Student Grants

College Grants for Women

Attending college can help you get a better job, or even a promotion with your current company. Your earnings can increase, along with your self-esteem and confidence. The best way out of a dead end job that makes you miserable is to get an education. Unfortunately, the high cost of education can make this impossible for many women. There are other expenses that must be paid, and oftentimes there is nothing left for tuition, books, and other fees. However, there are many scholarships and grants available to help women get the education they deserve and need.

Finding Grants for You

As you begin researching for grants, you will find that many of them are for anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. This can seem like a single starfish tossed back into the ocean when you look at the entire cost of college. However, every grant that you are awarded will help reduce your overall cost. Rather than facing forty thousand in tuition and fees, you could be left paying only twenty thousand, or even only five thousand. The fact is that every little bit will help defray the cost; and if you can get several grants, then you may have your entire expense of schooling paid for. The main thing is that you keep searching for grants and keep applying.

Many grants and scholarships are geared for students who are already in school, and are junior or seniors. Keep applying every year for new grants every year. As you go through school, you will find new ones you did not know about, and you may qualify for some that you were not available to you before.

Many programs can also be applied for year after year. Receiving the award once does not mean you are prevented from applying again. Likewise, you may receive a grant that you were previously turned down for. Keep a list of all the grants you apply for one year, and apply again the following year.

Student Loans

There are few things to keep in mind if you are considering simply taking out student loans. At the time, student loans are easy. The paperwork is basic, there are minimal credit rating requirements, and you can quickly find your school receiving checks so you can focus on studying. You must keep in mind that those loans will come due! They can not be written off in bankruptcy. If you every have to file bankruptcy, the monthly payments will not be taken into account, creating a very tricky situation. The interest rates are preset, and getting them lowered can be challenging. Taking the time to search for grants and apply for every grant you qualify for will help you avoid this situation completely.

Local Community Organizations

The Elks, Rotary Club, Eagles, and Veterans of Foreign Wars are all examples of local clubs that may offer scholarships to women. These scholarships are not typically advertised. They are usually awarded through members to someone they feel is worthy.

The best way to find out about them is to ask around. Talk to all of your friends and family members. Let them know that you are searching high and low for grant money to help pay for school. Talk to your teachers, co-workers, boss, and neighbors about any organizations they may know of that are offering scholarships.

You should also talk with local churches. There are many scholarships awarded through various religious groups. Again, they are not typically advertised, so ask around. You never know what unexpected source is offering a scholarship that is unadvertised and readily available for someone like you. It may be a small amount, such as five hundred or a thousand dollars. But that is free money that will reduce the amount you have to pay.

Employers Offer Grants, Scholarships, and Reimbursement

Many companies care about the employees and their families. They want the employees to be taken care of, and they enjoy seeing them improve themselves by getting an education. They also recognize the value of having employees who are better educated and informed. Many companies offer scholarships for their employees, and even for their children. The best way to find out is to simply check with your employer to see what they offer. If you are a dependent child, ask your parents to check with their employer to see if they are offering any scholarships.

Some companies offer tuition reimbursement for employees who take classes that are pertinent to the industry. These programs often require that the class be taken and paid for by the employee, and if a grade of a B or A is earned, the company will reimburse the tuition expenses. This is an excellent program to take advantage of. Talk to your human resources department to learn if your company offers such a program, and what the requirements are for it.

Research Your State

States all over the country have realized that the groups found on college campuses are not necessarily accurate representations of the true demographics of that state. Minorities and women are often under represented in state colleges. Some states are trying to correct this by offering grants and scholarships to minority groups and women to correct this. Search state websites to see if there are grants and scholarships available for you.

Some fields are important to communities, and there are incentives to encourage people to enter them. Teaching and nursing, for example, are two areas where states are offering grants, hoping people will enter those fields as a result.

Learn About Your State’s Specifics

Some states are currently offering incentive programs for aspiring teachers who agree to teach for two years in inner-city schools. They will pay for a certain amount of the tuition expenses, provided that commitment is fulfilled. An excellent side benefit of these programs is that they guarantee a position upon graduation. There are also some states that are facing a shortage of teachers. Students who attend one of their universities and agree to stay and teach in that state for a certain number of years can receive substantial grants.

