With all the bad economic news, it may make it seem like this is a bad time for single mothers to go back to school. It simply is not true, though. Women all over the US are seeking help from the federal government through educational grants and loans. Here are a few of the ways they can help.
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.
Tax Credits for Higher Education
Single mothers - consider the educational tax credit. The American Opportunity Tax Credit program was designed to make the first $4,000 of any American’s higher education free. This program will accept your prior years tax return, but it does require 100 hours of community service in exchange for the tax credit.
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 at how much money is out there for you. Not only that, more funds may be offered as time goes on. Keep your eyes open for news of scholarship and grant advances from the Obama administration, and by all means get out there and start applying for your targeted college program.
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