How to Find College Grants for Single Mothers
You need an education to get a better job to support your family, but you need money to get an education. Fortunately, there are many resources available to single mothers.
Up next in How to Get Scholarships & Financial Aid (8 videos)
Learn how to apply for student loans, grants, and scholarships in this Howcast financial aid series.
You Will Need
- FAFSA form
- Internet access
- Federal grants
- State grants
- Higher education grants
- Private grants
- Employer grants
Steps
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Step 1
File the FAFSA
File the Free Applications for Federal Student Aid, also known as FAFSA, form. FAFSA uses your tax dependency and income information to determine your need and ability to receive federal aid. Be sure to check out websites that offer help on filling out the FAFSA form.
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Step 2
Look into federal grants
Use your FAFSA results to determine your eligibility for federal grants like the Pell Grant, the Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant, the Academic Competitiveness Grant, the National SMART Grant, and the TEACH Grant. Each has its own requirements you must fulfill.
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Step 3
Contact state and college departments
Go to your state grant departments, higher education departments, colleges, and universities, and contact them for specific information on how to apply for their specific grants.
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Step 4
Turn to private resources
Turn to private groups like nonprofit organizations and for-profit businesses that offer private grants. Check with the financial aid office at the colleges you are considering for a list of organizations they would recommend for you. Private grants for women include the Jeanette Rankin Women's Scholarship Fund, the Linda Lael Miller Scholarship, and the Business and Professional Women Scholarship Program.
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Step 5
Do an internet search
Do an internet search on websites like scholarships.com for scholarships and grants that fit your criteria.
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Look for scholarships for women, not just for single moms.
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Step 6
Contact your employer
Contact your employer to see if they offer any sort of grants to help you get a higher education. There are plenty of options available for single mothers -- you just have to find the ones that fit you and your needs.
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In 2009, the unemployment rate for mothers without a spouse present was 13.6 percent.
