4 popular grants that single mothers can benefit from
It is not rare for a woman to leave her job so that she can take care of her infant. However, what is unfortunate is that if she gets separated from her husband, then it becomes difficult for her to join the workforce again and pick up from where she left. The same goes for those single mothers who had to leave their higher education midway for family or personal obligations.
Even if single mothers dare to follow their dreams and decide to pursue their higher education, they face a dilemma about financing their course. That is when grants come into the picture. Today, the government has introduced several grants to aid single mothers and fund their education. These grants help them become self-reliant and get their life back on track.
Continue reading to learn about four grants that are specifically intended for single mothers who are struggling to finance their higher education.
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The Federal Pell Grant program
Whether you are a first-time college-goer or you are picking up from where you had left, this grant is a popular choice that has helped single moms complete their higher education and climb up the corporate hierarchy. Federal Pell Grants are need-based grants rather than merit-based grants. Your eligibility will depend on your financial needs, your total expense of attending school, whether you are a full-time or a part-time student, along with some other criteria.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
The Department of Education monitors this need-based grant that is given to single parents who are going through an intense financial struggle. If a single parent is eligible for this grant, then he or she can receive a grant amount of about $4,000 per academic year.
Keep in mind that time is a major factor when it comes to this grant as once the fund is exhausted, they don’t hand out any further scholarships. So, make sure to submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application quickly to make the most of this grant.
State grants for single mothers
Just like the federal government, the state government also provides grants to single mothers who are struggling to pay for their higher education. Check with your state’s Department of Higher Education to know more about their grant programs. Note that while some states decide your eligibility based on your FAFSA application, other states require you to submit additional applications.
Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)
This merit-based grant was introduced to ensure that students aim for a high GPA score during their high school. The eligibility for ACG is determined after careful going through the FAFSA application, understanding the student’s GPA scores, and the financial needs of the applicant.
Through this grant, first-year college students can get a sum of up to $750, while second-year college students can get up to $1300.
Depending on your eligibility, merit, and college preferences, apply for a grant that suits your needs. Make sure to conduct thorough research on the qualification criteria before applying for a grant.
