Single mothers face distinct challenges when it comes to balancing family responsibilities and pursuing a college education. Many single mothers are juggling full-time jobs, raising children, and trying to make ends meet, making the cost of attending college feel overwhelming. Often, these financial pressures can lead to the difficult decision to put educational aspirations on hold.

Fortunately, scholarships specifically tailored for single moms can offer a glimmer of hope. These scholarships provide financial support that can help cover tuition fees, textbooks, and other educational expenses. No matter your situation, there are single-mom scholarships to help you pay for a college degree.

Single moms can also look at scholarships for single parents to broaden their scholarship search.

After reviewing hundreds of scholarship options for single moms, we’ve identified some of the most beneficial opportunities on Bold.org. These scholarships cater to a wide range of needs, from specific majors to academic years and beyond. To help you get started on your scholarship search, we’ve compiled the top # scholarships for single moms, complete with application details, deadlines, and award amounts. No matter your background or qualifications, we’re here to help you find the financial support needed to make your educational goals more achievable.

Apply for scholarships today to help you achieve the education you deserve.

Top Scholarships for Single Moms with Upcoming Deadlines in July 2025

Browse Single Mom scholarships to get financial assistance for school. Bold.org takes care of everything—researching, awarding, and updating scholarships regularly.

Iliana Arie Scholarship

Iliana Arie Scholarship

This scholarship aims to honor the memory of Iliana Arie Velez by supporting students who share her incredible spirit.

Award Amount: $1,515
Deadline: August 9, 2025
Winners Announced: September 9, 2025
Cariloop’s Caregiver Scholarship

Cariloop’s Caregiver Scholarship

This scholarship seeks to support student caregivers so they can afford to pursue their dreams of higher education.

Award Amount: $8,500
Deadline: September 1, 2025
Winners Announced: October 1, 2025
Charles Bowlus Memorial Scholarship

Charles Bowlus Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship aims to honor the life of Charles Bowlus by supporting students who share his passion for business and entrepreneurship.

Award Amount: $3,440
Deadline: December 18, 2025
Winners Announced: January 19, 2026
Robin G. Thomas Sizemore Memorial Scholarship

Robin G. Thomas Sizemore Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship aims to honor the life of Robin G. Thomas Sizemore by supporting students who are pursuing careers in healthcare.

Award Amount: $1,000
Deadline: July 25, 2025
Winners Announced: August 25, 2025
Middle Eastern Scholarship for Political Science

Middle Eastern Scholarship for Political Science

This scholarship seeks to support young women who are going to college to help society and lower the political barriers placed against women.

Award Amount: $60,000
Deadline: July 28, 2025
Winners Announced: August 11, 2025
Tracey Johnson-Webb Adult Learners Scholarship

Tracey Johnson-Webb Adult Learners Scholarship

This scholarship seeks to honor the efforts of Tracey Johnson-Webb by supporting adult learners who are handling the responsibilities of work or parenting while pursuing higher education.

Award Amount: $2,500
Deadline: July 31, 2025
Winners Announced: August 31, 2025
Eitel Scholarship

Eitel Scholarship

This scholarship aims to aid female students who are pursuing higher education at a Baptist college.

Award Amount: $500
Deadline: August 15, 2025
Winners Announced: September 15, 2025
Concrete Rose Scholarship Award

Concrete Rose Scholarship Award

This scholarship's mission is to help women of color reach their potential to achieve their dreams, making a significant contribution to a more inclusive and prosperous world for all.

Award Amount: $500
Deadline: August 16, 2025
Winners Announced: September 16, 2025
Andrea N. Santore Scholarship

Andrea N. Santore Scholarship

This scholarship seeks to honor the life of Andrea N. Santore by supporting students who are pursuing her fields of interest.

Award Amount: $1,856
Deadline: August 28, 2025
Winners Announced: September 28, 2025
Linda Fontenot Memorial Scholarship

Linda Fontenot Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship aims to honor the life of Linda Fontenot by supporting single mothers throughout their education.

Award Amount: $1,000
Deadline: September 25, 2025
Winners Announced: October 25, 2025
Clarice Kanouse Memorial Scholarship

Clarice Kanouse Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship aims to support low-income students from challenging backgrounds who are pursuing their dreams of higher education.

