Colleges and universities across the country are expensive when it comes to tuition. Even if you don’t live on campus, the cost of learning is higher than ever before. That shouldn’t discourage you from going back to college, however. As a woman, you have an unbelievably large number of scholarships and grants available to you if you decide to continue your education or go back to school after being out of it for a number of years.
Life gets in the way for a number of women. They have kids, get involved with careers and simply push school off until later. When the time comes to finally go back and get a degree, it can be cost-prohibitive to do so.
Cost doesn’t have to stand in your way of getting the education you’ve always wanted. By learning how to get the scholarships and grants you need, it can be much more affordable to get that degree.
If you already have a degree, whether it’s an associate’s or a bachelor’s and you want to get more out of your career, there are ways to get scholarships and grants for continuing your education, too. Whether you are a minority or not, you can find the aid you need regardless of what state you live in or what subject you are pursuing in school.
Learn How to Look for Scholarships & Grants
The first thing to be aware of is that scholarships and grants don’t have to be paid back. It’s a gift for you to enjoy if you are awarded the money. The amount can vary from about $100 all the way to a full scholarship, which typically will cover all of your tuition, books and other expenses.
You have a very large number of scholarships and grants to look into. These are given out at the state and national level, by different universities, companies and organizations. If you have a particular affiliation with a company or organization, that’s a good place to start in terms of identifying opportunities. Otherwise, consider looking in the following places:
- Federal government
- Local colleges and universities
- Local charities
- Your current employer
- Organizations and companies that are in the industry you are studying
Federal Government Grants
By visiting the FAFSA website, you can find out a lot about what the federal government will do in terms of providing you with financial assistance. You will fill out a form called the FAFSA, which is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. To get financial assistance from the federal government, this is the only form you need to fill out. From there, they will identify what you do and don’t qualify for and provide you with the money that you do qualify for.
This should be the very first step you take in trying to pay for college. It is one of the easiest steps to take and many colleges and universities will require the outcome of the FAFSA to determine what they will also provide you. The application doesn’t take long to fill out and you can find out what you qualify for within weeks of submitting the application.
Colleges and Universities
Once you complete the FAFSA, start contacting local colleges and universities that you are interested in studying at. Apply to become a student and find out if they offer any kinds of scholarships and grants. Most schools have a financial aid department where you can talk to an advisor. They may be able to provide you with a list of scholarships that you are eligible to apply for, giving you a great starting point.
Charity Organizations
Local charities can be of great assistance, too. Many offer returning and back-to-school scholarships for women. This could be from the Rotary Club and many others. Check with your local government to see what organizations are in your area and contact them for information about their scholarships. While some may be reserved for students under the age of 25, many are also saved for women over the age of 35.
Current Employer
Whether you know it or not, your current employer may offer scholarships to you. These scholarships can be some of the easiest to qualify for because you are already an employee, which is usually one of the qualifications to getting a scholarship. Particularly when you are looking to continue your education, your employer may be one of your biggest supporters. If you are trying to get a master’s degree to move up the corporate ladder, your employer may be willing to cover more costs than you realize.
Industry-specific Organizations
Regardless of what you are studying for, you need to consider the organizations and companies that are involved within that industry. Many offer scholarships and grants to ensure that plenty of students are going into that industry on a regular basis. This may be a great stepping stone, too. Many students who receive scholarships from certain companies can then get internships and careers from them upon graduation.
Understanding Scholarships & Grants
Scholarships and grants are free money paid to the school on your behalf. There are typically two types of scholarships out there, which are important to identify when you are applying for the different ones that are out there.
Need-based scholarships require you to document financial struggles in order to get the scholarship. If you are a single parent, unemployed or otherwise struggling, you may be able to get more scholarship money based purely on your inability to pay for your tuition any other way. Showing the results of your FAFSA submission is usually required in order to prove that you need the scholarship or grant in order to afford college.
There are also merit-based scholarships. If the FAFSA application didn’t provide you with any financial support, you will need to focus on merit-based scholarships to cover your college tuition. These are where you use your grades, contributions to society and other aspects to qualify for the scholarships.
When you submit to a scholarship or grant, there are several things you need to identify. These include:
- Qualifications
- Submission Process
- Deadline
- Award Amount
Do I Qualify?
The qualifications can be very broad or very specific depending on the scholarship or grant you are pursuing. You must meet all qualifications in order to submit your application. The qualifications may require you to be of a certain age, certain gender or even a certain race. You may have to be studying a particular degree, have suffered from a particular disease or even live in a particular state. Any qualifications will require you to show some form of proof, depending on what it is that you must meet in order to qualify.
