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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

  • 1

  • Downer-Bennett Scholarship

  • Amount$3,000
  • DeadlineAugust 1, 2025

The Downer-Bennett scholarship is for single-parent students attending the University of New Mexico main campus. Eligible applicants must be a continuing undergraduate student, have a cumulative total of at least 12 UNM Main campus credits earned by the end of the fall semester, have a highly competitive cumulative UNM GPA, and enroll in/earn 12 credits each semester at the UNM Main campus for

  • 2

  • Soroptimist's Live Your Dream Award

  • Amount$16,000
  • DeadlineNovember 15, 2025

The Live Your Dream Awards offers three levels of cash awards. Eligible applicants can submit their application between August 15 - November 15. Ultimately, a Live Your Dream Awards finalist has the potential to receive up to $16,000 to help offset tuition costs, purchase books, get transportation, or find reliable childcare so she can worry less about how to pay her bills and focus on reaching

  • 3

  • Sahara Hope Scholarship For Women Empowered To Change The World

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineNovember 15, 2025

On March 22nd, 2021, our friend Sahara was shot and killed three days after her 23rd birthday. While it is important to understand what happened, Sahara’s life will not be defined by this act of violence. Instead, she is remembered for the many lives she touched in her young life, and how many more people she will continue to inspire and impact through her legacy. Eligibility Women

  • 4

  • Judith Heavenrich Memorial Scholarship

  • AmountVaries
  • DeadlineFebruary 7, 2026

Education is vital to the growth and future of every community. Because of this, the Saginaw Community Foundation administers a variety of scholarship programs for high school, community college, university and vocational students. Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded more than $8 million in scholarships. Learn more about all of our 235+

  • 5

  • Southern California Mothers of Multiples Clubs, Inc. (SCMOMC) Scholarship

  • Amount$1,500
  • DeadlineFebruary 7, 2026

Since 1987, SCMOMC has awarded over 50 scholarships. Scholarships are presented annually at the SCMOMC May Convention. A SCMOMC Scholarship may be applied for by multiples together or individually, or by a mother of multiples. The Scholarship Committee reviews all complete applications received by the stated deadline and selects the recipients based on the criteria and eligibility noted

  • 6

  • Dr. Wynetta A. Frazier "Sister to Sister" Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineFebruary 8, 2026

The Wynetta A. Frazier "Sister-to-Sister" Scholarship was created to provide financial assistance to mature African American women in their pursuit of post-secondary education. An applicant must be a returning student (at least 21 years old), whose education was interrupted by family responsibilities or other personal demands and is now ready to complete college, or one who is entering college

  • 7

  • VSAC Bernice Murray Scholarship

  • Amount$4,000
  • DeadlineFebruary 12, 2026

To be eligible for the Bernice Murray Scholarship, applicants must: be a single parent with primary custody of at least one child 12 years of age or younger; be seeking an undergraduate degree; be enrolled at least part-time; demonstrate financial need; and be attending an accredited school approved for federal Title IV funding. Selection for this scholarship will be based on financial need, a

  • 8

  • The Graydon & Myrth Fox Scholarship

  • Amount$20,000
  • DeadlineMarch 14, 2026

The Graydon and Myrth Fox Scholarship was established to assist individuals who are seeking to further their job skills or improve their circumstances through education by providing scholarships for Veterans who have served honorably in the United States Armed Forces or a surviving spouse, dependent child or grandchild of a U.S. Veteran. Preference will be given to wounded personnel or a

  • 9

  • Generation Hope Scholar Program

  • Amount$2,400
  • DeadlineApril 1, 2026

The Generation Hope Scholar Program offers $1,200 per year in scholarship money if you are attending a 2-year college or $2,400 per year in scholarship money if you are attending a 4-year college and each Scholar is matched with a caring adult mentor who works with you one-on-one until you graduate, providing you with emotional support, guidance, and friendship. The program also offers the

  • 10

  • Generation Hope New Orleans Scholar Program

  • Amount$2,400
  • DeadlineApril 1, 2026

To be eligible for the Generation Hope New Orleans Scholar Program, applicants must: be a teen parent (defined as pregnant/expecting by age 19) and 25 or younger at the time of application; be attending -or planning to attend- college starting the Fall semester within Greater New Orleans, seeking an associates or a bachelors degree; submit a copy of their Student Aid Report (SAR) or proof of

  • 11

  • Bruce and Marjorie Sundlun Scholarship

  • Amount$8,000
  • DeadlineApril 14, 2026

The Bruce and Marjorie Sundlun Scholarship is designed to support single parents in Rhode Island, both men and women, who are striving to pursue higher education. The scholarship awards between $500 and $2,000 and is renewable, providing ongoing financial assistance to eligible recipients. Scholarship Details Scholarship aimed at supporting single parents in Rhode Island Open to both men