Award Amount: $2,000
Deadline: October 10, 2025
Winners Announced: November 10, 2025
Barreir Opportunity Scholarship

Barreir Opportunity Scholarship

This scholarship aims to alleviate the financial barriers that often prevent talented students from accessing higher education opportunities.

Award Amount: $1,000
Deadline: October 16, 2025
Winners Announced: November 16, 2025
Dr. Edward V. Chavez Athletic Memorial Scholarship

Dr. Edward V. Chavez Athletic Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship aims to honor the legacy of Dr. Edward V. Chavez by supporting students who have lost a parent and are passionate about sports.

Award Amount: $500
Deadline: October 30, 2025
Winners Announced: November 30, 2025
Sola Family Scholarship

Sola Family Scholarship

This scholarship seeks to honor some amazing single mothers by supporting students who have been raised by a single mom.

Award Amount: $1,000
Deadline: November 5, 2025
Winners Announced: December 5, 2025
Lotus Scholarship

Lotus Scholarship

This scholarship will support BIPOC students who are from low-income backgrounds or have been raised in single-parent households.

Award Amount: $500
Deadline: November 7, 2025
Winners Announced: December 7, 2025
Patty Timmons Women's Healthcare Scholarship

Patty Timmons Women's Healthcare Scholarship

This scholarship aims to support women as they pursue higher education and their healthcare ambitions.

Award Amount: $1,000
Deadline: March 23, 2026
Winners Announced: April 23, 2026
Jennifer D. Hale Memorial Scholarship

Jennifer D. Hale Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship aims to honor the memory of Jennifer D. Hale by supporting students who are pursuing their dreams in the field of nursing.

Award Amount: $1,000
Deadline: May 21, 2026
Winners Announced: June 21, 2026
Simon Strong Scholarship

Simon Strong Scholarship

This scholarship seeks to honor the legacy of Simon M. Humphrey by supporting underrepresented students along their educational journey.

Award Amount: $500
Deadline: August 8, 2026
Winners Announced: September 8, 2026
single mom scholarship

Types of Single Mom Scholarships Available

Scholarships for single mothers come in various forms:

  • Need-Based Scholarships: These are awarded based on financial need. Applicants must demonstrate a significant financial gap that would make it difficult to afford education without assistance.
  • Merit-based scholarships: These scholarships reward academic excellence or specific skills. High GPAs, exceptional test scores, or notable achievements in areas like sports or arts can be factors.
  • Demographic-Specific Scholarships: Some scholarships target specific demographics such as BIPOC students or those from low-income backgrounds. These aim to support underrepresented groups in higher education.
  • University Scholarships: These are from universities or colleges to help students fund their studies.
  • Government Scholarships: Government scholarships are typically funded by federal or state programs and are designed to help single mothers cover the cost of their education.

Key Federal Aid Programs

1. Federal Pell Grant: Need-based grant that does not require repayment.

2. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): Provides financial support and promotes self-sufficiency.

3. FAFSA: Crucial application that opens doors to various federal aid.

Understanding these programs and completing the FAFSA can significantly ease the financial burden of higher education for single mothers.

scholarship for single mom

Common Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility requirements for these scholarships often include:

  • Academic Performance: Many scholarships require a minimum GPA or proof of academic achievements.
  • Enrollment Status: Applicants typically need to be enrolled in an accredited program, either part-time or full-time.
  • Financial Need: For need-based scholarships, demonstrating financial hardship is crucial.
  • Citizenship Status: Some scholarships are only available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents, while others may have more flexible criteria.

Understanding eligibility criteria can help you identify which scholarships align best with your circumstances and qualifications.

Some scholarships may be available for eligible single parents. Don’t hesitate to apply for a single-parent scholarship just because they’re also open to single fathers. These scholarships are designed to support single parents of any gender. Remember, the more scholarships you apply for, the better your chances of winning.

How to Find Scholarships for Single Moms

Use Online Scholarship Search Engines

Websites like Bold.org allow you to filter searches based on specific criteria, including scholarships for single mothers. These platforms aggregate numerous opportunities for college students, making it easier to find those that match your needs.

Community Resources

Local libraries, community centers, and non-profit organizations often have information on scholarships. They might also host workshops or offer one-on-one assistance with the application process.

