/ - Washington Student Achievement Council. (2026). Washington College Grant (WCG)
https://wsac.wa.gov/wcg - Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. (2026). Grant & Loan Programs (TEXAS Grant)
https://www.highered.texas.gov/student-financial-aid-programs/grant-loan-programs/ - Maryland Higher Education Commission. (2026). Howard P. Rawlings Educational Assistance Grant
https://mhec.maryland.gov/preparing/pages/financialaid/programdescriptions/prog_ea.aspx - Women’s Independence Scholarship Program (WISP): WISP Official Site
- Helping Hands for Single Moms Scholarship (Phoenix/Dallas): Helping Hands for Single Moms Official Site
- College for Tennessee. (2026). Tennessee Financial Aid Programs
https://www.collegefortn.org/tennessee-financial-aid/ - ANSWER Scholarship. (2026). College Scholarships for Single Mothers
https://answerscholarship.org/ - Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation. (2026). Scholarships for Low-Income Mothers
https://patsyminkfoundation.org/ - Soroptimist International. (2026). Live Your Dream Awards
https://www.soroptimist.org/our-work/live-your-dream-awards/
Frequently Asked Questions
Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), TEACH Grant, and CCAMPIS Grant are among the best grants for single mothers. These are free federal grants which offer financial assistance on a needs basis.
Single mom grants are provided to women who are the primary caretakers of dependent children, and women show the financial requirements in education. Eligibility can be different depending on the program, and therefore, it is wise to check the eligibility requirements of each program.
Begin with the FAFSA to verify federal eligibility and then research state grants and scholarships. Prepare documents such as income evidence, tax returns, and enrolment information, and apply to numerous programs to increase your chances.
The “$2000 Saillie Mai” scholarship is not registered in official scholarship databases, a factor that could cast doubts on whether the program is legitimate. To prevent possible fraud, ensure that you use credible sites to check your scholarships.
Yes, some grants and scholarships for single mothers are free of repayment and can cover tuition and sometimes even living costs. Different federal and non-federal initiatives are actually aimed at helping single mothers afford higher learning.
Not every scholarship is restricted to U.S. residents. Although most federal scholarships are only open to U.S. citizens or residents, a number of private and international scholarships are available to students from other countries.
Generally, scholarships and grants received to cover tuition, books, and mandatory fees are not subject to tax. But if you use any money for living expenses or other non-educational expenditures, it can be taxed.
