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Top single parent scholarships for you


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Single parent scholarship

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Sallie $2,000 No Essay Scholarship

Due: 5/31/26
$2,000
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What to know about single parent scholarships

  • Many scholarships are created for parents going back to school. If you're raising children on your own while earning a degree or certificate, there are programs built with working parents in mind.
  • Being a single parent counts. Reviewers understand how much work it takes to balance childcare, a job, and classes — and that effort often matters in the selection process.
  • Awards can help with real-life costs. Some scholarships for single parents can be used for books, childcare, transportation, and other everyday school expenses.
  • You may qualify in more than one way. Along with single parent scholarships, you might be eligible for other opportunities, such as scholarships for women and scholarships for adults and returning learners.
  • Applying regularly makes a difference. Even smaller awards can stack up and lower how much you need to borrow.

Going to school while raising kids isn’t easy — especially if you’re doing it on your own. Scholarships and grants can ease some of that pressure because it’s money you don’t have to pay back. Many organizations offer scholarships specifically for single parents to help make college or career training more manageable.

And the effort is often worth it. Sallie Mae’s How America Pays for College 2025 found that 75% of students who received a scholarship said it made college possible. For single parents, that support can mean fewer loans and more breathing room in the family budget.

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What are single parent scholarships?

Single parent scholarships are awards for students who are raising one or more children on their own. They’re meant to help cover college or training costs — and unlike loans, they don’t have to be repaid.

These scholarships may come from nonprofits, private foundations, employers, or colleges. Some focus mainly on financial need. Others may also look at:

  • Your GPA or academic progress
  • Your career plans
  • Whether you’re enrolled full-time or part-time
  • Community involvement
  • A short essay about your goals and family responsibilities

Every program is a little different, which means there are options for many kinds of students.

What scholarships are available for single parents?

There are scholarships for single parents offered by national nonprofits, women’s education funds, community foundations, and colleges. Some are open to all single parents, while others are specifically for single mothers or single fathers.

Scholarship deadlines and award amounts can change, so always check the official scholarship website for the latest details. To find even more scholarships for single parents, you can search using Scholly Scholarships.

Here are some well-known scholarships to explore:

Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation Scholarship

The Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation Scholarship supports low-income women with children who are working toward their first associate or bachelor’s degree. Awards are based on financial need and educational goals.

Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund

The Jeannette Rankin Women's Scholarship Fund helps low-income women age 35 and older who are pursuing a certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree. Many recipients are single mothers returning to school later in life.

Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards

The Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards support women who are the main financial providers for their families. Funds can be used for tuition, childcare, books, and transportation.

Capture the Dream Single Parent Scholarship

Capture the Dream offers financial support to low-income single parents who show both financial need and commitment to their education.

Raise the Nation Grant

Raise the Nation provides financial assistance and mentoring for single mothers in college, along with career and leadership support.

Scholarships for single fathers

While there may be fewer programs specifically labeled for dads, many general single parent scholarships are open to them. Some local foundations and workforce programs also offer awards aimed at fathers who are raising children on their own. It’s worth applying to both father-focused and general programs.

Single fathers may also want to apply for:

Scholarships for single moms

Many scholarships created just for single mothers. These programs often support women who are the primary financial providers for their children. For more targeted options, visit our resource scholarships for single moms.

Single moms may also want to apply for:

Are there need-based scholarships for single parents?

Many scholarships for single parents are based on financial need. Programs may look at household income, number of dependents, and overall financial situation.

Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is often required for grants and some scholarships. If you’re unsure where to begin, the FAFSA® Guide can walk you through the process.

Along with private scholarships, you may qualify for Federal Pell Grants, state aid, and school-based programs. If you're still trying to decide on a school, use Scout College Search to compare them and see which ones offer strong financial aid packages.

Who qualifies for single parent scholarships?

In most cases, you can apply if you’re the primary caregiver of one or more dependent children and enrolled in an accredited college or training program.

Some scholarships may also require:

  • Proof that you have dependent children
  • A minimum GPA
  • Financial need
  • A personal statement explaining your goals

Each scholarship has its own rules, so be sure to review the details before applying.

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How do you apply for single parent scholarships?

Applying for single parent scholarships usually involves a few basic steps:

  1. Complete the FAFSA® to see what need-based aid you qualify for.
  2. Gather transcripts and any required financial documents.
  3. Search for scholarships that match your situation.
  4. Keep track of deadlines.
  5. Submit your applications and essays on time.

If you want an easy place to start, apply in just minutes for the $2,000 No Essay Scholarship. Also check out Scholly Easy Apply Scholarships to enter several scholarships at once, no essay or long application required.

How do I win a single parent scholarship? 

  • Be honest about your journey. Share how balancing school and parenting has shaped your goals.
  • Explain your “why.” Show how earning your degree will improve life for you and your children.
  • Use clear, real examples. Mention work hours, achievements, or progress you’ve already made.
  • Don’t limit yourself to one category. Apply for scholarships beyond just single parent programs.
  • Keep going. Many students win after applying several times.

Additional scholarship resources

Single parents often qualify in more than one category. You may also want to explore:

Your next steps

Single parent scholarships can help lower the cost of school and reduce the need for loans. Even a few awards can make a difference.

Start by applying for the $2,000 No Essay Scholarship, search for matches through Scholly Scholarships, and use Scholly Easy Apply Scholarships to apply to multiple opportunities quickly. Taking steady steps each month can move you closer to your degree.

FAQs about single parent scholarships

What are single parent scholarships?

Single parent scholarships are awards for students who are raising children on their own. They help cover school costs and don’t have to be repaid.

What scholarships are available for single parents?

There are nonprofit awards, foundation scholarships, and college-based programs available, including options like the Patsy Takemoto Mink Scholarship and Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards.

Who qualifies for single parent scholarships?

Most programs are open to students who are the main caregiver of dependent children and enrolled in an accredited school.

Are there scholarships specifically for single mothers?

Yes. Many scholarships are designed for single mothers. You can explore more on the Scholarships for Single Moms page. 

Are there scholarships specifically for single fathers?

Yes. Some programs focus on single fathers, and many general single parent scholarships are open to dads.

Can online students apply?

Often yes, as long as the school is accredited. Always check the eligibility rules.

Do I need to complete the FAFSA®?

Many need-based scholarships and grants require FAFSA® information, so completing it is recommended. Start with the FAFSA® Guide.

Are there scholarships for low-income single parents?

Yes. Many scholarships for single parents focus on financial need.

Are there no-essay scholarships for single parents?

Yes. Some programs don’t require essays, including the $2,000 No Essay Scholarship. 

Can part-time students apply?

Some scholarships allow part-time enrollment, especially those designed for working parents.

Are scholarships renewable?

Some are renewable if you meet GPA or progress requirements. Others are one-time awards.

When should I apply?

You can start applying as soon as you plan to enroll. Some scholarships are open year-round, while others have annual deadlines.

Need more money for college?

Private student loans can help you cover additional costs for school.
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No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. See Official Rules and Entry Periods on each scholarship page.

FAFSA® is a registered service mark of U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid.