Going back to single mothers is a great thing. They can advanced their career or go into another high paying career. However, money is a major factor when deciding to go back to school. Tuition, housing, and food do not come cheap.
Even though it is quite expensive to get an education, single mothers have options to help pay for it. They can apply for Pell Grants for single mothers, which are government money given to students who are in need.
To apply for the Pell Grants for single mothers, first you have to fill out a FAFSA. You can find this at the FAFSA website where you can either fill out the form electronically or print it out. When filling out FAFSA, you will need to provide your financial situation which includes your income and assets.
The Pell Grant is given to students based on income and assets. The more income and assets you have, the less money you will get. If you are still dependent of your parents, their income will also be included in the calculation.
You do not need to apply separately for the Pell Grant. Everyone that sends in the FAFSA is automatically considered for a Pell Grant.
You will get the SAR once you have sent in your FAFSA. The SAR gives you a summary of the information filled on the FAFSA. Make sure its right.
Try to send your FAFSA in early. That way you have a chance to apply to more scholarships too. Scholarships have different deadlines so if you get your FAFSA back too late then you will miss out on some scholarships.
Pell Grants for single mothers is the best way to pay for school. You do not need to repay it like a loan and you do not need to compete with others to get it like scholarships. As long as you meet the criteria, you will get a Pell Grant.
Mandy Chen is a school advisor who has helped many students apply for pell grants for single moms. To get more information, please visit her website.