How Do I Submit the Application?
The submission process may be completed online or by post, depending on the organizer. The specifics of the scholarship or grant will run through the submission process, ensuring you understand how to go through the entire thing. It will detail what must be submitted in order to be considered for the scholarship or grant. Everything must be submitted at once to ensure you meet all requirements and are therefore not disqualified.
What is the Deadline?
You must submit by the deadline for your submission to be considered by the scholarship board. If you miss the deadline, they may dismiss your submission altogether. Many scholarships and grants also include a date in which decisions are made. Some scholarships and grants will inform you either way and others will only inform you if you’ve won. By knowing the date in which decisions are made, you can do your own deductive reasoning.
How Much is the Award?
Finally, scholarships and grants will announce the award amount. Some will keep it generic, saying that it will range from year to year based on various things. Others will give you a specific amount for what you will be able to get. The organization may also tell you how many scholarships are given out on an annual basis. While those who give out more than one increase your odds, it should not deter you from submitting your application to an organization that only gives out one scholarship a year because it could very well be you.
Returning & Back-to-school Opportunities
When you’ve decided to return to school or go back after a number of years, there are all sorts of opportunities out there for you. Whether you are 35, 40 or much older, you can take advantage of scholarships and grants that will help you meet your financial obligations much easier than had you decided to go to school right out of high school.
It’s important to identify your particular situation. If you took a few college courses but never got your degree, you would be a returning student. You may even be able to activate those courses regardless of how long ago you took them to reduce your overall course load. Then there are the back-to-school women who never went for a higher education after getting a high school diploma or GED.
Some of the top scholarships for returning and back-to-school women include:
Charlotte W. Newcombe Scholarships for Mature Women
These scholarships are for those women who are pursuing a college education for the first time and are over the age of 25. You must have at least 60 hours of college credit already. The scholarships will range by year but are typically for a few thousand dollars.
American Association of Women
The American Association of Women provides scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $20,000. This can be a career in your choice as long as you are majoring in engineering, statistics, math, computer science or an otherwise male-dominated degree. The award varies from year to year based on funding.
AARP
The AARP also offers scholarships to those who are returning to school. Any woman over the age of 40 can be considered for the different scholarships. More information can be obtained at their website at www.aarp.org.
Search the Internet and even contact the financial aid department of the school you will be attending for additional assistance.
Continuing Education Opportunities for Women
If you already have a bachelor’s or even master’s degree and are working in the industry you want to study in, you can continue your education more affordably by looking for scholarships and grants. Some of the grants may require a little bit of research, but if you are already in the industry, you may have the ability to complete this research easily, making you an ideal candidate for a number of grants that are out there.
In today’s day and age, competing for jobs in the marketplace is harder than ever before. While you may have a great job now, it may be hard for you to move upward because of your education holding you back. It doesn’t matter how old you are: it is never too late to continue your education. By getting a master’s or even doctorate, you can move up the corporate ladder and obtain the other positions you’ve always wanted to get.
Whether you decide to get a Master’s in Business Administration or focus on becoming a registered nurse instead of just an LPN, there are many scholarships and grants in the marketplace that can provide you with the money you need to afford the classes you want to take.
Consider what your career is and it will be easier for you to locate the scholarships and grants that apply to the type of degree program you are seeking. Some of the most popular continuing education scholarships available to women include:
The Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting
Single parents or heads of households can apply to study accounting. The award amounts vary from year to year, however you must show that you are in need of financial assistance.
American Business Women’s Association
This is for continuing education courses of various programs, not necessarily for college degrees. This allows you to take just the courses you need to improve your resume instead of enrolling for a four-year degree.
Society of Women Engineers
The SWE scholarship program gives out a number of scholarships each year for general engineering, technology and computer science careers.
Scholarships & Grants for Minorities
As a woman, you are already considered a minority in one way. Simply being a woman entitles you to a lot of scholarships and grants that men cannot apply for. This gives you a “one up” when it comes to trying to pay for college. Regardless of whether you are looking for need-based or merit scholarships, there are plenty out there, particularly if you can meet a minority requirement in other ways as well.
Hispanics, African Americans and other ethnic races can obtain a number of scholarships and grants. Whether you are a returning student or not, you can get a lot of money just by identifying yourself as a minority. Some of the top scholarships in the country require you to be a minority to apply, which means you can focus there before anywhere else.
Scholarships for Hispanic Women
Hispanic women who are returning to school or continuing their education have a number of resources to pull from. One of the top websites to check out is the Hispanic Scholarship Fund. This is a full listing of scholarships offered to people who are Hispanic in a number of industries.
