22 Scholarships for Single Moms to Apply For in 2023

Going to school, whether a community college or 4-year university, is a decision anyone can make at any age or point in their life. Many young mothers take a break from school or continue their education and provide primary financial support. No matter your situation, there are single mom scholarships to help you pay for a college degree.

We’ve compiled the top 22 scholarships for single moms, including their application details, deadlines, and award amounts. Regardless of your background or qualifications, we’ll help you find opportunities to make educational costs more affordable.

Top 22 Single Mom Scholarships

Scholarships are an excellent opportunity for single mothers pursuing an undergraduate degree, Bachelor’s degree, or specialized trade. Below are 22 scholarships for single mothers or parents to apply for while they seek higher education.

“Be Bold” Annual No-Essay Scholarship

This no-essay scholarship is for Bold.org users with earnest, determined, and moving profiles. Students of all education levels, GPAs, and fields of study are eligible to apply, including moms without a partner. 

• Amount: $25,046
• Application Deadline: August 1, 2023
• Winner Announced: December 1, 2023

Scholarship Institute’s Annual Women’s Leadership Scholarship

This recurring scholarship is open to female high school seniors, undergraduate and graduate students. To apply, submit a 400–600 word essay explaining your experience as a leader and what you hope to achieve in the future. 

• Amount: $500
• Application Deadline: July 1, 2024
• Winner Announced: July 31, 2024

Learner Education Women in Mathematics Scholarship

If you’re a single mom who plans on studying mathematics, you can apply to this recurring scholarship as a high school senior or undergraduate student. It requires a brief essay highlighting what draws you to math and how it has shaped your worldview. 

• Amount: $1,000
• Application Deadline: August 1, 2023
• Winner Announced: August 26, 2023

GIST Sports Media No-Essay Scholarship

This annual scholarship is for students who share GIST’s passion for increasing sports media opportunities for females. Applicants will receive their newsletter, and those who get the most out of it will have a higher chance of winning. 

• Amount: $1,000
• Application Deadline: August 1, 2023
• Winner Announced: August 15, 2023

Cappex Adult Learners Scholarship

If you’re a single mother over 25 and want to start or complete your Bachelor’s degree, you can apply for the Cappex Adult Learners Scholarship. With a rolling deadline, you can apply for it annually. 

• Amount: $1,000 (2 winners, $500 each)
• Application Deadline: August 1, 2023
• Winner Announced: August 2, 2023

VNutrition & Wellness’ Annual LGBTQ+ Vitality Scholarship

This scholarship is for single moms who identify as LGBTQ+, whether high school seniors, undergrads, or graduate students. Applicants will need to submit a 400–600 word essay answering how they plan on using education to improve society. 

• Amount: $500
• Application Deadline: July 1, 2024
• Winner Announced: July 31, 2024

Barbara J. DeVaney Memorial Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is for women from diverse backgrounds, including single mothers, widows, and first-generation college students. Open to all education levels, applicants must submit a short essay about themselves and how they plan to use the money. 

• Amount: $90,000 (12 winners, $5,000 to $10,000 each)
• Application Deadline: September 21, 2023
• Winner Announced: October 21, 2023

Bold.org No-Essay Top Friend Scholarship

Students of all education levels and single mothers are encouraged to apply for this annual scholarship if they’ve been invited by friends to join Bold.org. Applicants should also work on their profiles to stand out and increase their chances of winning. 

• Amount: $5,000
• Application Deadline: August 1, 2023
• Winner Announced: December 1, 2023

Taylor Swift ‘1989’ Scholarship

If you’re a single mom who can’t get enough of Taylor Swift’s iconic album, apply for this scholarship by writing about your favorite song from ‘1989’ and why you chose it. 

• Amount: $1,989
• Application Deadline: August 1, 2023
• Winner Announced: September 1, 2023

Across Cultures “Expand Your Horizons” Scholarship

Exploring new cultures as a single mom is challenging, but this scholarship lessens the financial burden of traveling. Whether you plan on using the funds to learn new languages or study in a new place, this scholarship is available to students of all education levels. 

