Scholarships for Single Mothers

Getting a college education is challenging, even in the most ideal circumstances. In addition to the work necessary to obtain a degree, finding the money to pay for college is harder for many individuals and families to do. Attending college as a single parent is uniquely challenging, but there are many scholarship programs available which can help those who qualify.  Many scholarships for single parents are available to both single moms and single dads, and can be invaluable in helping single parents get degrees which will help both them and their children.

Scholarships can be combined with other forms of financial aid, such as grants, work study programs, and student loans. This can be especially beneficial to single parents, who need to budget for childcare while students are in class, studying, or working.

Where to Start

The best place to start looking for scholarships is the admissions office of the colleges and universities you’re thinking of attending. In addition to academic and sports scholarships, many larger schools have scholarships earmarked for students with unique challenges, or those who are members of groups underrepresented in higher education.  For example, these links will take you to colleges for single parents from Minnesota State, University of Michigan,  and a community college.

Additionally, many states offer scholarships for residents who are single parents, including California, Arkansas, Indiana and New York. A quick internet search can help locate resources for your state, or you can speak to a guidance counselor, a college admissions counselor, or networking with other single parents in college.

Many privately funded scholarships are also available, including The Patsy Mink Foundation.

Tips and Tools

Before you apply for scholarships, get organized to make the process as simple as possible. Gather any information you’ll need, including your tax returns, your social security number, your transcripts, any letters of recommendation, and proof of any special accomplishments or skills. Read over the requirements for the scholarships you want to apply for carefully, and make sure you meet them all.

Take your time during the application process. Competition for any scholarship is fierce, make sure to do your best to show the scholarship committees why you’re uniquely qualified.
Good luck!

Browse Scholarships for Single Mothers:

