| Looking for student loans and scholarships for single | | | | school you are attending will use this number to figure |
| mothers is not easy. Take solace in knowing that you | | | | out how much aid you will get based on the fees |
| are not the only one in this situation. Many single | | | | associated with the school. |
| mothers want the opportunity to go back to school as | | | | If you are working, discuss your intentions to return to |
| they see their own children growing up and going to | | | | school with your employer. Many employers have put |
| school as well. Whether the reason for going back to | | | | programs in place to help pay a portion of tuition for |
| school is to update your skills to keep up with changes | | | | employees provided certain criteria are met. The |
| in the workplace or a career change, the benefit of | | | | Wal-mart Foundation is one such example. They |
| continuing your education is a worthwhile endeavor. | | | | provide a scholarship program for employees which is |
| Sometimes it's not as easy to make the transition | | | | very popular. Chances are if your company is a |
| back to school if you are older but there are plenty of | | | | Fortune 500 company they would have similar |
| others doing the same thing. | | | | programs. Either way, it's worthwhile to talk with your |
| It's a known fact that the majority of single parent | | | | employer about it. |
| women work full time while at 45, so do not let age | | | | Pursuing other scholarships and grants is a good idea |
| deter your quest to return to the classroom. As you | | | | as well. Some of these are more competitive to get |
| may be aware, the costs associated with returning to | | | | than others but it can't hurt to apply for them if you |
| school are not cheap. And as a single mother, you | | | | qualify. How do you find out about other grants and |
| have other costs to consider in addition to school | | | | scholarships? Start by doing your research online and |
| related fees. Moms with younger children need to | | | | possibly making a trip to the local library. In addition, |
| consider childcare costs. These costs are often 1/3 of | | | | stop by the financial aid office at your community |
| a woman's weekly pay and if she has two children the | | | | college campus and seek out assistance with the |
| cost nearly doubles. In spite of these difficulties many | | | | process by speaking with a financial aid officer. They |
| single parent women return to school while working full | | | | can help uncover other possible options available to |
| time. So now, you will be faced with the same | | | | you. |
| questions that other incoming college students face - | | | | Another option to consider is to pursue continuing your |
| how will you pay for your education? Here are some | | | | education online. Online degrees have become more |
| ideas to help you find the funding you need. | | | | popular over the last few years due to the low cost |
| One way to start to virtually open doors to many | | | | factor and the convenience of working on it on your |
| different student loans and scholarships for single | | | | own time in your own home. Online degrees are highly |
| mothers is by filling out and submitting the Free | | | | regarded, so don't think that you are getting any less |
| Application for Student Aid (FAFSA). This can help | | | | of an education by studying online. Even Yale and |
| determine sources of financial aid such as Pell Grant, | | | | other top universities are offering free materials online. |
| Cal Grant, scholarships and low interest student loans. | | | | Keep in mind that while student loans and scholarships |
| After submitting your FAFSA you will receive a | | | | for single mothers are available, some qualifications |
| Student Aid Report (SAR) which includes the answers | | | | and eligibilities do exist and are in place to protect the |
| you put in your FAFSA but will also include your | | | | funds from abuse. Nevertheless, this process is just a |
| Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The EFC is a | | | | stepping stone to help fulfill your educational endeavors |
| measurement of your financial strength, and is used to | | | | and no doubt you will reap the benefits later in life. |
| determine your eligibility for federal student aid. The | | | | |