• Amount: $1,000
• Application Deadline: April 28, 2024
• Winner Announced: April 30, 2024

WayUp Dream Job No-Essay Scholarship

Single mothers expecting to graduate from now until 2026 can apply for this recurring scholarship and gain access to millions of jobs and internships through WayUp’s platform. Applicants with outstanding profiles and several job or internship applications are strongly preferred. 

• Amount: $1,000
• Application Deadline: August 1, 2023
• Winner Announced: August 1, 2023

Disney Super Fan Scholarship

This scholarship is open to all students and single moms who adore Disney. Whether you’re a natural fan or love it because of your child(ren), you can apply by submitting an essay explaining your favorite part of Disney and what it means to you. 

• Amount: $1,000
• Application Deadline: September 1, 2023
• Winner Announced: September 22, 2023

Doña Lupita Immigrant Scholarship

This scholarship is for immigrant single mothers and their children, regardless of education level or study. Interested applicants must submit an essay about the values they hope to teach their children or the ones their single parents taught them. 

• Amount: $2,000
• Application Deadline: November 12, 2023
• Winner Announced: December 12, 2023

500 Bold Points No-Essay Scholarship

Students with exemplary Bold.org profiles are encouraged to apply for this scholarship if they have over 500 Bold Points. With a recurring application window, single mothers and other applicants can apply for this scholarship annually. 

• Amount: $5,000
• Application Deadline: August 1, 2023
• Winner Announced: December 1, 2023

Catholic Colleges No-Essay Scholarship

If you’re a single mom and high school senior interested in attending a Catholic college, this recurring scholarship can give you the tools you need. All applicants will receive free tips and resources, and those who apply early have a higher chance of winning. 

• Amount: $1,000
• Application Deadline: August 1, 2023
• Winner Announced: September 1, 2023

Linda Fontenot-Williams Memorial Scholarship

African American and Black students can apply for this scholarship if they are high school seniors or undergraduate students. The scholarship asks for a 400–600 word essay sharing what inspired you to continue your education and plans for the future. 

• Amount: $500
• Application Deadline: November 30, 2023
• Winner Announced: December 31, 2023

“Equal Opportunity” Scholarship

This recurring scholarship is open to all students seeking to improve their lives and those around them. It has a 2.0 minimum GPA and applies to anyone with unique circumstances, including single parents. 

• Amount: $1,000 (2 winners, $500 each)
• Application Deadline: August 31, 2023
• Winner Announced: September 1, 2023

Filipino-American Scholarship

If you’re a Filipino in an undergraduate program with community service experience, you can apply for this scholarship, even as a single mother. To do so, write about how your identity has influenced your purpose in life in 350–400 words. 

• Amount: $1,500
• Application Deadline: September 2, 2023
• Winner Announced: October 2, 2023

Charles Pulling Sr. Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is for non-traditional undergraduate or high school students, such as single parents or first-generation students. Applicants must submit an essay or video explaining why they’re non-traditional and what motivates them. 

• Amount: $2,000 (2 winners, $1,000 each)
• Application Deadline: July 31, 2024
• Winner Announced: August 31, 2024

Vickie Drum Memorial Scholarship

Female high school seniors with a 3.0 minimum GPA, a North Carolina residency, and a child can apply for this scholarship. To submit an application, write about how your experience as a parent influenced your time throughout higher education. 

• Amount: $1,500
• Application Deadline: December 1, 2023
• Winner Announced: January 1, 2024

Harry Potter and the Sorting Hat Scholarship

This scholarship is for student mothers who love Harry Potter. Anyone can apply by writing about which Hogwarts house they belong to and why they’re a perfect fit. 

• Amount: $1,000
• Application Deadline: October 1, 2023
• Winner Announced: October 22, 2023

Michael Rudometkin Memorial Scholarship

Students and single moms who dedicate time to serving their community while pursuing higher education are eligible for this scholarship. In a brief essay, explain why you’re selfless and provide examples. 

• Amount: $1,000
• Application Deadline: October 24, 2023
• Winner Announced: November 24, 2023

About Single Mom Scholarships

Scholarships for single moms support those raising children independently with a financial need to pursue higher education. Whether they wish to attend community college, a 2-year institute, or a 4-year institute, as long as they attend an accredited college, they are eligible for scholarships and financial support.

What Are Single Mom Scholarships?