Listing 1 to 132 of 132

Name Amount
Scholarships 4 Moms $10,000 Scholarship Giveaway
Sponsored: Scholarships 4 Moms gives away a $10k scholarship every month. Register today!
2023/2024 College Scholarship $1,000
Sponsored: There is no GPA requirement and no essay to write!
NEW!
Barbara Brandt Scholarship for Women
$500
One letter from YWCA Columbus CEO or Leadership Team One page personal statement describing how a college education will enhance your life and the lives of your family Be an unmarried woman
NEW!
Jennifer Johnson-Duke Single Parent Women's Scholarship
Varies
Applicant must be a female single parent Be enrolled at least part-time (6 credit hours or more) at Florida State College at Jacksonville Submit an essay detailing how this scholarship will
Alice Thompson Scholarship Fund $500
Awarded to female single parent students.
Alpha Wives Club of Montgomery County Scholarship Varies
Scholarship to be given to a woman returning to school with dependents for whom she is supporting. Must be a U.S. citizen with a 2.0 GPA.
Altrusa International Club of Kingsport Scholarship Varies
Must be a female single parent over 21 years of age.
Altrusa International of San Luis Obispo Scholarship $500
Awarded to femal re-entry students with children and a demonstrated financial need. Preference is given to single students.
American Association of University Women Scholarship $750
Open to a female single parent or head of household. Display financial need and defined educational goals.
Arkell Hall Scholarship Varies
Single mothers who wish to continue their undergraduate education at The College of Saint Rose, on a part-time non-matriculated basis.
Ashraf Kashi Memorial Scholarship $250
This scholarship is for single parents with children of up to 15 years old. The applicant must have enrolled in 12 or more units in the fall and spring, and must be a continuing full-time ...
Association for Promotion of Professional Women Scholarship $500
Must be a single mother with a 2.5 GPA.
ScholarshipPoints $10,000 Scholarship $10,000
Sponsored: Thousands available in scholarships this year.
Athena Scholarship for Women $3,000
2.5 GPA Financial need Female Single Custody of at least one dependent who is 17 years of age or younger
Barnes Gromatzky Kosarek Architects Endowed Scholarship Varies
To assist single Hispanic women with dependents pursuing their education at ACC. •Enrolled in a program at ACC that leads to an associate degree •Minimum 3.0 GPA overall. •Financial need ...
Beatrice F. Kroesche Memorial Scholarship Varies
A scholarship for students that are single mothers who are visually or hearing challenged enrolled in Education, Humanities, English, Business or Engineering. Recipients must maintain a 3.0 ...
Beaverton Woman's Club Scholarship $4,000
Are a female student; Have a 2.5 GPA Are a single mother providing 50% or more of the support for a child under age 18; Have completed 12 credits at PCC by the end of Winter term. Are a ...
Bessie Galloway Henkel Endowed Scholarship varies
This scholarship is for a single parent enrolled in a business or health sciences program. Preference given to females.
$2,000 "No Essay" Scholarship - Niche $2,000
Sponsored: Open to all students and those planning on enrolling in either 2023 or 2024.
Bette H. Johnson Memorial Scholarship $400
This scholarship will assist a displaced female homemaker, who is divorced, separated, widowed, abandoned, or unmarried sole support of self and family, or wife of a disabled spouse. ...
Blue Water Women Lawyers Scholarship $250
This scholarship will be awarded to a female who because of divorce, separation, death or disability of a spouse is the single head of household and must prepare for paid employment.
Bowman Scholarship $1,000
To assist single women with dependents pursuing education that will result in either an associate of applied science degree or certificate. •Minimum 2.0 GPA overall. •Financial need (as ...
Bree Tinney Re-entry Scholarship $150
Awarded to a female undergraduate student who is a single parent resuming her studies after an extended break. Must have a 3.0 transfer GPA and demonstrated financial need as determined by ...
Carol Eleanor Parker-Gift of Learning Scholarship $750
The Carole Eleanor Parker Gift of Learning Scholarship provides financial support for single mothers who desire to improve their family’s lives through higher education.
CaptainU Student-Athlete Scholarship $2,000
Sponsored: This opportunity is offered to current high school athletes for 2023-2024. Only athletes that want to play in college should apply!
Cathy Sultan Single Parent Endowment Scholarship $1000
Must be a female student who is a single parent with custodial responsibility and dependent children.
Charlene Giebler Scholarship Varies
Must be a deserving student attending Mesa State College. Must major in Nursing or Radiology.
Clara Moyer Memorial Scholarship $500
This scholarship is for female re entry student. The student must be a single parent, and demonstrate financial need. The student must have a minimum of a 2.0 GPA and be displaced as a ...
Corbin T. Jastrow Scholarship $2,500
To assist single women with dependents pursuing an associate degree or certificate at Austin Community College. •Registered in a certificate or degree program at Austin Community ...
CoVest Banc Education Award Tuition & Fees
