Pell Grants For Moms Going Back To School (2026)

Pell Grants for moms going back to school make the cost of continuing education a lot more affordable. In this guide, we’ll explore:

What Pell Grants are
How they work
How much you could get
Ways Moms Can Afford Going Back to School
Scholarships you can apply for

What Are Pell Grants For Moms Going Back To School?

Pell Grants are federally funded awards designed to help low-income students afford college. Unlike loans, they don’t need to be repaid making them a perfect option for moms looking for college grants for moms to avoid accumulating debt.

In 2024, the maximum annual Pell Grant award is $7,395 per year, which can cover tuition, books, and living expenses at eligible institutions.

Whether you’re studying for a degree at a community college or university, or pursuing a trade school certification, Pell Grants help to remove some of the financial strain.

Why Pell Grants Are Perfect for Moms

As a mom, your time and resources are already stretched thin. That’s where Pell Grants come in:

No repayments: Unlike student loans, Pell Grants don’t usually have to be paid back
Flexible eligibility: Pell Grants are based on financial need, making them accessible to many moms returning to school
Wide application: They can be used for full or part-time studies, making it easier to balance school with being a mom

Who Can Get A Pell Grant?

The Pell Grant helps students with financial need, but eligibility is based on a combination of factors. You can typically qualify for a Pell Grant if:

You’re a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen
You have financial need, determined by the information you provide on the FAFSA
You’re enrolled in a degree or certificate program at a participating accredited institution
You’re a full or part-time student (typically studying for at least 6 credits per semester)
You maintain satisfactory academic progress
You don’t have any outstanding federal student loan debt
You’re seeking a first degree—associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or certificate

There’s no qualifying age limit. Moms going back to school at any age who meet the above criteria can receive a Pell Grant.

Which Courses Are Eligible For Pell Grant Funding?

Moms can use Pell Grants to help pay for school-related expenses at institutions able to administer federal financial aid, including accredited:

Eligible two-year community colleges
Four-year colleges and universities
Career schools
Trade schools
Eligible online schools
Approved prison education programs for incarcerated students

How Much Can Moms Get?

The Pell Grant award amount changes every year. For 2024-2025 the maximum you can get is $7,395 and the minimum is $750. You can receive a Pell Grant for 12 full terms (approx 6 years) of undergraduate studies.

The information you provide on your FAFSA is used to calculate how much you’ll receive. Because your financial situation can change from year to year, you’ll need to submit a new FAFSA each year.

Your Pell Grant award is based on your financial need which is determined by:

Your income or family income (dependent students)
Cost of attending school (including childcare)
Full-time or part-time enrollment
Whether you plan to attend for a full academic year

Financial need is assessed by calculating your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). This is the amount the government expects you and your family to contribute toward your education.

The lower your EFC, the higher the Pell Grant you could receive. If you come from a low-income household or face other financial challenges, you could qualify for a larger award.

Apply For Pell Grants For Moms Going Back To School

To get a Pell Grant you need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

This form determines your eligibility for student loans, Pell Grants, and other forms of federal aid. You’ll need your tax returns, proof of income, and other financial details.

Once you’ve submitted your FAFSA, you’ll receive a Student Aid Report (SAR), which shows your eligibility for Pell Grants and other financial aid.

Ways Moms Can Afford Going Back to School

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

The FSEOG provides funding up to $4,000 per year for students experiencing severe financial hardship. The funding pool for the FSEOG is limited, meaning this grant is awarded to qualifying students on a first come first served basis.

Your FAFSA determines your eligibility for the FSEOG, but your school may require additional financial aid paperwork.

Federal Work-Study Program

The Federal Work-Study Program pairs students in financial need with on or off-campus jobs to help them with college costs.

The jobs usually align with your course and can provide some valuable hands-on experience. To join the program, complete the Work-Study Program section on your FAFSA.

State Grants To Go Back To School

Most states operate grant and scholarship programs to help students pay for school. Grants are usually reserved for those with financial need and are typically given to students attending in-state schools.

As an example of the college grants for moms in various states, Alabama students can get up to $5,000 per year, students in Georgia can qualify for up to $10,000 for their degree program, while New Mexico gives up to $2,500 per year.

For more information, ask your school’s financial aid office about state grants to go back to school or check your state government website.

Apply For Scholarships For Moms Going Back To School

Students can apply for any of the thousands of general college scholarships offered every year but some are just for women and moms.

Like grants, scholarships don’t need to be repaid, so if you win a scholarship, it’s more free money for your education.

Here are a few of the top scholarships for moms going back to school:

Mom to Scholar Scholarship for Mothers: $1,000 (https://scholarships360.org/scholarships/search/mom-to-scholar-scholarship-for-mothers/)

Hyundai Women in STEM Scholarship: $10,000 (https://www.tun.com/scholarships/the-hyundai-women-in-stem-scholarship-2023/)

Sallie Mae Scholarship: $2,000 (https://www.salliemae.com/scholarships/2k-scholarship/)

Helping Hands for Single Moms – Phoenix Scholarship: Amount varies (https://helpinghandsforsinglemoms.org/phoenix/apply/)

Helping Hands for Single Moms – Dallas Scholarship: Amount varies (https://helpinghandsforsinglemoms.org/dallas/apply/)

Live Your Dream Award: $1,000-$16,000 (https://scholarships360.org/scholarships/search/live-your-dream-award/)

Women’s Independence Scholarship Program: $500-$2,000 (https://scholarships360.org/scholarships/search/womens-independence-scholarship-program/)

Vickie Drum Memorial Scholarship: $1,500 (https://scholarships360.org/scholarships/search/vickie-drum-memorial-scholarship/)

Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation Scholarship: $5,000 (https://www.patsyminkfoundation.org/)