Last Updated on January 17, 2024 by Lori Pace
In this article, we look at some exciting scholarships specifically for married mothers. Finding the funds to pursue higher education while providing for your family may seem virtually impossible for any married woman. The good news is that there are many scholarships and grants that can bring you a step closer to achieving your dream.
The only problem is figuring out which ones are best suited to your unique situation. Especially since being a mother and a wife demands so much of your attention (add it to your ever-growing list of to-dos, right?).
So, to make your life a little easier, here is a comprehensive list of the best scholarships available to married women and mothers.
The list covers government grants and minority grants, and scholarships offered by individual educational institutions and various religious organizations. We provide a short description of each so you can see which ones you may be eligible for at a glance.
Scholarships for Married Mothers
Government Grants
Anyone can apply for a government grant. This makes them an excellent option for married women and those with children. Most of these grants are awarded based on financial need. They include:
Pell Grant
The student’s total household income needs to be below $30,000 a year to qualify for this grant. Both undergraduate and postgraduate students are eligible for this grant.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
This grant is similar to the Pell Grant, but it comes with an additional benefit for some students. Students who already have the Pell Grant will receive preference when applying for the FSEOG. This means that they may be awarded additional financial support on top of any they may have already received.
TEACH Grants
The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant is an ideal option for women looking to become full-time, licensed teachers.
SMART Grants
Students who qualify for the Pell Grant may also be eligible for the National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant. This grant is only open to students that meet specific requirements. The wives of individuals who are currently serving in one of the armed forces of the United States will benefit in particular from this grant. This is because it offers extra financial support to the spouses of these individuals.
Post-9/11 GI Bill Program
This is another fantastic option for women with spouses in the military. It allows active-duty members to transfer any unused educational benefits to their spouse and children, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.
Survivors and Dependents Assistance
This program is open to the spouses and dependents of specific military veterans. It offers up to 45 months of educational benefits, and you can use the degree for certificate programs.
Army Emergency Relief
This program also provides financial support to the spouses of active members of the military. Both programs offer part-time and full-time study funding and base award decisions on financial need.
Arnold Education Grant Program
The Air Force Aid Society offers this grant. It is yet another option available to the spouses of active members residing anywhere in the U.S. It offers a $2,000 yearly assistance to cover up to 50 percent of tuition costs at any school approved by the U.S. Department of Education. The only drawback is that it is limited to full-time students.
Minority Grants and Scholarships for Married Mothers
Women are considered a minority group due to the discrimination they have suffered in the past. These grants aim to provide equal educational opportunities for women. Both single mothers and married women are eligible for minority grants.
AAUW Grants and Fellowships
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers fellowships and grants to female candidates completing their doctoral and post-doctoral degrees.
EFWA Scholarships
The Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting also offers undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate scholarships to help women complete their studies in accounting.
Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund
This scholarship goes to women 35 years of age and older. Therefore, it is a good option for married women with U.S. citizenship and those currently residing in the U.S. There are, however, several other requirements that you need to meet to be considered a candidate.
Talbots Charitable Foundation’s Scholarship Program
This program also offers scholarships to older women who are completing their college education later in life.
PEO International Continuing Education Program
The Philanthropic Education Organization Program for Continuing Education offers grants to women who want to pursue higher education but do not have the financial means to do so. This program is for mothers who wish to return to school after taking time off from their education to raise their children.
San Diego Foundation
The San Diego Foundation offers several scholarships aimed at various groups. One of the scholarships they provide through their common scholarship application is for returning students. This may be a good option for married women who want to continue their education.
Educational Institutions
Many colleges offer specific funding options and grant opportunities for non-traditional students. Non-traditional students include women who are married and mothers with children. These grants can be need-based, merit-based, or both.
Below is a short list of some colleges that offer financial assistance to married women and mothers. But bear in mind that there are many more that will be able to assist you:
- Wellesley College
- Agnes Scott College
- Indiana University East
- Dixie State College
- Middle Tennessee State University
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
Religious Organizations
It would help if you did not overlook religious organizations in your search for financial assistance to further your education. This is because many religious organizations offer grants and scholarships that are open to all public members, regardless of their religious beliefs.
Again, the list below is not exhaustive. Many other religious organizations will be able to offer you financial support for your studies:
- Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
- United Methodist Scholarship Program
- Catholic United Financial
- Jewish Foundation for the Education of Women
Remember that you will also have to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as part of the application process for most of the grants and scholarships mentioned above.
Getting a scholarship or grant will not reduce the cost of raising a family, they will certainly help lessen the financial strain and worry associated with going back to school. For other scholarships for women, single moms, married moms, and anyone in between check out Scholarships For Single Mothers.