Awarded to a Full- or part-time single working mother, 2.0 GPA, financial constraints considered.
Monthly University Scholarships $1,000
Sponsored: Just register and you could win $1,000! And because we don't want to take a lot of time away from your college search, entry takes just a few minutes.
Daphne Pfaff Ogontz Scholars $1,500
Awarded to single female, head-of-household parents enrolled at Penn State Abington with high Academic records and proven financial need. Applicants must complete of FAFSA.
Daphne Vocational $300-$1,500
Scholarship Funds can assist needy students or support a specific education initiative or scholarship fund at a school, college or university. The donor may stay involved as an advisor, name ...
Dawn M. Taylor Memorial Scholarship Varies
This scholarship will be awarded to a single mother. Recipients may be a first- or second-year student. Financial need and academic achievement will be considered.
Deanna Forbush Endowed Scholarship $300
Established in 2007. Awarded to a single mother who has a strong academic record, and who plans to attend graduate school. Awarded to a single mother who has a strong academic record and who ...
Delta Sigma Theta Scholarship Tuition
Single mother, enrolled in an allied health or on-traditional program at Durham Technical Community College. Scholarship pays for tuition and fees.
Monthly University Scholarships $1,000
Sponsored: Open to High School students and adults looking to head back to school, current college students and anyone else looking to attend college or graduate school this year or in 2024.
Desiree Fields Memorial Scholarship Varies
The Desiree Fields Memorial Scholarship was set up by a local doctor for the purpose of awarding scholarships to female students raised by their father. Eligible applicants shall be Battle ...
Dick & Marlene Cable Scholarship $1000
Must be a single parent with custodial responsibility and dependent children.
Dimensions/Lucy Goldman Scholarship $300
Re-entry female, preferably a single parent attending full-time at San Diego City College, carrying a minimum of 12 units with a GPA of 3.0.
Dorothy Riess Scholarship Varies
Scholarship for single mothers pursing an undergraduate degree at The University of Toledo. Preference will be given to active participants of Mom’s House at 2505 Franklin Ave., Toledo, Ohio ...
Dr. Barbara Inch Nontraditional Scholarship for Women - Education $200
This scholarship is awarded to a nontraditional female student, a single parent with a 3.0 GPA, and is an enrolled sophomore, junior, or senior. Selection criteria include being ...
Dr. Barbara Inch Nontraditional Scholarship for Women - Family & Consumer $200
This scholarship is awarded to a nontraditional female student, a single parent with a 3.0 GPA, and is an enrolled sophomore, junior, or senior. Selection criteria include being ...
Dr. Dean K. and Helen S. Christensen Endowed Scholarship $200
Established in 1995. Awarded to a female nursing student. Awarded to a female nursing student who is a single parent, and has at least a 2.50 cumulative GPA.
Dr. Howard & Connie Rickert-Epstein Financial Aid Fund Varies
Student must be single mother showing need. Must have a minimum of 12 earned credit hours prior to award, minimum 3.00 G.P.A., and enrolled at least ½ time.
Dr. Michael F. LaBouvé Memorial Scholarship Varies
• Financial Need • Single Female Parent • Virginia Beach Resident • GPA of 3.0 or higher • Associate Degree Candidate to Matriculate at the Virginia Beach Campus (Unless courses not ...
Eleanor M. and Oscar M. Carlson Scholarship Fund Varies
Applicants must be enrolled at the URI Feinstein Campus. Applicant must be a single mother with dependent children. Awarded be URI Women’s Studies Department.
Elisabeth T. Maxwell Memorial Scholarship Varies
Must be a single parent women who is the head of the household.
Elizabeth Pfiffner Debot Memorial Scholarship varies
This scholarship is for a female student, single parent, over 25 years old, with demonstrated financial need. Academic scholarship may be considered.
Emily Blaskey Single Parent Scholarship $1000
Must be a single custodial parent with dependent children. Preference is given to female returning students.
Emily Larkin Scholarship varies
The applicant must be a Nacogdoches High School gradaute, a female freshman, and a single parent.
Emily Virginia Bushong Memorial Scholarship $500
For female students who are majoring in elementary education and demonstrate financial need.
Everitt Companies Scholarship $1800
Available to applicants who are current or intended student of FRCC - Larimer Campus. She must be a Colorado resident. The applicant must have a minimum G.P.A. of 2.5 or better while ...
Executive Network Of Women Fort Smith Chapter Scholarship Varies
This scholarship is awarded to students who are single mothers either starting their education or re-entering the workforce.
Financial Success for Single Mothers Scholarship $750
Single mothers face a tough challenge in having to make a better life for two. I was raised by a mother in this position, who often sacrificed and made decisions with my best interest in ...
G.Y. Sonomura Scholarship Tuition
Awarded to a single mother enrolled full time or part time in an undergraduate or graduate program in any area of study. GPA must be 3.5 or higher; some degree of financial need. Written ...
