Due to the economic downturn, many parents may be debating whether their own or their children’s college education is more important. However, the increasing availability of financial aid and scholarships for parents who wish to enroll in a campus-based or online degree programs could enable several households to afford college for multiple family members.
In addition to the growing number of single mothers grants that are available through federal and privately funded programs, the Arkansas-based Single Parent Scholarship Fund recently announced the availability of financial aid for both mothers and fathers, news station THV reports.
Qualified applicants may receive up to $2,500 in financial aid, which they may use to pay for college-related expenses like online courses or cover more personal costs, such as car repair or childcare.
Similar programs could help parents in college feel less guilty about using precious time and money to improve their own qualifications, and know that they are doing their part to ensure their family’s future. In addition, they may find solace in the fact that they are able to earn a college degree for their own personal advancement.
July 13, 2010
This is great news! I know several friends who would love to hear about grants for single mothers!
July 14, 2010
I am a single parent that is really anxious to go back to school onlline and get my degree. Is the $2,500 financial aid offer for your total education, or once per year?
July 14, 2010
This is great to hear. If I were to receive that $2,500 would I have to pay it back in the future?
July 18, 2010
This is the best thing that has happened for single parents. When my kids were small I so wanted to get my degree, but could not affort to go to school and hire people to watch them. Now, you can stay home with kids and still get a degree.
July 20, 2010
Does this type of scholarship apply towards online schooling?
July 21, 2010
Does the scholarship money increase with the number of children you are taking care of?
July 25, 2010
This is such a great benefit to working single mothers. Before this was available most single working mother felt like they were caught on a dead end street. Now they can have hope for a better future.
July 27, 2010
This is so great. I am getting my degree online. Now my mom is going to apply for this financial aid and go as well.
July 28, 2010
Please assist me financialiy in returning to college, so I may increase my knowledge, build higher self-esteeme and to receive a better education for myself and my daughter, so I can do better for the both of us. I”am interested in obtaning a better job especially in nursing, so I can help others.
August 3, 2010
I’m looking to start taking online courses, what kind of degree can I earn?
August 4, 2010
My mother is interested in taking classes online, but she has not been to school and so long and doesn’t think she will be able to handle the schoolwork, especially since she has kids to take care of. Any advice?
August 7, 2010
I think this is a great idea. Is it $2,500 per year, or for the entire degree?
August 7, 2010
Although it is a great idea to give fanancial aid for parents, $2,500 is not really enougth to get a degree. Can you also apply for other forms of fanancial aid.
August 7, 2010
I am a single dad and I want to get my degree in teaching online. How do I apply for financial aid for college?
November 20, 2010
I have been wanting to go back to school and get a nursing degree. However, I don’t have enought to pay for it. How do I find out about financial aid for single moms?
November 20, 2010
I am interested in getting some financial aid to send my daughter to college. Is she better off finding the right school first and then applying for aid, or do we apply for the financial aid first and then find the school?
November 28, 2010
This is such great news. I am a single parent and I desperately need to get my degree. I want to go into nursing and be able to take care of my children. I did not get great grades in high school, but did graduate. Would I be a candidate for financial aid?
November 28, 2010
I recently started school online and have finished my first year. Now I need to enroll for the next set of courses and find I need financial aid. Would I be able to get a scholarship, so I don’t need to pay it back?
November 29, 2010
The scholarships that are being created for single parents will be life changing. So my moms and dads want to better their lives so they can better their childs lives. And having the opportunity like this can make a big difference!
December 11, 2010
I am a single parent and am currently the only provider for my children. How do I go about applying for a single mom scholarship and what do I need to get it?
December 11, 2010
My sister just became a single mom and needs to go back to school. Is there financial aid to help pay for child care as well?
December 11, 2010
I am currently taking online classes to get my degree as a teacher. I am struggling to pay for it myself and have taken loans out. Now I need more financial aid, is it possible to get scholarship money?
January 9, 2011
I can’t imagine my future being very pleasant without the help of online classes and programs like this. I don’t think most people realize just how much these programs help single parents.