  • 12

  • NLHA Education Fund Scholarship

  • Amount$4,500
  • DeadlineApril 25, 2026

The NLHA Education Fund provides scholarships to individuals residing in federally assisted low-income housing, helping them pursue higher education and reduce financial barriers. This scholarship program is designed to support students who demonstrate financial need and reside in properties owned, managed, or administered by National Leased Housing Association (NLHA) members. Scholarship

  • 13

  • Veterans United Foundation Scholarships

  • Amount$20,000
  • DeadlineApril 30, 2026

The Veterans United Foundation Scholarship supports the educational goals of surviving spouses and children of deceased service members, and Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability. Established in 2012, this scholarship has provided over $1 million to military families, offering financial assistance for higher education. The program emphasizes personal storytelling, financial need, and

  • 14

  • Kathleen McVey Memorial Scholarship

  • AmountVaries
  • DeadlineMay 13, 2026

College of the Redwoods offers the Kathleen McVey Memorial Scholarship to a continuing college student in the LVN or RN program. Additional requirements for this scholarship include being a continuing college student, demonstrate financial need, be a Humboldt County or Del Norte County high school graduate (preference given to Fortuna High School graduates), be a single parent (preference given

  • 15

  • Geneva Fund Scholarship

  • Amount$20,000
  • DeadlineMay 15, 2026

The Geneva Fund is committed to supporting young mothers who became pregnant as teenagers or are currently pregnant and seeking to pursue a four-year college education. This scholarship provides financial assistance and encouragement to help young mothers build a brighter future for themselves and their children. The scholarship aims to empower women to achieve their academic and career goals

  • 16

  • Empower Her Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineMay 15, 2026

This scholarship gives student moms the financial support they need to continue their education through their pregnancy and afterwards if they choose to parent. Scholarship Details Awarded to single, pregnant, or parenting female undergraduate students Supports students enrolled in at least six credit hours Helps ensure that motherhood does not hinder educational

  • 17

  • David Malcolm Scholarship

  • Amount$2,500
  • DeadlineMay 31, 2026

The David Malcolm Scholarship is for students who have overcome obstacles to educational achievement – personal, family, demographic, or situational – and require help to continue on the path to success. Eligible applicants are high school seniors or college students who have already shown perseverance in pursuing a college degree. They will clearly show how this scholarship will make a

  • 18

  • Fully Bloomed Scholarship

  • Amount$500
  • DeadlineMay 31, 2026

Applicants of the Fully Bloomed Scholarship must have a high-school degree, be from a low-income household earning a combined income that is less than $45,000.00 a year and must be in pursuit of an undergraduate degree at a college or university, or be in pursuit of a certification from a trade school and/or post–secondary education. The Board of Directors of Omega Phi Beta Foundation will review

  • 19

  • Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund

  • Amount$1,600
  • DeadlineJune 1, 2026

The purpose of the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF) is to provide supplemental financial assistance to those single parents living in Arkansas who are pursuing a course of instruction that will improve their income-earning potential. Guidelines for the manner in which the scholarship may be used are at the discretion of each scholarship provider. Dollar amounts for the

  • 20

  • ASSP Foundation Family Scholarship Fund

  • Amount$500
  • DeadlineJune 6, 2026

The ASSP Foundation Family Scholarship Fund, established in 2013, provides financial support to families impacted by workplace tragedies. This scholarship offers educational funding to spouses and children who have lost a loved one in a workplace incident, helping to ease the financial burden and encourage continuing education in honor of their loved ones. Scholarship Details Established in

  • 21

  • Single Parent Degree Program Scholarships of Northwest Arkansas

  • Amount$2,500
  • DeadlineJune 15, 2026

The Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas (SPSFNWA) provides vital support to single parents pursuing post-secondary education at local universities, community colleges, and trade schools. Scholarship Details Supports single parents pursuing a range of academic programs including diplomas, degrees, and licensure Applications must be submitted through the Submittable

  • 22

  • Women With Promise Scholarship

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineVaries

The Women With Promise Scholarship Program began in 2018 as part of our commitment to make a difference in the lives of North Texas women. Our goal is to offer women the opportunity to begin or restart their journey toward a college degree. Eligibility Accepted into an accredited course of study at an accredited institution (College, University, Trade/Vocational School) Demonstrates

  • 23

  • Minnesota Child Care Grant

  • Amount$6,500
  • DeadlineVaries

The Minnesota Post-Secondary Child Care Grant Program helps low-income students (the number of recipients varies each year) who have young children pay for child care while the student attends classes. Minnesota residents who have a child 12 years old or younger (or 14 or younger if the child is disabled) and whose family size and income qualify for the program. To qualify, students also must be

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.