The most common grants sought by displaced moms include the Pell Grant, the Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), the National Science and Mathematics Success to Retain Talent (National SMART Grant), and the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program. The maximum Pell Grant award for the 2010 to 2011 academic year was $5,550. The FSEOG awards $100 to $4,000 to undergraduate students based on exceptional financial need. The National SMART Grant awards $4,000 to eligible third year or beyond undergraduate students. The TEACH Grant Program awards $4,000 to students who intend to teach in a public or private elementary school that serves students from low-income families. Federal grants may be applied for online at the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) website.
State governments may provide grants to minorities, low-income students, and students pursuing a high-need field of study. Eligibility, grant type and amount of aid vary from state to state. State grants provide assistance with tuition, books, supplies and transportation. Some state grants may even provide a living allowance for first-year college students. To apply and be eligible for a state grant, you must already have a FAFSA on file.
Institutional grants from a college or university are another potential source of funding for displaced moms, and they may provide assistance with childcare as well. A financial aid administrator can assist in navigating the types of financial aid available and help determine application deadlines and requirements. Contact the school's financial aid office to learn about the types of institutional grants available.
There are many public and private organizations that provide college tuition grants for displaced women. Some of these organizations have strict eligibility requirements, including age, marital status and income level. Women who have become displaced due to spousal/partner abuse or economic hardships may be eligible for grants targeting their particular situation. The Jeanette Rankin Foundation provides grants to women over 35 who may lack family and social support due to domestic violence, while Raise the Nation provides grants to economically disadvantaged single mothers who may not qualify for welfare, but lack the financial means to further their education.