Government Grants for Single Mom’s
Bad economic news may have you thinking that this is a bad time for single moms to return to the classroom, that simply is not the case. Women all over America are finding help through federal government programs such as educational grants and loans. Here are a few examples.
Federal Pell Grants
These federal grants are being expanded for low income individuals. Pell grants were the first bill the president introduced at the start of his administration. The change brings the maximum allowable Pell grant from $4,050 to $5,100. President Obama is working to increase it further to $5,400. The extended Pell Grant is one of the best single mother government grants for college.
IRS Tax Credits for College Education
Single mothers should also consider the new educational tax credit. Here’s how it works. The American Opportunity Tax Credit program ensures that the first $4,000 of any Americans higher education is free. They will accept the prior years tax return. Keep in mind that it does require 100 hours of community service in exchange for the tuition advantage.
How Do I Qualify for a Grant?
First, select the college or university that offers your target program, and then fill out a federal FAFSA form and submit it. Don’t hesitate to check out scholarship and grant matching services. they can help you to make sure you apply for all the scholarships and grants available to you as a single mother.
I Plan to Attend an Online College — Are There Grants for Me?
You can still qualify for Federal Pell Grants and many others if you cannot attend classes in a traditional campus setting. Accredited online colleges and universities are also included in the federal aid programs. If you are in doubt, just check with a scholarship matching program and see first what you qualify for, and next what kinds of programs it covers.
You may be surprised to learn just how much money is out there for you. Not only that, more funds may become available as time goes by. Watch for word of scholarship and grant advances from the Obama administration, and by all means get out there and start applying for your college program of choice.