Most Common Questions Answered!
You can spend a lot of time searching for education grants for single mothers, and never really find what you’re looking for. But it’s not because the grants aren’t available. You just have to know how and where to look. Once you find grants what should you do next? Are there any secrets to getting these grants? Is there something you need to know to beat the competition? Based on our own non scientific research, we’ve put together the most common questions asked by single moms like you looking for education grants for single mothers.
What kind of government grants will pay for my college tuition?
Due to government cutbacks, there aren’t as many as there used to be. But there are three that have with stood the test of time and political bureaucracy. Pell Grant awards up to $5,500 in grant money to single moms or anyone else who needs help paying for college. The primary eligibility requirement is you must be of low income.
TEACH, Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education, education grants for single mothers who want to become teachers. This grant pays a maximum of $4000 per year toward a teaching degree. You will also have to agree to teach for 4 years in a low income school district.
Finally the The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant or FSEOG is based on financial need. The awards range from $100 to a maximum of $4000.
I hear a lot about grants based on financial need…What exactly does that mean?
It means your income must fall at or below a predetermined amount. For most private grants, each organizations will list the exact yearly income criteria. For federal grants like the Pell Grant for example, your award amount will be based on your household income minus expenses and debt. An amount will be determined as to how much you will contribute financially toward your tuition. The remaining amount will be your grant award. In many cases, your contribution will be zero or a relatively small amount.
Tuition is a lot more than the $5,500 from The Pell Grant what about the rest?
Unfortunately, government grants like the Pell Grant and others have not kept up with the rising costs of getting a college education. So that means you’ll need to find other education grants for single mothers to pay what your government grant won’t cover. One way is to find out what grants may be available from your school. Pretty much every college, university and vocational school offers some kind of grants based either on academic achievement or financial need. But the amount available varies from one institution to the next. In this case the old saying ”The early bird catches the worm” couldn’t be more true. As many schools will award on a first come first serve basis. You’ll need to find out what’s available and how to apply.
Are there any other grants besides those from my school and the government?
Yes. There are several organizations which award education grants for single mothers not able to afford the tuition. You can search online to see what’s available. You can start with organizations like the AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) and The Susan G. Komen Foundation. Both offer grants and scholarships. Practically every industry association also offers grants. So depending on what you’re studying, find out which associations in your field may be able to help you financially. There are also organizations like Goodwill that offer grants.
How can I find out if my state has grants?
Simply contact your state’s Department of Education. If they have a state sponsored program they will be able to provide you with all the necessary information. You may be surprised to learn your state offers quite a bit of assistance. For example, the state of Arkansas, awards education grants for single mothers and dads to pay for their college degrees or vocational diplomas. They will also help pay for child care, utilities and even money to keep your car running so you don’t miss class.
Are there any grants I can get to help pay for child care while I’m in school?
Yes. There are grants to help you pay for daycare. But you won’t find any offered by the federal government per-Se. Instead the federal government grants money on a state level. Each state then awards based on it’s own criteria. Other local groups and organizations in your area may also receive state grant money. These organizations then offer education grants for single mothers that help with tuition and day care expenses. You’ll have to do some research but they do exist.
Mom’s House for example, in Phoenixville, PA has been offering free child care to single moms going to school for 25 years! Surprisingly, many single moms in the area have no idea they even exist. It doesn’t matter if you’re a single mom attending a university or if you’re still in high school. If you’re low income and enrolled in school, Mom’s House can help. If you live in or near Phoenixville, PA you’ll find Mom’s House at 152 Church street. Stop by and see how they can help you.
What about grants from companies am I eligible for those too?
That depends on the company and the rules they’ve put into place. The best way to find out is to contact various companies and ask about specific qualification requirements. Many employers especially major national chains offer scholarships and education grants for single mothers and others who qualify.
For example if you work for Walmart, you could be eligible for the Walmart Foundation’s Lifelong Learning Program. This program in conjunction with American Public University allows you to gain actual college credit via your work experience at Walmart. This way when you’re ready to get your degree, you’ll be able to finish sooner than the average student. Talk to your human resources department where you work, ask about any programs they offer for employees who want to get their degrees. They may not pay for a full ride. But every little bit helps.
I’m almost 40 years old, can I still get any of these education grants for single mothers?
Absolutely! There are organizations like the AARP, The Rankin Foundation and several others that awards education grants for single mothers. All actively seeking single moms over 35 to provide them with money for college. As far as government grants are concerned, as long as you’re 18 and over and meet the income requirements. You can be awarded money for school.
What can I do to increase my chances of getting a grant?
• Follow the instructions to the letter
• Submit every piece of documentation requested
• Make sure you submit your application on time
Hopefully, the education grants for single mothers mentioned here, has gotten you fired up and ready to get after your dream. But one thing you have to keep in mind. Having all the information in the world doesn’t mean much unless you take action. So start right here, right now.
Education grants for single mothers are readily available all you have to do is apply. Think about it, going back to school will allow you to change careers or if you want or stay where you are and become a candidate for the next round of promotions. Or maybe you’re ready to do something totally different than what you’re doing right now. Whatever reason for wanting to attend college, as a single mom you’ll be an inspiration to your children. They’ll see what you’ll accomplish and strive to be just like you. You can use these education grants for single mothers to attend virtually any college or university. Plus, grants unlike loans, do not have to be repaid. You can attend classes not worried about how you’ll ever pay your grant off because you won’t have too!
Now, while you’re thinking about what you’d like to study…what you want to become. Let’s take a look at the steps you’ll need to take to start your college adventure and get the information you’ll need to apply for those education grants for single mothers. Once you’ve decided your field of study, you’ll want to take some time to visit some colleges and universities in your area. Maybe there’s one you pass by each day saying to yourself…”I wonder what it would be like to go to school there?” Stop by and walk around and get a feel for the campus then locate the undergraduate studies department and ask to speak with an admissions counselor. He or she will give all the information you’ll need, including brochures and a course catalog. You’ll be able to see the kinds of courses you’ll be taking.
Applying for Education Grants for Single Mothers
Next, it’s on to the admissions office. There you’ll learn about what you’ll need to enroll. Have your transcripts from high school or your GED. If you don’t have a GED or diploma, that doesn’t mean you can’t go to college. Just let your admissions counselor knows and they will have you take a test to assess your reading and writing abilities. Don’t worry you’ll be fine. The financial aid office is next up on the list. You’ll sit down and discuss your options for education grants for single mothers and the requirements. You will be given a FAFSA application to fill out. Ask about any other aid for single mothers while you’re there.
Since all of the education grants for single mothers are based on financial need, this application will determine your financial eligibility for other grants. Look at the Pell Grant for example, this grant awards up to $5,500 a year to pay for tuition, books and other miscellaneous fees. There will documents you will be asked to bring in that prove your income. Plus other documentation that will help verify your eligibility to receive any future education grants for single mothers.
There you have it, you now have all the basic information you need to apply and to prepare yourself for success! Have you figured out what you want to study yet? Thought so! Good Luck!