A scholarship for single moms is a financial award, similar to federal student loans, that helps single mothers who have a financial need but want to return to college or university to pursue a bachelor’s degree. For single mothers attending college to qualify, they have to be college students raising at least one child by themselves without the assistance of a partner.

What Qualifies Someone for a Single Mom Scholarship?

To qualify for a single mom scholarship, one has to be a single mom or a single parent raising at least one child at home. Many need- and merit-based scholarships are available to single mothers not tied to a particular school, major, or field.

General college scholarships available to all women who have a financial need, even if they aren’t parents or mothers who aren’t single, can open up an even more significant number of financial assistance and opportunities while pursuing a college education.

Types of Single Mom Scholarships Available

Scholarships are broken down into different categories, each of which can help with college and education costs. Below are some of the most common types to pursue a college education and degree.

Merit-Based Scholarships

Merit-based scholarships are scholarships for graduate or undergraduate students who are single mothers awarded to those with exceptional academic performance. It’s based on a student’s level of success and does not consider financial status. A common misconception is that merit-based scholarships are just limited to grades. However, the fact is that some universities consider any co-curricular talents, including athletic abilities or musical skills. The money granted by a merit-based scholarship is almost exclusively meant to cover tuition fees.

University Scholarships

University scholarships are from universities or colleges to help students and single parents fund their studies. Many of these are entrance scholarships, meaning students don’t need to apply to be considered for the award. By default, your admission into the university or college makes you eligible depending on your background, but consult your school’s financial aid department for exact details and eligibility criteria. 

Government Scholarships

With government scholarships, different agencies register with the government and offer student scholarships. Federal scholarships are awarded based on various criteria, ranging from financial need (usually determined by completing the FAFSA) to a student’s chosen major. National scholarship awards vary and can range to the total amount of a student’s tuition and fees, creating a whole ride for the student.

Private Scholarships

Private scholarships are scholarships funded by individual donors or privately owned businesses. Individual donors set up a private fund for students who need financial aid for personal or external scholarships. Depending on the donor, these scholarships are awarded based on academic merit or financial need. However, most private scholarships have strict eligibility requirements, such as being from a developing country or only for minorities in specific areas of study. Although some private scholarships out there specifically target single moms or single parents, it’s essential to make sure any private scholarships you’re applying for are legit.

Financial Scholarships

Also known as bursaries or need-based scholarships, financial scholarships are a form of aid to enable undergraduate students to attend graduate schools. If the student is still supported by their parent or guardian, the scholarship provider will analyze the parents’ income and ability to pay for the tuition fees. They may also look at factors such as citizenship and residence status, tax statements, or employment. Depending on the program or university, students may sometimes qualify for merit-based and need-based scholarships. Independent single parents or single moms are more likely to receive financial aid scholarships if they demonstrate the need. 

How to Find Scholarships for Single Moms

You can find scholarships by searching online, but the easiest way is to visit Bold.org and search for relevant scholarships by demographic, state, career path, and more. While Bold.org has a page for single moms, you can find additional opportunities by browsing scholarships for women or any category that applies to you. Or, you can contact your school’s financial aid office to see if there are any internal scholarships you are eligible to apply for or any additional financial support you could receive as a single mom.

Tips For Winning Single Mom Scholarships

When applying for scholarships, it’s essential to give your 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. 

Tip 6: Make the Most of Your Bold.org Profile

Your profile on Bold.org is a scholarship organizer’s best look at who you are and what you bring to the table. Keep it updated and showcase your unique abilities, experiences, and future goals to stand out from everyone else. 

Tip 7: Learn about the Scholarship Donors

Bold.org connects you with a range of donors, each with unique values, interests, and hopes for their scholarship fund. Use this knowledge to tailor your application and engage with them, ensuring you are a good fit for the opportunity. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Single Mom Scholarships

Single mom scholarships can be complicated since many rules and regulations come with being considered eligible for scholarships. Here are some frequently asked questions about single mom scholarships.

Are Single Mom Scholarships Legit?

Yes, scholarships for single moms are legit. Many companies and schools offer tons of scholarships for minorities (including women) and single parents, no matter what field of study you’re studying. Always ensure the application is not a scam, such as if they ask for private information, like social security numbers or bank information.

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 only 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 scholarships for single moms are open to international students, but the eligibility criteria varies. 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.