What to Know About Attending College as a Single Parent
College Resources and Scholarship Opportunities for Single Parents
Pursuing a college degree as a single parent can seem incredibly daunting, and for many, it is a goal that may be out of reach. Nonetheless, and despite any financial deterrents, obtaining a college education can be invaluable for parents who have ambitious career aspirations and a desire for personal growth and fulfillment.
My College Companion helps single parents understand the benefits of pursuing a college education, the challenges they may face along the way, and what scholarships are available to them.
Why Single Parents Go to College
It is well known that raising children is expensive, especially for parents who do it all on their own. Obtaining a bachelor's, master's, or another college degree can help parents increase their earning potential and provide a better livelihood for their families. A college degree also often allows for career advancement that may not have been available without it.
In addition to helping a single parent improve their financial situation, continuing education offers personal growth and empowerment. Single parents often strive to find ways to set a good example for their children, and pursuing a college education can help them achieve that goal.
Going to college can also provide parents with other resources that are integral to their health and overall happiness. Many colleges provide free or discounted daycare services, allowing parents to worry less about the steep costs of childcare. College can also provide parents with a sense of community, giving them a support system that will benefit them and their children.
Challenges Single Parents May Face in College
It is no surprise that attending college as a single parent comes with its fair share of hurdles. Not only has college tuition become increasingly expensive over the years, but attending classes will also require significant time and energy. Even students without children struggle to keep up with the mounting costs of college, the demands of homework, the desire to have a social life, and often working as well.
Single parents who attend college must figure out how to balance their responsibilities at school, work, and home. While they may have tests to study for and essays to write, they also need to make it to work on time and drive their children to school. Not only do single parents need to be able to show up for each of these responsibilities, but they also tend to push to go above and beyond, and that effort can be draining.
While single parents often work more hours than other students, they may still face immense struggles with affording college. The financial burden of pursuing higher education is often perceived as the most significant obstacle for single parents hoping to obtain higher-paying jobs and more advanced roles in the workplace through a college degree.
Single Parent Student FAQs
Can single parents get scholarships or grants to help pay for college?
Yes! Many scholarships and grants are designed specifically for single parents, along with general financial aid options open to all students. Combining a few of these awards can significantly cut down what you owe out of pocket.
How can a single mom or single parent afford to go back to college?
A mix of financial aid, scholarships, part-time work, and flexible class schedules makes it possible for many single parents to return to school. Community colleges and online programs also tend to be more affordable and easier to fit around a job and family responsibilities.
Does FAFSA provide financial aid for single parents?
FAFSA does not have a separate category for single parents, but your status as an independent single parent can affect your financial need calculation and may qualify you for more aid. It is worth filling out every year since eligibility can change based on income and household size.
How do I find scholarships specifically for single parents?
If you are going through college as a single parent, it’s usually worth your time to check with your college’s financial aid office about scholarship opportunities tailored to your situation. Third-party scholarships can also help ease the burden; it can help to look for scholarships online with search terms like “single parent” or “non-traditional student.” A great resource to get started is the OVC Scholarship Network.
Can single parents get help paying for childcare while attending college?
Many colleges offer childcare subsidies or discounted on-campus care for student parents, and some states provide child care assistance programs tied to enrollment. It is worth asking your school's financial aid office directly, since these programs are not always advertised.
Are there colleges with childcare or family housing for single parents?
Some colleges, especially larger public universities, offer on-campus childcare centers and family housing for students raising children. These options vary widely by school, so checking with admissions or student services before enrolling can save a lot of hassle later.
What financial aid options are available to single parents besides scholarships?
Beyond scholarships, single parents can look into federal grants like the Pell Grant, work-study programs, subsidized student loans, and state-specific aid programs. Some employers also offer tuition assistance if you are working while attending school.
How can single parents balance college, work, and raising children?
Setting a realistic schedule, using campus resources like tutoring and childcare, and choosing flexible or online classes can make balancing responsibilities more manageable for single parents in college. It also helps to build a support network of family, friends, or other student parents who can help lighten the load when needed.