Ginger Burch Memorial Scholarship $250-$500
Female student with dependent children who has been admitted to a University of Nebraska degree program. Director of the School of Social Work chooses recipient.
Grace Brorstrom Oakley Scholarship $1000
Available to a single mother who is working toward a degree at JWCC.
Hassel Foundation Scholarship $1,000
This scholarship was established to provide scholarships for single female
parent/heads of households entering nontraditional career programs at the
College. Students must have ...
Helen K. Maier Memorial P.E.O. Chapter Z Scholarship Varies
Awarded for a woman who has completed at least one semester of college prior to applicantion. Preference is given to a single parent resuming or continuing her education.
Helen P. Martin Scholarship $1,000
Returning single female students 21 years or older with at least one child. Demonstrate financial need. Completed 6 units or one semester at El Camino College with a 2.0 GPA. Currently ...
Illinois Valley Woman’s Club Scholarship Varies
Applicants must be single female parents with dependant children. Applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA. Recipients may be attending school for the first time or be returning to school.
Intel-Northern Scholarship Varies
Must be a financially needy student majoring in Micro-Electronics Technology. Preference will be given to Native Americans, HIspanics, African Americans, women, veterans, dislocated workers, ...
Ione Howe Louk Scholarship $600
Available to an undergraduate single mother, enrolled or plan to enroll in History 150 and Women’s Studies 110. Financial need considered.
Ironton Junior Women’s Club Scholarship Varies
This scholarship was established in 1986 by the Ironton Junior Women’s Club to provide financial assistance to a full- or part-time female student attending Ohio University Southern Campus. ...
Jack and Lynn Fields Scholarship Varies
Preference for a single mother.
Jacquelyn Margis Scholarship Varies
Applicants must be IVCC district residents and single mothers.
James E. Deaver Memorial Scholarship Fund Varies
Awarded to a single mother with children at home who has financial need and a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Jamie Burgess Nursing Scholarship Varies
Preference will be given to a single custodial mother of more than one child.
For students in their second year in the Nursing Program pursuing a RN degree.
Jan Parrish Nursing Scholarship Varies
The Jan Parrish Nursing Scholarship is awarded to single mothers in the Nursing program. To qualify for this award, recipients must: - be enrolled in 3 or more credits - maintain a ...
Judith L. Wieckowski Scholarship varies
The Judith L. Wieckowski scholarship is currently looking for single mothers that need financial assistance
Judith Litman Lindau Scholarship $800
Female, age 30 and above in a single-parent home. Preference will be given to women who need to be trained for the workforce, or who have been out of the workforce and need to be retrained in
Julie Welsh Memorial Scholarship Varies
The applicant must be a single mother in financial need who is enrolled as
a degree seeking student at UCCS. The student must show commitment to writing. Proof of both legal guardianship
Kappa Kappa Sigm Scholarship $250
This scholarship will be awarded to single female parents. Applicants must have a 2.0 and have completed or now be enrolled in 12 credit hours. Please submit two faculty/staff ...
Kathaleen McDonald Noble Memorial Scholarship Varies
This scholarship will be arwarded to a single mother enrolled full-time and residing in San Juan County.
Katherine Jabs Scholarship Varies
Single mother with children and enrolled at Northwest College. She must have a 2.0 GPA average.
Kenneth W. and Milfred F. Iverson Scholarship Varies
Must be a full or part-time female student who is a single mother and a resident of Union County. Awarded on the basis of financial need.
Kensington-Rockville Scholarship Varies
For a woman student who is the sole support of dependent children.
Kola Fortune Memorial Scholarship Varies
Applicants must be single mothers.
Laurie Smits Staude Scholarship Varies
Scholarship awarded to a female single parent who has custody of a minor child or chilldren. Must have completed 30 transferable units with a 3.0 GPA or better.
Leah Copass Brakebill Scholarship $1500
Awarded to a fine young woman with high ideas and broad interests who enjoys painting and is preparing to teach in a public school. Applicant must provide two letters of recommendation from ...
Lilliam Wood Scholarship Varies
For single female parents between the ages of 25 - 55. Applicants must have one year of post-secondary education, and must have an income of less than $15,000 per year. In addition, ...
Lisa Marie Flanagan Memorial Scholarship $250
Applicant must be a graduate of Centralia High School or received a GED after attending Centralia High School. Applicant must be a single mother with at least one dependent under 5 years of ...
Lorna Bailard Scholarship Varies
Financial support for a returning single mother to pursue her educational endeavor at Irvine Valley College.
Lorna Bailard Scholarship Varies
Established to help a returning single mother pursue her educational endeavor at Saddleback College.
Madelyn Grady Geisser Endowed Scholarship Varies