College Financial Aid Offices

Your school’s financial aid office can be a valuable resource. They often maintain lists of available scholarships and can provide personalized guidance based on your situation.

Networking

Connecting with other single mothers through support groups or online forums can lead to discovering scholarship opportunities that may not be widely advertised.

By leveraging these resources, you can uncover numerous scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support single mothers in their educational pursuits.

Pro tip: Bold.org has a scholarship page for single moms. And you can find additional opportunities by browsing scholarships for women or any category that applies to you.

single mom scholarship opportunities

Tips For Winning Single Mom Scholarships

When applying for scholarships, it’s essential to give 100% effort. Here are some helpful tips for the application process and increasing your chances of winning. 

Tip 1: Plan Ahead

Planning can give you an edge in the scholarship application process. Start researching scholarships early, gather all necessary documents, and give yourself plenty of time to complete each application. 

Tip 2: Personalize Your Application

Each scholarship has unique criteria and objectives, so you want to ensure your applications align with them. And as a single mom, you want to emphasize how your experiences make you a worthy candidate. 

Tip 3: Showcase Your Strengths 

Being a single parent requires strength and resilience. Use your application to highlight these qualities, sharing stories and evidence that demonstrate your commitment to your education. 

Tip 4: Write a Compelling Essay

While several no-essay scholarships exist, the ones that require an essay give you a chance to share your story. Try to do your best to make it compelling and genuine, focusing on your journey and academic ambitions. Always proofread and check your work; you only get one chance to impress the scholarship panel. 

Tip 5: Diversify Your Scholarship Applications

You aren’t limited to one scholarship, so take advantage of as many opportunities as you can. The more scholarships you apply for, the more likely you will receive financial support. 

Are you working toward a bachelor’s degree? Browse these undergraduate scholarships with approaching deadlines to help you reduce your educational costs.

scholarships for single moms

Frequently Asked Questions About Single Mom Scholarships

What’s the Best Way to Apply for Single Mom Scholarships?

The best way to find scholarships is by visiting Bold.org, a free scholarship platform with hundreds of opportunities for single moms. You can also contact your current or future school’s financial aid office. 

How Can I Improve My Chances of Winning Single Mom Scholarships?

Aside from confirming you meet the eligibility requirements, you should prepare and submit the best possible application to improve your chances of winning a single-mom scholarship. Whether you need to create a strong profile or compose a strong essay, take the opportunity to express your story and why you deserve the scholarship. 

Are Single Mom Scholarships Taxable Income?

Any scholarships, including scholarships for single mothers, are not taxable income. According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), scholarships are not taxable as long as they are used for educational expenses, such as tuition, fees, books, or other supplies.

How Many Single Mom Scholarships Can You Get?

There is no limit to how many you can receive. Whether the scholarships go towards tuition or books, scholarships are available for eligible students. 

Does FAFSA Cover Single Mothers?

Yes, FAFSA provides financial aid to eligible single mothers pursuing higher education. These funds can help cover tuition, books, and other educational expenses. Single mothers can apply by submitting a FAFSA form once enrolled in a degree program. 

Are Single Mom Scholarships Available for Graduate Students?

Single moms pursuing a graduate degree have several scholarship opportunities available. These include scholarships designed exclusively for single mothers or their career path, accomplishments, state, and other distinguishing factors. 

What Are Some Other Resources for Single Mom Students? 

Single-mom students can research programs in their state to help pay for school, find housing, or assist with childcare. Single moms can also contact their local community center or school’s counseling department for available resources in their area. 

Can International Students Apply for Single Mom Scholarships? 

Some college scholarships for single moms are open to international students, but the eligibility criteria vary. Non-US citizens are typically eligible to apply for scholarships unless specified otherwise, so be sure to check the specific requirements or contact the scholarship organizer to confirm.

If you’re a single mother looking for a better future by pursuing school, start applying for scholarships to help you reach your goals.

Lucy Maddox
Lucy Maddox
Editor

Lucy’s international upbringing in Hong Kong and love for literature have shaped her multifaceted background. She attended university in Middlebury, Vermont, before settling in Arlington, Virginia. In her free time, Lucy enjoys True Crime podcasts, thrillers, literary fiction, running, hiking, exploring Washington, D.C.'s newest restaurants, and blogging about her latest travels.

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