Research these programs and see if they are offered in any states that you might like to move to. Nursing is another field where there are many incentive programs currently being offered.

Many grants are awarded to students entering specific fields. This is dictated largely by supply and demand. Fields with a steady flow of students do not need to offer incentives. Fields that are short on students and professional typically have more scholarships and grants available. Science and technical fields, in particular, have more grants available for students. If you are considering a degree in science, physical and occupational therapy, teaching, chemistry, nursing, technology, or engineering you will have a greater change of finding grant money.

Research Fellowships

Those people entering the field of science can take advantage of research fellowships. These programs will pay money towards tuition and other expenses, provided you agree to work for them during a semester or during a summer break while in school. In addition to paying for tuition, the programs will also offer a stipend to pay for your time spent working for them. The most valuable aspect of these programs, however, is the experience that is gained during the fellowship. It can be placed on your resume, and will impress potential employers, helping you find a position after graduation.

Military Programs

While active duty military can qualify for funds to go to school, there are also programs that are geared to helping the spouses pay for their education. The Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance program awards grants to spouses of deceased veterans or MIA soldiers.

Talk with the Schools you are Considering

Schools want to see both men and women on their campus. Many schools offer programs to help adult women return to school and advance in their fields. These programs vary from one school to another. When choosing your college, enquire about these programs, it can help you make your decision. Ask what the requirements are and what programs are offered to help you get money for schooling. It is suggested that you make an appointment with your guidance counselor for this information because there can be a lot to sort through.

The schools can also help you find federal grants that are available for women. Submit your FAFSA to the University of your choice, and they will help you search for grants you may qualify for.

You are a woman preparing to go to school, but you don’t have to limit yourself to grants for women. Apply for anything you qualify for. African American women and other minorities can also apply for grants based on their race. Grants are available through some religions, those can be pursued. Single mothers have access to special programs, and so do working women. Check into every program you qualify for, and don’t limit your search to grants for women. The greatest award you receive may be one that was earmarked for a certain field, or single moms, or some other category that you fall into.

The Pell Grants

When applying for grant money, start with the most common and the most basic. The Pell Grant is available for low income students. They change annually, but currently cover up to $4,000 of expenses in a year. You must earn under $20,000 annually to qualify, but if you are in that category, be sure to send your papers in. While they are not only for women, they are an excellent resource that you should take advantage of.

Other Examples of Grants

The Daughters of the Revolutionary War, or DAR, is a national, non-profit society for women. Any woman who can show that she descends from American Revolution Patriots can be a member. However, membership is not required to apply for scholarships offered by this group.

Barry Goldwater Scholarship Grant

This grant is designed to help sophomores and juniors who are majoring in science or math. Your GPA must be above average, and those who anticipate continuing to a masters’ degree will receive preference.

The Ford Foundation Pre-doctoral Fellowship for Minorities

This fellowship is open for graduation students who are entering science, math, or engineering fields and is open to women.

National Black Nurses Association

Roughly a dozen grants and scholarships are awarded through this program to undergraduates enrolled in four-year nursing programs. Black women may apply for one of these scholarships that pay between $500 and $1200 a year.

The National Physical Science Consortium Fellowship

Multiple fellowships are offered for students studying physical science. Women are minorities are awarded these fellowships as there is a desire to see more diversity within this field. Students must have a GPA of at least 3.0 and there is an expectation that they will be pursuing careers in astronomy, chemistry, science, geology, or math.

The National Science Foundation

Women are encouraged to enter the fields of science, math, computer science, or engineering. Graduate fellowships are awarded by the National Science Foundation in an attempt to further diversify these fields. Remember, the working experience gained through fellowships can be worth more than the tuition reimbursement itself.

