Zina Kumok Image Written By: Zina Kumok | Edited By: Kevin Ladd | Updated: May 16, 2025

Scholarships for Moms

Key takeaways:

  • There are about 1.7 million single mothers enrolled in college, representing more than two in five student parents.
  • Single mothers can qualify for various forms of financial aid, including federal grants (such as Pell Grants), scholarships, and state-specific aid.
  • Earning a degree can significantly improve the economic prospects of single mothers. Earning a bachelor's degree can boost earnings by up to $1.1 million.

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 22% of all undergraduate students are parents, with most of them being mothers.

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.

What is a mom scholarship?

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

How to Apply for Scholarships for Moms

These scholarships are also often only given to moms who currently have a dependent child. If you have a 25-year-old child who isn’t living at home, then you will likely not qualify for one of these awards.

Some mom scholarships may not be explicitly given to parents, but can reward students who are overcoming difficult circumstances. For example, the Dr. Wynetta A. Frazier "Sister to Sister" Scholarship is given to older African-American students who are returning students. Two winners will be chosen, and each winner will receive $1,000.

No matter what kind of school you’re attending, you can find mom scholarships - 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 a mom scholarship, 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 mom scholarships may also have other qualifying requirements. For example, the Capture the Dream Single Parent Scholarship is only given to low-income single parents who live in the Bay Area. They must attend a non-profit two- or four-year accredited school. This award gives out $1,000 per winner.

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 apply for a mom scholarship

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 an immigrant, as well as a mom, look for scholarships for immigrant students. Having more unique characteristics can open up more doors to win scholarships.

Continue reading the article below the scholarship list.

25 Scholarships for Moms with Approaching Deadlines

  • 1

  • Fully Bloomed Scholarship

  • Amount$500
  • DeadlineMay 31, 2025

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

  • 2

  • Downer-Bennett Scholarship

  • Amount$4,000
  • DeadlineJune 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

  • 3

  • ASSP Foundation Family Scholarship Fund

  • Amount$500
  • DeadlineJune 6, 2025

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

  • 4

  • Single Parent Degree Program Scholarships of Northwest Arkansas

  • Amount$2,500
  • DeadlineJune 15, 2025

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

  • 5

  • Maeband Scholarship

  • Amount$500
  • DeadlineJuly 1, 2025

To be eligible, applicants must be a mom, or expectant mom, and a US citizen currently enrolled in an accredited American 2- or 4-year university or college, in any field. There is no major or minor requirement. Any student who fits the eligibility requirements above can apply for the Maeband scholarship. To enter, students must submit an essay (500- to 700-words) or a video (up to 5 minutes)

  • 6

  • 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

  • 7

  • 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

  • 8

  • 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+

  • 9

  • 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

  • 10

  • 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

  • 11

  • 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

  • 12

  • 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

  • 13

  • 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

  • 14

  • 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

  • 15

  • 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

  • 16

  • 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

  • 17

  • 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

  • 18

  • 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

  • 19

  • 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

  • 20

  • 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

How to find mom scholarships

First, see what your school’s financial aid department says. Many schools offer a wide variety of scholarships to eligible students. You may have to complete a separate application to be eligible for all the scholarships your school offers.

If you’re a current student, talk to your academic advisor to ensure that you’re applying for all possible scholarships. They may know about grants and scholarships that aren’t easily found.

If you’re a local student, you may be eligible for many state-based grants and scholarships. To qualify for these, you usually have to complete the FAFSA, as well as a separate application form. These awards are usually available for students attending both public and private schools. Some of these grants may be given on a first-come, first-serve basis so try to apply sooner rather than later.

You can also try searching mom scholarships on Google. Try pairing the keywords “mom scholarship” with other words specific to you. For example, if you’re studying computer science, look for “mom tech scholarships.” Yes, this may seem too niche, but you might be shocked at what you find.

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.