Scholarships for Single Mothers (and Fathers!): Invest in Your Potential and Your Family’s Future

Going to college or returning to school as a single mom is a bold, inspiring journey. You balance classwork, childcare, and countless responsibilities—often all on your own. The good news? There are dozens of scholarships created just for single mothers like you, recognizing your perseverance, dedication, and dreams.
Bookmark this list and check back often: These scholarships can help pay for tuition, books, and more. Apply widely, share your story, and dare to imagine all that’s possible for you and your kids. Every step forward in your education is a powerful investment in your future and theirs.

1. ANSWER Scholarship

Open to single mothers aged 25 or older with school-age children, the ANSWER Scholarship awards up to $22,000 to help women earn a four-year degree. Applicants must demonstrate motivation, academic achievement, and a vision for bettering their children’s lives through education. This program is renowned for empowering mothers to overcome barriers and launch new careers.
Website: https://answerscholarship.org/

2. Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation Scholarship

Offering up to $5,000, this scholarship is for low-income single mothers with dependent children who are pursuing undergraduate or vocational degrees. Recipients are selected for financial need, community service, and their commitment to completing their education. The foundation’s mission is to uplift women and children through academic success.
Website: https://www.patsyminkfoundation.org/

3. Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund

Women age 35 and older, including single mothers, can receive up to $2,000 for associate or bachelor’s degrees. Recipients are chosen for both financial need and their determination to create a brighter future for themselves and their families. This scholarship encourages “non-traditional students” to achieve long-deferred educational goals.
Website: https://rankinfoundation.org/

4. Custody X Change Single Parent Scholarship

Awarding $1,000 per semester, Custody X Change supports single parents who are pursuing degrees while managing primary custody. Recipients can use the funds toward tuition or childcare. With three annual deadlines, this scholarship helps parents manage the unique challenges of higher education.
Website: https://www.custodyxchange.com/scholarships/

5. Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting (EFWA) Scholarships

EFWA offers several scholarships specifically for women in accounting, with preference for single mothers. Amounts vary, and recipients get financial support plus mentoring. The program helps women enter and succeed in a vital, high-demand field.
Website: https://www.efwa.org/scholarships.php

6. Women’s Independence Scholarship Program (WISP)

Created for single mothers who are survivors of intimate partner abuse, WISP provides flexible financial aid to attend college, vocational training, or job readiness programs. The goal is to empower survivors with new choices and economic security.
Website: https://wispinc.org/

7. Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund

This fund helps single parents in Arkansas who need support for college, textbooks, and other educational expenses. Awards vary based on need, and the program also offers career coaching and family support. Focused on breaking the cycle of poverty through education.
Website: https://www.aspsf.org

8. Bernal-Mora & Nickolaou Annual Single Parent Scholarship

Single mothers and fathers enrolled at accredited colleges or trade schools can apply for a $1,000 scholarship. Applicants submit an essay about how single parenting has shaped their life goals. Awarded annually, this program recognizes the unique strengths of single parents pursuing higher education.
Website: https://mbnlegal.com/scholarship/

9. Sola Family Scholarship

This $1,000 scholarship honors single mothers by supporting high school and undergraduate students raised in a single-mom household. Applicants are asked to share personal stories of perseverance and how their mother’s example drives their academic journey.
Website: https://bold.org/scholarships/sola-family-scholarship/

10. LeNise M. Watson-Hudson Healthcare Scholarship

Single parents enrolled at Howard University, pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in healthcare, are eligible for $3,000 through this memorial scholarship. Recipients should have a vision for improving community health and share their experiences as single parents.
Website: https://bold.org/scholarships/lenise-m-watson-hudson-healthcare-scholarship/

11. Kickass Single Mom Stimulus Grant

An unconventional, easy-apply grant of $500 awarded weekly to single mothers without restriction on use. Applicants fill out a short online form sharing their story and needs. It’s designed to provide quick, flexible financial help for emergencies or shortfalls.
Website: https://wealthysinglemommy.com/financial-assistance-for-single-moms/

12. Park Foundation Scholarship

Park Foundation’s Single Parent Award recognizes students with exceptional academic achievement who provide primary care for their children. Amounts and criteria may vary, but preference is given to single mothers returning to college.
Website: https://www.parkfoundation.org

13. Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award

A global women’s organization, Soroptimist awards funds to women (including single mothers) who are primary financial support for their families and are seeking undergraduate degrees or career training. Awards range from $1,000 to $16,000 and recipients join an international network of empowered women.
Website: https://www.soroptimist.org/awards/live-your-dream-awards.html

14. Hope for Single Moms

A nonprofit providing scholarships and coaching to single mothers pursuing degrees that will help them secure stable, professional careers. Recipients benefit from mentoring, tuition support, and personalized encouragement throughout their academic journey.
Website: https://hopeforsinglemoms.org/scholarships

15. Organic Formula Shop Single Parent Scholarship

Offers $2,000 to single parents enrolled in a U.S. degree program. Two winners awarded annually. This scholarship is designed to help parents balance parenting, education costs, and household needs.
Website: https://organicformulashop.com/pages/single-parent-scholarship

16. Downer-Bennett Scholarship

Provides $4,000 to single mothers enrolled in college who demonstrate unmet financial need, leadership, and commitment to their families.
Website: https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarship-directory/special-attributes/single-parent

17. Mary Ann Graham Johnston Memorial Scholarship

Provides $5,000 for single mothers pursuing higher education, with emphasis on community involvement and academic promise.
Website: https://www.salliemae.com/scholarships/types/single-moms

18. Bauerle Family Endowed Scholarship

$2,700 annual award for single mothers demonstrating academic achievement and financial need. Applicants should share how scholarship funds will help them achieve their educational and career goals.
Website: https://www.salliemae.com/scholarships/types/single-moms

19. Jennifer Webb-Cook Gameplan Scholarship

A $1,750 award for high school senior athletes from single-parent households, recognizing both academic achievement and athletic dedication.
Website: https://bold.org/scholarships/jennifer-webb-cook-gameplan-scholarship/

20. Single Parent Household Scholarship – College Board

A national scholarship for underserved students who are either single parents or were raised in a single-parent household. Recipients are recognized for academic achievement, leadership, and financial need.
Website: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarships/single-parent-household-scholarship