Regent’s Healthcare Scholarship for Medicine and Dentistry

Resident students of New York State can apply for help paying for medical or dental school. The grants are geared towards minorities and women. Enrollment in New York State programs is required, and there is a required agreement to work within certain New York State medical facilities for a certain period of time upon graduation. This assurance of a job upon graduation is a very appealing facet of this program.

American Association of Women

Minority women are the focus of this program, although all women may apply. Grants are awarded based on economic disadvantage, as well as working women and women with families.

Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting

Women pursuing degrees in accounting at any level may apply for these funds. Whether the goal is an associate’s degree or a master’s degree, all levels qualify. Grants are actually awarded based on both financial need and merit. As with so many other grants, the grades matter, so strive to keep them as high as possible.

American Society of Women Accountants

This group funds degrees at all levels, also, provided the student is working towards a degree in either accounting or finance. There are also small grants available to help cover industry certifications and travel expenses for training.

Wellesley College’s Davis Program

This non-traditional degree program is designed for older women who are returning to school, and older women who are returning to the work force. Attendance at the college is required for these grants, but the college is one of the most respected women’s colleges in the nation.

Business and Professional Women’s Association

The focus of this group is disadvantaged and minority women who are struggling to better themselves, but face extreme challenges. They also work to help older women who wish to get their college degree, stay-at-home moms who are reentering the work force, and those who are trying to get a degree for career advancement.

Jeanette Rankin Foundation

These grants are specifically geared for women over the age of 35 who are pursuing technical or professional programs. Women in this group who are pursuing their associate’s or bachelor’s degrees and show dire economic need may apply.

Raise the Nation

These grants focus specifically on single mothers. The continuing education grant is awarded based on student’s financial need. There is also a loan repayment program designed to help women get loans with favorable repayment terms. A proven record of community service and volunteer work are part of the requirements.

The Sunshine Lade Foundation

The Women’s Independence Scholarship program offers educational grants for female victims of domestic violence. Getting an education can help them break the cycle, and this scholarship can help them get the education they need.

Women’s Architectural Auxiliary Eleanor Allwork Scholarship Grants

The undergraduate students enrolled in New York College and majoring in architecture will each be awarded between $2500 and $7500 for tuition and other expenses.

When applying for grants, keep in mind that there are thousands of people applying for many of these grants. Grades are often taken into consideration, so make sure you keep yours as high as possible. Apply for every grant you can, and do not get discouraged if you are not awarded the first fifty. Grants cost nothing to apply for, and every dollar you are awarded will help you pay for school. Apply for every grant you qualify for, and you may be surprised at how much free money you are able to assemble for your education.

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25 Comments

  • Reply K MCCALL June 12, 2011 at 4:22 pm

    I am a 44 year old African-american female. I would like to get back into school and my a degree in computer science or accounting. i do have some college courses to transfer. i gathered most of them over the years, while my kids were younger. now that they are all grown i am ready to finish or at least get what i want. i would like to go on campus in a state other than Tn, especially, since i have been here all my life. if anyone has information that can help me, please feel free to send me what you have. Thank you very much

  • Reply jodie saeli June 21, 2011 at 3:13 am

    I am a victim of domestic violence and I originally went to school to be a pschologist to help other victims. Now I am getting ready to go to school for a nursing program and they say, at my school, that I have too many credits. The reason I want to go to school is to become a sexual assault nurse.
    I was attacked by my ex-boyfriend and wanted to help and research crimes of this type of assault. While in school, my best friend was killed by her husband. During the time that my friend was murdered the NLN’s were going on. I knew that I could not handle the test because this women helped me get away from my attacker and now I had to deal with her death. She is the reason I survived. Even though I knew I couldn’t study for my NLN’s the school told me I could not get my fees back from the test that was scheduled. I took the test. I did not pass. Now I have too many credits to graduate because I decided to stay in school and take classes that I thought would help victims of domestic and violent acts. I stayed in school because I knew if I quit I would not return. All the classes I took, from criminology to law, I knew would help me in my efforts to help victims as a sexual assault nurse. I now have to many credits to continue on with my schooling to help victims. I am going to lose my funding for school and the school doesn’t seem to care about the benefits of helping victims. I was wondering if someone know if there was a way I could get help with funding to help me go on with my education so I can help others of the community suffering from the pain of victimization. I am not looking for a free ride. I am looking to help the victims and help give them some type of hope.