Applicant must be a female student enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences who demonstrates financial need and is a single parent, head of household.
Margaret F. Hickey Scholarship Varies
Must be a SoHE Student. Preference given to financial need female from single-parent household who is majoring in Personal Finance, Retailing, or Textiles and Fashion Design.
Margaret Radsliff, American Association of University Women $500
Female, single parent, head of household. Submit online a personal statement of your life circumstances that makes attending college more challenging. Continuing student must be pursuing ...
Marilyn Jeanne Baldwin Memorial Scholarship Varies
Must be a deserving single mother who is 25 years of age or older with financial need. Must major in the professional pharmacy program.
Marjorie Piscopo Scholarship Varies
Awarded to a single mother majoring in Nursing.
Mark Company Scholarship Varies
Awarded to a single mother who is attending Saddleback College. Contact the Assistant Dean, Financial Aid Office.
Marulyn Lawson Memorial Scholarship $500
This scholarship is available to full or part-time students attending the Keokuk campus. Preference is given to single mothers.
Marymount Manhattan Returning Women’s Grants $300-$700
Awarded to undergraduate female students taking at least 6 credits at Marymount Manhattan College. Must be head of household with dependent(s) and have financial need. Renewable with a GPA of
McCall/Wieckowski Families Scholarship varies
This scholarship is for a woman in transition: single parent, displaced homemaker or newly divorced. It is renewable for completion of associate degree at Valencia provided above ...
Merritt College Business Scholarships $250
Business scholarships awarded to African American single women, head of household who have completed 30 units at Merritt College. Have a 2.5+ GPA, and submit 2 letters of recommendation from ...
Merritt College Science Scholarships $250
Scholarships offered to African American single women, head of household who have completed 30 units at Merritt College. Have a 2.5+ GPA, and submit 2 letters of recommendation from ...
Myrl Rose Crocker Howe Scholarship $500
Scholarship awarded to a female upperclassman majoring in elementary education. Applicant must have 3.0 GPA and have demonstrated financial need. Preference given to a single parent. Based on
Nancy Borsani Operating Book Scholarship Varies
Established by Nancy P. Borsani ‘88, the Nancy Borsani Operating Book Scholarship at the University of Findlay assists single mothers pursuing an education and is used to purchase academic ...
Naomi Mildred Nicoll Fund $1,000-$2,000
Applicants must be a United States citizen and a Graduate of Litchfield/Wamogo HS; live in Litchfield/Warren/Morris/Goshen New (first time) applicants must be high school students or adults ...
Need-based Scholarship for daughters of single mothers Varies
A component of the financial aid package offered by Saint Mary’s. No additional application is required for consideration. Recipients are selected by the Financial Aid Office in accordance ...
New Beginnings Scholarship Varies
Applicants must be a single mother, have a minimum 2.0 GPA, and be enrolled full-time.
P.E.O. Chapter Hi Sisterhood Book Scholarship Varies
Applicants must be adult women who are single heads of household and have returned to school and have financial need as assessed by a counselor in the Counseling Department or assessed by a ...
Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation Scholarship $3000
Must be a woman, at least 17 years of age Must be a mother, with minor children Must be enrolled in a skills training, ESL, or GED program; or pursuing a technical/vocational degree, an ...
Raymer and Dean Maguire Scholarship Fund varies
The Raymer and Dean Maguire scholarship is currently looking for single mothers attending Valencia.
Richard & Joan Fleming Single Parent Scholarship $1000
Must be a single parent who is a female.
Richard & Lucy Quinn Memorial Scholarship Varies
The Richard & Lucy Quinn Memorial Scholarship is awarded to single moms with dependent children. To qualify for this award, recipients must: - be enrolled in 6 or more credits - be a ...
Rita Orleans Barrish Memorial Scholarship varies
This scholarship is for an outstanding female single parent on basis of academic merit and financial need, preferably a gradaute of Lafayette High School.
Rosenthal Scholarship Varies
Applicants must be Iowa residents that are single parents with financial need. Rexipients will be Non-traditional students (23 years and older).
Rourke Family Foundation Scholarship $6,000
Assists widowed or divorced women with dependents pursuing education in a vocational or career area that will result in either an associate of applied science degree or certificate. ...
Seattle Chapter of The Links, Inc. Scholarship Varies
Awarded to African American female, single parent students, who demonstrated financial need, and have a 3.0 grade point average.
Shirley Newton-Clark Scholarship $1100
Must be a female majoring in Education. Must be a single mother with a 2.8 GPA.
Silver Spring Scholarship Varies
Scholarship to be given to a woman returning to school with dependents for whom she is supporting. Must be a U.S. citizen with a 3.0 GPA.
Single Mothers Scholarship Varies