What college benefits and support services are available for single parents?
Many colleges offer dedicated resources for student parents, including priority course registration, childcare subsidies, emergency financial aid, and academic advising tailored to non-traditional students. Some schools even have specific offices or clubs for single parents to connect with each other.
Can I go to college full time as a single parent?
Plenty of single parents attend college full time, often with the help of financial aid, campus childcare, and flexible scheduling. It takes careful planning, but full-time enrollment can also help you qualify for more aid and finish your degree faster.
Are online or flexible college programs a good option for single parents?
Online and flexible programs are often a great fit for single parents since they allow coursework to be completed around work and childcare schedules. Many accredited colleges now offer full degree programs online, so you do not have to give up quality for convenience.
What are the biggest challenges single parents face while attending college?
Time management, affording childcare, and covering tuition and living expenses tend to be the biggest hurdles single parents face in school. Balancing coursework with parenting responsibilities can also take an emotional toll, especially without a strong support system.
Are there state-specific college grants and financial assistance programs for single parents?
Many states offer their own grant programs for single parents, often based on income or specific fields of study. Checking with your state's department of education or your college's financial aid office is the best way to find programs available where you live.
How should a single parent choose a college with the right childcare, financial aid, and support services?
As a single parent, you should try to look for schools with on-campus childcare, dedicated financial aid counselors, and support programs for nontraditional or student parents. Visiting campus, talking to current student parents, and reviewing each school's financial aid packages side by side can help you make the most informed choice.
Scholarships for Single Parents
Scholarships can be a great asset for single parents who are hoping to earn a degree with little to no debt at all. Consider applying to the following programs targeted toward single parents:
- Newland & Newland Single Parent Scholarship: This $1,000 opportunity is offered to both single parents and children of single parents who are planning to attend a paralegal, legal assistant, or pre-law program.
- The Fealy Law Firm Family First Scholarship: Undergraduates and graduates who are pursuing degrees as single parents are encouraged to apply for this $1,500 scholarship.
- Coover & Associates Parents With Passion Scholarship: This law firm established their scholarship program in an effort to provide financial support to hardworking and resilient single parents.
- Zide Law Group Renewed Horizons Scholarship: Biological, step, and adoptive parents with a 3.0 GPA or higher are asked to submit a reflective personal essay to be considered for this award.
My College Companion understands the difficulties single parents encounter when they decide to attend college, and we hope these opportunities can give them a head start as they take steps toward achieving their goals.
Frequently
Asked
Questions
How do I find scholarships that match my major and background?
There are many scholarships available for students from different backgrounds or who are pursuing specific degrees. By searching online, you can find scholarships for specific majors, as well as scholarships for specific types of students, such as single parents or members of the military. My College Companion can help you find a scholarship that will meet your needs.
Can I still apply for financial aid if I missed the FAFSA deadline?
You will typically want to fill out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) while you are planning to attend college. Submitting this form before you enroll in college can help ensure that you have financial aid lined up. However, even if you have missed the FAFSA deadline, you may have other options, since states and colleges have their own timelines. You may also apply for private scholarships or find other options for financial aid.
How Can I Improve My Time Management Skills in College?
It can be easy to feel overwhelmed as you begin attending college. Attending classes and completing homework and projects may be your main focus, but you will probably also want to maintain a social life and participate in activities, and you may also need to work. Finding the right balance can be tricky, but with the proper preparation, you can set yourself up for success.
To make sure you are managing your time effectively, you may want to set up a calendar to help you keep track of when you need to attend classes or labs while also blocking out time for homework, meetings with professors or advisors, study groups, social events, activities at school, or other events. You can set reminders for yourself, making sure you will not miss any deadlines and will be prepared for exams. Finding ways to prioritize what is important while still making time for yourself when necessary can help you get the most out of your college experience.
Got Any Other Questions?
We’re Here To Help!