  • Reply alaa monir November 3, 2011 at 10:43 pm

    Iam female, Iam 20 years old am now studying at the faculty of pharmacy university of Africa – Sudan i wish to receive a free grant to study in america ,now i am in the last year if there is any person or entity can help please me sent to me what they have

  • Reply olivia griffin November 20, 2011 at 11:21 am

    I am a 55 year old female veteran. I served ten years in the navy (gulf war/war in somalia). I never used my V.A for school during my first ten years of employment in the civilian sector because I did not need it therefore, I lost my V.A for school. If a veteran does not use his/her V.A within ten years of seperating from the military then we lose “all” of our V.A for school. Now, that I really can use a continued education – I no longer have the means to pay for college. I “can not” afford to take on the debt of loans. I love working with numbers. I would truly enjoy working in the field of “fraudulent accounting.” I hope to obtain a grant that will pay my way towards a bachelors in accounting. It is rough out here in the real world, everyone seems to have a degree in something or the other. I am competing against groups such as; the younger generation, the degree person, the work experience person or a combination of groups. I want the chance to enhance my mind and to even the playing field when I apply for employment. I am considered as a member of “yesterday’s group” – a group of the past, but yesterday brings worldy experience and wisdom to today. With the added education that a grant will give me, I will be able to contribute to today that which hopely benefits our tomorrows. We, the older population have so much to offer.

  • Reply Suri November 25, 2011 at 2:56 am

    I’m widowed single mother trying to raise a child, there is not enough budget to survive in between her and me, not well housing, so I qualify for MA degree , still student for 6 courses more, but it seems like books and student loan are more expensive, I really want to have your help, so I can cover and insure my family life, this is one year more to go, I wonder if you can answer me soon , I would appreciate. Blessings.

  • Reply vera olivent December 21, 2011 at 1:26 am

    I am a divorced women 53 an now laid off of work. Would love to go back to get classes on electronic medical billing and coding. I do not have the money for the class which is 95 hrs and 2 1/2 months. I could be back in th e work force due to the high demand on this education. Is there any grants or moneys out there to get me this class and get back to work?

    • Reply nETTA September 4, 2012 at 8:44 pm

      TRY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT IN YOUR LOCAL DEPT OF EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING

  • Reply Rachida hartmann January 15, 2012 at 6:47 pm

    I am 42 old years ,I would like to go back school and earn a master’s dgree in education , I am the bread winner for a family of 5 ( sick mom , 2 sisters and a nephew) I can provide more details if needed , I hope I can get some help and support to pursue my dream and make the world a better place for all the kids in the world.
    Thank you in advance ,
    Sincerely yours

  • Reply Moneshia R Perkins RN January 15, 2012 at 7:39 pm

    Hello I am a 47 year old female looking for a schlarship and or grant to help me finish my BSN in Public Health Nursing. This has been my goal to finish to start my own non-profit and work overseas in Africa someday! My heart craves to give back to serve those who desperately need medical attention. I would appreciate it so very much .

  • Reply Pravesh satyal January 28, 2012 at 11:16 am

    Could i get any financial or economy support for my higher study .i am undergraduate student looking for the financial support my higher student as small helps lead me to the path of sucess and can do something for my motherland and if possible to the whole world too..i want to prove that i can do something to nepal,but these things will be possible if i get qualitative education with your financial support.i am waiting of your reply. Please mail me.

  • Reply tammy troxell March 7, 2012 at 12:22 am

    I really could use some help in paying for college. I am a 49 year old getting my BS in accounting.
    I am almost finished with my AA and am the first person in my family to go to college. I will be self sufficient once I complete my studies and plan on paying it forward when I am done with school. Ialso help in my church and do what ever I can do in the community to help. If there is any help at all please do so.
    Thank You Tammy Troxell

  • Reply Jo Ann Anthony March 7, 2012 at 12:17 pm

    Reading this website, it would seem my trying to get a grant for Truck Driving school is in the impossible range. I will be 60 this summer, the school will accept me, but they are a small business and do not have funding. I have been laid off over a year now.

