Scholarships for Single Parents

Comprehensive database of scholarships, grants, and financial aid opportunities specifically for single parents pursuing education.

National Scholarship Opportunities

These scholarships are available to single parents nationwide and offer significant financial support.

Single Mother Scholarship Fund
Single mothers pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees
$1,000 - $5,000
Renewable

Deadline: March 31, 2025

Requirements:

  • GPA 3.0 or higher
  • Financial need demonstration
  • Essay required
Apply Now
Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation
Low-income women with children pursuing education
$5,000

Deadline: August 1, 2025

Requirements:

  • Head of household
  • Enrolled in school
  • Financial need
Apply Now
Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards
Women who are primary wage earners for their families
$16,000

Deadline: November 15, 2024

Requirements:

  • Enrolled in undergraduate program
  • Financial need
  • Career goals essay
Apply Now
Jeannette Rankin Women's Scholarship Fund
Low-income women ages 35 and older
$2,000

Deadline: March 1, 2025

Requirements:

  • Pursuing technical/vocational education
  • Financial need
  • Personal statement
Apply Now
The Café Bustelo El Café del Futuro Scholarship
Hispanic/Latino students pursuing higher education
$5,000

Deadline: February 14, 2025

Requirements:

  • Hispanic heritage
  • Community involvement
  • Academic achievement
Apply Now
AAUW Career Development Grants
Women pursuing career advancement or career change
$2,000 - $12,000

Deadline: December 1, 2024

Requirements:

  • AAUW membership
  • Specific career goals
  • Financial need
Apply Now

Corporate Scholarship Programs

Many employers offer tuition assistance and scholarships for employees and their families.

Walmart
Walmart Associate Scholarship
Up to $16,000

Eligibility:

Walmart associates and their dependents

Focus:

Any field of study

McDonald's
HACER National Scholarship
$100,000 total

Eligibility:

Hispanic students with financial need

Focus:

Any undergraduate program

Target
Target Scholarship Program
$2,500 - $10,000

Eligibility:

Team members and their families

Focus:

Undergraduate and graduate studies

Starbucks
College Achievement Plan
Full tuition coverage

Eligibility:

Starbucks partners (employees)

Focus:

Arizona State University online programs

State Grant Programs

State-specific financial aid programs for residents pursuing higher education.

California
Cal Grant Program
Up to $12,570

Need-based grants for California residents

Texas
TEXAS Grant
Up to $5,000

For students with financial need at Texas colleges

New York
Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
Up to $5,665

Need-based aid for New York residents

Florida
Florida Student Assistance Grant
Up to $2,610

Need-based grants for Florida residents

Scholarship Application Success Tips

Maximize your chances of winning scholarships with these proven strategies.

Essay Writing
  • Tell your unique story as a single parent
  • Highlight how education will impact your family
  • Be specific about your goals and timeline
  • Show resilience and determination
  • Proofread multiple times
Documentation
  • Gather tax returns and financial documents early
  • Request transcripts well in advance
  • Get letters of recommendation from professors/employers
  • Keep copies of all submitted materials
  • Meet deadlines - late applications are rarely accepted
Financial Aid Strategy
  • Complete FAFSA as early as possible
  • Apply for multiple scholarships
  • Look for local and regional opportunities
  • Consider work-study programs
  • Explore employer tuition assistance
Your Scholarship Action Plan

6 Months Before School Starts

  • 1.Complete FAFSA application
  • 2.Research and list 10-15 scholarships
  • 3.Request letters of recommendation
  • 4.Gather financial documents

3 Months Before Deadlines

  • 1.Write and revise scholarship essays
  • 2.Submit applications early
  • 3.Follow up on missing documents
  • 4.Apply for local scholarships