January 13, 2011
Hey Tommy. Most scholarships do not have to be paid back. The Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund does vary by county so if you’re interested in apply check with them to see if there are any stipulations that may have you needing to pay the scholarship back.
January 18, 2011
Hey Molly. It seems the scholarship is per year. You can contact the ASPSF in your county for further info.
January 19, 2011
Hi Chelsea. The scholarship stipend varies on your financial needs for school.
January 19, 2011
Hey Joseph, the type of schooling the scholarship applies to is at the discretion of the county in Arkansas organizing the scholarship.
February 19, 2011
I never realized there were these scholarships available. What do I need to do to qualify?
February 19, 2011
Getting a college degreee has always felt so unattainable to me because of money. Are there criteria I need to meet in order to qualify?
February 19, 2011
It is so good to read that I may qualify for financial aid for college. It would be a dream come true for me.
February 21, 2011
Hey Terri. The number of degrees available taking online courses is vast. Check out these online degrees so see what programs catch your eye.
February 21, 2011
Hey Tyler. Let your mom know that the old saying goes “you will never know unless you try.” She can always start off with one course and decide if she has the time and ability to handle going back to school. Best of luck to her.
February 22, 2011
Hi Sara. You can apply for as much financial aid you need to cover your education costs. Try finding scholarships, grants and loans.
February 22, 2011
Hi Lela. One of the easiest ways to apply for financial aid is to file your FAFSA. You can also check out our financial aid page to find other ways to fund your teaching degree.
March 1, 2011
Hi Stephanie. The amount of the scholarship might be different from county to county. From our findings the amount of the aid is split it up between two semesters.
March 7, 2011
Is this only available to people in Arkansas? If so, how can I find out about other scholarships for single parents. I really want to become a nurse but don’t know where to start. I need to go to online school so I can be here with my baby. Thanks for any help.
March 10, 2011
Hi Stephanie. Yes there is criteria for the Arkansas single parent scholarship, please go here to get more information. Good luck!
March 10, 2011
Hi Zeva. To find out if you qualify please visit their website.
March 22, 2011
College scholarships for single mothers can be applied for any time of year, and although each one will have a different requirement from you, the free money for a college scholarship gives you will more than pay for your schooling.
June 16, 2011
Hi Samantha. There are many forms of financial aid besides loans, try looking for grants and scholarships you may be eligible for whether it is online or at your school’s financial aid office. Good luck!
June 16, 2011
Hey Claire, the easiest way to find single parent scholarships is to search for them online via trusted websites and at your school’s financial aid office as they often provide many scholarships to their students. Find ones your are eligible for and apply. Each scholarships or grant has their own requirements and there is no way to ensure you’ll receive the financial aid.
June 17, 2011
Hey Norton. While financial aid is most often used to cover tuition, fees, books, room and board some scholarships allow recipients to use their awards for whatever they need which may include child care. I’d suggest looking for scholarships and grants for single mothers.
July 8, 2011
Hello Ronnie. Many scholarships and grants are available for students who attend online schools. Check with your school if they offer any scholarships to current students, then I’d recommend checking out our financial aid page for more tips as well as a scholarship listing. Good luck!
July 19, 2011
Hi Julia. It is best to pick a school first, but not necessarily a requirement. One of the first steps you want to take in applying for financial aid is filing out the FAFSA which will ask you to list 1-3 schools to send your FAFSA information to. When you are searching for financial aid you’ll also want to inquire about scholarships and grants at the institute she plans to attend. Lastly, if you’re seeking just scholarships and grants in general they may sometimes ask what school the applicant plans to attend, so again it may be best o pick a school first.
July 19, 2011
Hi Linda. there are many scholarships and grants available for single moms. Check out our financial aid page to learn more about great scholarship opportunities.
January 31, 2012
Hello Ellen. There are many factors that go into determining whether or not you would be eligible for financial aid. Scholarships and grants may look at age, financial need, merit, and other determining factors. I’d suggest speaking with a financial advisor at the institute you are considering to see what forms of financial aid you may be eligible for. Good luck!