However, there are some authentic programs offering grants for single mothers and fathers, including those listed below. There are also merit-based educational grants for single parents and programs to help repay borrowed funds.
The Federal Pell Grant Program
The Federal Pell Grant program is not limited only to single mothers, but it is often touted as a “single mother grant,” because government Pell Grants have helped many single mothers—and fathers—to go back to school and increase their income potential. Federal Pell Grants are offered primarily to undergraduate students and are based on the applicant’s financial need. The first step in applying for a Federal Pell Grant is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which you can do online through the FAFSA website. The maximum Pell Grant amount for the 2022–23 school year is $6,895.
Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants
Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant programs are run by individual states and operate much like the Federal Pell Grant. They are generally awarded to students who demonstrate the most need based on their FAFSA application. If your financial needs are high enough to qualify, you can receive between $100 and $4,000 per academic year.
State Grants for Single Parents
Many states also offer their own education grants, which single mothers and fathers can take advantage of. These grants are designed to encourage students to seek higher education. Like the Federal Pell Grant program, state grants are not limited to single mothers or single parents. However, some state programs, such as California’s Cal Grant, take each applicant’s family status into consideration, with the greatest aid going to disadvantaged and low-income families.
Loan Repayment Grants for Single Parents
Although there aren’t specific loan repayment programs for single mothers and fathers, there are a number of options for loan repayment assistance based on career field or public service. The federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, for instance, offers repayment assistance for those employed in government or nonprofit sectors who have made 120 payments on their federal loans while working for a qualifying employer. There are also income-driven repayment plans through which you can adjust your monthly payment based on your income, and eventually have your loan balance forgiven. Some forms of forgiven student loan debt are considered taxable income but have been made tax-free through the end of 2025 due to a provision in the American Rescue Plan.