    I would appreciate it if any one has some leads for grants.

  • Reply Julie April 19, 2012 at 5:39 pm

    I am a 44yr old woman looking to go back to school in business, I worked retail for many yrs. and was a manager or key holder. Many responsibilities, but I loved the work. I was looking into an online school but some people have warned me of dis-advantages that may occur. Really need some advice, would like to be close to my daughter due to health issues. If anyone knows more about online classes, please let me know. Thanks so much!

    • Reply Bonnie LaBarre August 31, 2012 at 4:38 am

      Julie,
      My name is Bonnie LaBarre. I was reading your entry. and I just started online classed at CTU Tech University. Associates of Businuss Administration. I absolutely love it. You can call CTU 224-653-7218, Kya is her name. Tell her I told you to call her. This is her direct line.
      She’s a real sweet heart. She helped me with everything.
      Now I’m looking for a grant to help cover the cose. But I applied for fasfa and was loaned 9800.00, This will get me thru the first 5 months. but I’m only taking one class at a time right now. I’m 56 years old and I really love it.
      It takes alot of my time but it’s better then stairing at four walls all day. If you would like to talk to me feel free to call or text me. 502-693-8142. email is labarrebonnie@yahoo.com
      I hope this helps you. Good luck, Bonnie

  • Reply Alicia Trejo April 24, 2012 at 3:58 pm

    I am a hispanic 37 year mother of 7 children. I have 35 credits for an AA in buiness management/accounting. I have been doing taxes since 2000 and am working on finishing my degree I really need to finish so that I can better myself and sapport my children. I am finishing all the small things but really need my degree to top the cake. i am a public notary and appllied to be an Aceptance Agent for ITIN unit and also studing to take my exam for being certified by the IRS to be an Tax accountant. So please if you now any body can help me to succeed in my goals that will be great!
    Thank you,
    Alicia

  • Reply Latarsha griffin June 9, 2012 at 5:12 pm

    I am recently a single mom and i would like to know what do I need to do to apply for a grant for women. I’m trying to re-enroll in school to complete my bachelors and yes I work but it’s still hard to pay for college on one income.Especially with a teenager to support.

  • Reply Isabella Wandati June 28, 2012 at 7:43 pm

    I request for scholarships for less fortune young ladies in my community

  • Reply Amajo Lillian August 24, 2012 at 11:47 am

    Am a student mother with two children . Am studying in one of the Ugandan universities doing a diploma in social works and administration.
    Through toil and moil I managed to finish fees for first two semesters but now stuck with the remaining two semesters each costing $800. Studies are already going on starting this month but am still at home.
    Am looking for help.

  • Reply heather cramer September 2, 2012 at 4:52 am

    I am a 19 year old female, and i need to go back to college. By the time i am in my mid 20’s i want to start a family. And to do so i need a career with stability. Just to pay the bills my fiance and i have worked two jobs at once from time to time and have nothing to show for it. We hardly ever have food to last us through the month because all of our money goes towards other expenses, and yet we were denied for food stamps because “we make too much money.” We are pinching every penny and need to get a start on a better future before we bring a child into the picture. Ever since i was 16 i have worked at fast food joints and at 18 convenient stores. And its time for me to finally get the ball rolling and have a career working “one” steady job and being able to provide. Of course with all of the bills being a priority i can not afford to pay for an education so i am in need of assistance with all of my education and books etc. And possibly an extra income assistance so i can replace one of my jobs to have time for my education.
    Thank you truly.