Available to SVCC students who attend school on a full or part time basis. This scholarship is awarded to students who are single mothers.
Single Parent Scholarship $275
Awarded to an unmarried female student at Southwestern College who is the custodial parent of at least one minor child. Must have completed 3-30 units at SC with minimum 3.00 GPA and be ...
Single Parent Scholarship $1000
Must be in good academic standing with the potential for academic and career success. Must be a single parent with dependent children. Preference is given to female returning students.
Single Women With Children Scholarship $250
Awarded to a re-entry student enrolled in 9-11 units, who is a single mother at least 25 years of age. Financial need must be established.
Single-Parent Scholarship $2,000
The application is only 3 open ended questions and finalist will be chosen based on their answers.
Soroptimist International of Phoenix Scholarship Varies
This scholarship is awarded to a female head of household, with primary financial responsibility for supporting your family (including children, a spouse and parents). Applicants must be ...
Soroptimist International of Tampa Training Award $500
This scholarship will assist a mature female who needs additional education or training to enter or return to the job market. Applicants need to demonstrate the fact that they are head of ...
Soroptimist International of the Americas Scholarship Varies
Applications are for undergraduate females who are head of the household and who have financial need.
Soroptimist International Women’s Opportunity Awards $3,000 - $10,000
This scholarship will be awarded to female students who are head of household, with primary financial reponsibility of supporting your family. Applicants must be attending, or have been ...
Soroptimist International: Women’s Opportunity Scholarship Varies
Must be a deserving female who is the head of the household.
Soroptomist International of Hays Women’s Opportunity Award Varies
Recipients must be women who are heads of households completing undergraduate programs or entering vocational or technical training programs.
Susan N. Sams Scholarship Varies
An applicant for the SNS endowment must be: (1) a woman, age 18 or older; (2) a single mother; (3) unmarried; (4) a U.S. citizen; (5) enrolled in, or accepted to The University of Texas ...
Teresa Hilton Education Scholarship Varies
For second year nursing students enrolled full-time. Preference will be given to a single parent female.
Thomas W. Burns Endowed Scholarship Varies
Sophomore or greater single mother with dependent children, wishing to continue their education at Metropolitan State College of Denver. Requires full-time enrollment, GPA of 3.0, and ...
Tripp Family Fund for Educational Opportunity Scholarship Varies
Reserved for single mothers; Financial needbased; 2.0 GPA; Full-time or Part-time (5 credits for nursing); Broward County Resident. Coverage: Tuition, fees, and books; SFS will provide ...
Tuck Endowment Scholarship $500
Awarded to a single working mother who is a fulltime student. Applicants must provide a transcript of college credits, a biographical sketch of achievements, activities, awards, and ...
Tuesday Club of Stockton Scholarship $500
The award is for a female re-entry student, a single parent with children, who shows financial need, maintains a full-time status, and has a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Turning Point Scholarship for Single Mothers $1,000
Awarded to a single mother with dependent child(ren). No GPA requirement, must be a declared major in the College of Science, Engineering and Technology with 32 hours of completed credits.
Vahey Scholarship Varies
Financial aid for outstanding female students majoring in nursing at Boise State University. Available to juniors who demonstrate financial need and have a minimum 2.80 GPA. Must be a single ...
Valerie E. Anders Scholarship Varies
This scholarship will be awarded to a single mother.
Vera Shuford Scholarship Award $250
Potential to successfully complete a diploma in a one year vocational program or a degree in a two year technical or college transfer program. Attend CVCC on a full-time or part-time basis. ...
Wachovia Scholars Program $1,000
Applicant must be registered at Community College of Philadelphia
prior to applying for this scholarship, be enrolled on a full-time or part-time basis, have completed at least one ...
Wanda Walters Memorial Scholarship Varies
Awarded to single mothers who graduated from Natrona County High School and wish to attend Casper College. Applicants must have a GPA of 2.5. Financial need is a factor in the selection of ...
Wesley Cummins Scholarship varies
The scholarship is for a deserving student enrolled in 6 credits. The applicant must be a single head-of-household female with demonstrated financial need.
Wieckowski-Aulwes Family Scholarship varies
This scholarship is for a displaced homemaker - currently defined as a single parent.
Women’s Educational Opportunity Grant Varies
This scholarship will be awarded to women whose educational goals are intended to improve their opportunities for career advancement, with resultant improved economic self-sufficiency. All ...
Xcel Energy Single Parent Scholarship $1000
Must be a female student who is 25 years of age or older. Must be a single parent.