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Zina Kumok Image Written By: Zina Kumok | Edited By: Alyssa Schulz | Updated: June 16, 2025

Scholarships for Moms

Key takeaways:

  • According to the American Council on Education, around 2 million moms pursued an undergraduate degree in 2023.
  • Moms with a degree have around three times higher lifetime earnings than those who just enrolled and later dropped out.
  • Student moms can qualify for various forms of financial aid, including federal grants (such as Pell Grants), scholarships, and state-specific aid.

When you think about the typical college student, you probably imagine an 18-year-old who just graduated from high school. However, the reality is surprisingly different. In fact, about 18% of all undergraduate students are parents, with most of them being moms.

Being a parent and being a college student is a tough combo. It requires a lot of hard work, organizational skills and persistence. And unfortunately, it’s also difficult to pay for school while you’re also managing kid-related expenses.

But that’s where scholarships for moms come in. These awards can help mothers pay for their education. Read below to learn how to apply for scholarships for moms, where to find them and how they work.

Continue reading the article below the scholarship list.

25 Scholarships for Moms with Approaching Deadlines

What is a mom scholarship?

A mom scholarship is an award given to a female student who is a parent. Many scholarships for moms focus on single or divorced parents, since those students often have a harder time supporting themselves through school. However, some scholarships for moms may also accept married mothers.

No matter what kind of school you’re attending, you can find scholarships for moms - or regular scholarships - to help cover your costs. Many students incorrectly assume that scholarships are only given to full-time undergraduate students, but there are scholarships for part-time students, as well as students in community college, graduate school or even doctoral programs.

How to qualify for a mom scholarship

Each scholarship will have its own unique rules and requirements. In general, if you're looking for scholarships for moms, you probably need to be a biological or adoptive parent. Step-parents may be excluded from these types of awards, even if they’re providing financial support.

Some scholarships for moms may also have other qualifying requirements. For example, the Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation offers Education Support Awards of up to $5,000 to assist low-income women with children who are pursuing education or training. Established in 2003, the foundation continues Congresswoman Mink's commitment to educational access, opportunity, and equity for low-income women, especially mothers. Eligible applicants must be at least 17 years old, mothers with minor children, pursuing their first degree at a postsecondary level, enrolled in a non-profit, accredited institution in the U.S., and meet specific income requirements.

Many scholarships have GPA or test score requirements, and some are more strict than others. A general rule of thumb is that you need to have a minimum 3.0 GPA to qualify, but this can vary depending on the exact award.

How to find scholarships for moms

When you create a free account and conduct a scholarship search at Scholarships.com, you will be automatically matched to any scholarships for which you qualify, including scholarships for moms.

You can also check with the financial aid office at any college you're considering. Some schools offer their own institutional scholarships, which may require a separate application.

If you’re already enrolled, your academic advisor may be aware of additional funding opportunities, including grants and scholarships that aren’t widely promoted.

State-based scholarships and grants may also be available, especially for local students. These often require both a completed FAFSA and a separate application. Since some are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, it’s smart to apply as early as possible.

How to apply for scholarships for moms

Every student, especially if they’re a mom, should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before applying for regular scholarships. The FAFSA is your ticket to federal financial aid, including Pell grants, student loans and work-study.

Also, the FAFSA is often required to qualify for state grants and scholarships given directly by the school. Plus, moms getting their undergraduate degree will qualify for more in federal student loan funding than non-parents. All students should submit the FAFSA, unless they’re specifically ineligible (for example, because they are not a citizen).

Make sure to submit the FAFSA as soon as possible. Some awards are only given on a limited basis so it literally pays to fill out the application earlier.

Once you’ve submitted the FAFSA, you can start looking for other scholarships. Use the directory at Scholarships.com and create an account so you can save awards that look the most intriguing. Make sure to include as much information about yourself so you can apply for as many potential scholarships as possible.

For example, if you're a minority student and a mom, look for scholarships that support both identities. The more unique characteristics you bring, the more scholarship opportunities you may qualify for.

What can I use a mom scholarship for?

Some scholarships have very restrictive rules on using the funds only for tuition and fees, while others are much more lenient. It all depends on the specific scholarship.

For example, the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund lets students use the money for daycare, living expenses and commuting costs. To qualify for this award, students must be from the state of Arkansas or Bowie County, Texas and be a single parent. You must also have 50% custody or more. Scholarship amounts will vary.

If you win a mom scholarship, make sure you understand what you can use the funds for. If you use the funds outside of their designated purpose, you may get in trouble with the scholarship committee and have to give back the funds.

Frequently asked questions about scholarships for moms

Yes. The FAFSA is often required not just for federal aid like Pell Grants, but also for state and institutional scholarships. Even if you're unsure whether you qualify, it's worth completing to unlock all possible aid options.

Some do, but many are based on financial need, life circumstances, or your field of study. Always review the eligibility criteria closely, and don’t assume your GPA will disqualify you unless it’s specifically mentioned.

Yes. While some awards target single moms, many are open to any mother with dependent children, regardless of marital status. Always check the specific eligibility requirements for each award.

Follow instructions carefully, meet all deadlines, and tailor each application to the specific scholarship. Think about what makes you unique and what differentiates you from other applicants. The more your application stands out, the better your odds. Also, be sure to look for low-competition scholarships as they can offer a higher chance of success.