  • Reply carol November 5, 2012 at 5:43 pm

    I am 52 years old, I was married for 32 years and gave my all to husband and two kids. It was an emotionally abusive relationship and now that we are separated I want to restart my life by getting a degree to become independent. For now I will be getting monthly alimony but when it ends he will do well but I wont. Me and my daughter share a car so Im thinking online colleges would work best for me, it seems unless you qualify at a poverty level their are no grants to help pay for college. At this stage in my life taking out school loans for me is not an option when I still have a daughter who needs money for her education. I want to prove to myself and my daughters that no matter what obstacles come to you in life or when that you can overcome them and still pursue your dreams. Does anyone have any info on what i could do , have looked all over the internet for grants for women that i cant help me.

  • Reply Francis Mlote bMalekela November 18, 2012 at 4:00 pm

    I love this very important program for women,the problem is not for the world wide why?women, are allover the world and they are role is the same as any where in the world.Can you accept to Grant my daughter from Tanzania because she have all the qualifications for Degree but i have nothing to pay.I am a retired person,no work no money and my daughter she need to be a layer i don t know what a m i going to do for her.Please kindly introduce this program to my daughter.

  • Reply Stephanie March 19, 2013 at 2:09 am

    I am a 31 year old single mother of 2 beautiful little girls, I just recently moved from Louisiana to Florida. I’m trying to find another grant other than a Pell grant to help further my education, so that I can support my 2 daughters, I am currently taking online classes, but the Pell grant does not cover the whole cost of the course, that I’m currently enrolled in which is Paralegal, and I don’t have the funds because of the move from state to state, and I’m currently unemployed and looking for a job, times are hard right now for the three of us, but with god on my side and me keeping faith we going to make it through these hard times, because we had harder in Louisiana. I just won’t a better life for my kids and I, so if you could PLEASE help me with another grant god will blessing you dearly for looking out for his people.

    Thank You Yours Truly
    May God Keep Blessing the Ones that Bless Others,
    Stephanie

  • Reply Elena aka Helen, Sanchez April 2, 2013 at 2:57 am

    For the love of God, WHO has time to be on the computer 24/7 looking for a grant for themselves??! geeez, I WISH i had the time to be on the computer 24/7, but right now i don’t have a whole lot of time to do so. I’ve got tons of stuff to do (still looking for a real job ’cause i’ve been “homeless” since February)–home-work, look for a real job, home-work, read, send or reply to e-mails from school, sleep, eat, etc., etc.! I have been denied of ALL of my Financial Aid stuff from my college (it’s SO UNfair and NOT right)–NO longer qualify for Financial Aid, Scholarships, NO more grants, NO help from the Money Management Team and NO Student Loans (NOT even my bank can help me because of my bad credit)! This is why i lost my apartment back in February and i’ve been BEYOND humiliated with NO longer having an apartment (NOT lying, i’m “homeless”) and i’m supposed to be concentrating on going to college full-time. I’m BEYOND stressed out AND humiliated because of my situation (plus i’m a Female Veteran, yet it seems AS IF no one gives a d*mn about what we STILL go through even when we TRY to go back to college)! I know MOST people despise the “homeless” but Please do NOT assume that we’re all lazy, worthless, jobless bums; we are NOT! I am TRYING to do what i can while still sticking to college–what a cr*ppy deal i got dealt this year! 🙁 I should’ve never gone back to college and maybe (??) i should’ve stayed in the Military until i either die at war OR i retire (this college “BROKE” full-time student “title” sucks)!

  • Reply Kim Harvey July 24, 2013 at 3:58 pm

    I am a woman age of 43, Domestic Violence Survivor, and Disabled TBI Survivor whom is a single Mom that just enrolled into a college for Business Administration. I have been approved for PELL and FAFAS now have a Sub. & Unsub. Loan but I am trying to find allocated funds to help because I hardly get by on my SSDI money each month and have no idea how I shall pay for school and maintain my living day to day as me and my children do. I am looking for the direct links to these programs for assistance but never can seem to find them. I was hoping they where inclusive on your page but I thank you for the foundations names so I might research them myself. Thank you so much for your time and information.
    Sincerely,
    Kimmy Harvey

  • Reply mannene mofokeng March 23, 2015 at 8:40 pm

    Hi its my dream come true to go to collage .but am strugle for travelling because i dont have money to ride taxi nd buy food nd some school need so i need ur help thank you

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