College Grants for Single Mothers

     If you are a single mother, you know how challenging the job of raising children is on your own.  At times you may feel defeated and as if there is no hope for you.  Depending on your personal situation, you may have been left without the means to properly support your children.  There is hope out there for you.  You can attend college and get a degree.  Earning a degree will provide you with financial independence.  You will additionally be able to set a strong role model for your children.  What many single mothers don't realize is that there is a lot of support out there for them, and many different types of grants are available. 

     Just by searching the web, you can find many websites that will give you specifics about how to apply for a grant.  Also, contact your university of choice's financial aid office.  They have the resources to let you know what the options are.  The purpose of this website is to introduce you to some different Federal Student Aid programs so that you have a variety of options.

Teach Grants:

     In The College Cost Reduction and Access Act, Congress enacted a new grant called the TEACH grant, which will provide a grant of up to $4,000 to students who are interested in teaching in a low-income private or public school.  If you are interested in this grant, contact the university's financial aid office.

Federal Pell Grant:

     A Pell Grant does not have to be repaid.  The maximum Pell Grant award is nearly $5,000.  Your ability to be awarded a Pell Grant is based on your financial need, your status as a full or part-time student, and your educational plans.  This grant is typically given to only undergraduate students.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant:

     The FSEOG is given to students who can show that they have exceptional financial needs.  This grant does not have to be repaid, and students can receive between $100 and $4000 per year. 

Academic Competitiveness Grant:

This grant is given to first year college students who have successfully completed a rigorous high school program.  This grant is in addition to a Pell Grant.  This grant is for $750 for the first year and $1300 for the second year.

Campus-Based Aid:

     The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal work-Study and Federal Perkins Loan programs are campus based programs.  These aid programs are administered directly from the financial-aid office of your university; however, not all universities participate, so you need to contact your university's financial aid office. 

Plus Loans:

     Your parents can borrow a Plus Loan to pay your tuition if you are enrolled at least half-time and are a dependent.  These loans are made available through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan and the Federal Family Education Loan.  Your parents must have a reasonable credit history to qualify for a loan.  Remember, a loan is different from a grant and must be paid back.

To file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, you can apply online at www.fafsa.ed.gov

You can also call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at the following number:  1-800-4-FED-AID.

     I hope that the information about grants and loans for single mothers is helpful for you.  Now when you contact your financial aid office, you are informed about some of the opportunities for grants that exist so that you can feel both informed but also confident when speaking to an advisor.  Remember that going to school is the right thing to do for you and your family.