A few of the scholarships for Hispanic women to consider include:
First in My Family Scholarship Program
This is a scholarship that will offer between $500 and $5,000 to women who are attending scholarship for the first time. It is designed for men and women who will be the first in their family to attend college.
Denny’s Single Parent Scholarship
This is a need-based scholarship to those who are a single parent and returning to school. You can be a resident of any state and pursue any degree program you wish with this scholarship. The award varies each year.
Scholarships for African American Women
African American Women also have a number of resources. One of the best websites to check with first is www.naacp.org. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People offers a number of scholarships every year for women who are going back to school, changing careers or wish to pursue a higher level of education.
Some of the scholarships available to African American women include:
Fellowships from the SSUW
These are for women who are seeking degrees in business, medicine or law. The award amount will vary from year to year and many of the deadlines are spread out through the year as well.
National Black MBA Association
These scholarships range from $1,000 to $15,000. You don’t have to be a member of the NBMBAA to apply but you will receive membership if you are given the scholarship. You do not need to show financial need for these scholarships as they are merit-based. Application credentials include an application, a resume, a transcript as well as an essay. Community involvement is a requirement of this scholarship as well.
Scholarships for Native American Women
Native Americans have a number of scholarships and grants made available to them as well. If you fall into this minority, one of the easiest ways to find out about what you are eligible for is contacting your tribal government. This will give you access to a number of scholarships that have to do with your specific tribe.
Some of the Native American scholarships may require you to be registered to a particular tribe or be a certain percentage Native American to qualify.
Catching the Dream
Not all scholarships require you to be a member of a certain tribe, however. One of the most popular scholarships for Native American women pursuing a higher education is Catching the Dream. You must be at least 1/4 Native American and be enrolled as a member of a United States Tribe. You must attend an accredited college on a full-time basis to qualify. The award amounts vary from $500 to $5,000.
Other Minority Scholarships
Other scholarships that simply require you to be a minority also exist. This allows you to focus on obtaining money for college without being specific about what minority you are. You can find plenty, though one of the most popular ones is the Gates Millennium Scholarship. This is for minorities who are looking to pursue a college degree. It will cover all aspects of tuition. There is a full list of requirements but you must be seeking a degree in computer science, engineering, education, mathematics or public health to be considered for the scholarship.
Focus In On What Makes You Different
If the difference between getting a scholarship or not is what sets you apart from the rest, then you need to identify your unique aspects. You can find a lot of scholarships by going after the different things that make you who you are. While being a woman and returning to school after a number of years qualifies you for scholarships, you can dig deeper and find more scholarships that are focused on helping women return to school after overcoming other obstacles.
Consider domestic violence. If you’ve been involved in domestic violence situations which have ultimately affected your ability to get the job you want and attend college on your terms, there are scholarships designed to help women in your situation. A popular scholarship of this type is from the R.O.S.E. Fund. This stands for “regaining one’s self esteem.” Any woman who is attending a college or university in the New England area can apply for this scholarship. It is typically directed to women who are returning or continuing their education but the criteria varies from year to year.
Are you a single mom? Single mothers often have a hard time paying for college because they have been forced to go through life with a single income to cover everything. There are a lot of scholarships out there that will cater to single women who are trying to go back into the workforce after a number of years. One such scholarship is the Jeanette Ranking Foundation. This scholarship award has been around since 1978 and is designed to help women who are 35 and older and who are in the subset of single women go back to school in any degree program around the country.
Abuse, being a single parent and various other obstacles you’ve had to overcome in life are something that can help you pay for your college. Being a woman and deciding to go back to school are all topics to help you get a scholarship, but by homing in on other topics within that subset, you can find more ways to qualify for more scholarships, giving you every opportunity possible to make your dreams of going back to college more affordable.
The Top Degree Programs for Scholarships & Grants
There are hundreds of degree programs out there ranging from the arts to the sciences. While you can find scholarships and grants that are covered under just about any of the degree programs, there are particular fields that get the most financial support because of the high demand in these industries.
As a result, you can find a lot of scholarships and grants for women who are looking to go back to school in some of the following topics easier than others:
- Nursing
- Dental hygienist
- Business administration
Such scholarships to be on the lookout for include:
The Gardner Foundation of INS Education
This is for practicing nurses to get their education. Two scholarships are awarded every year in the amount of $1,000. To be considered, you must submit an application and an essay about your professional goals.
ARN Scholarships
The Association of Rehabilitation Nursing offers two scholarships annually for $1,000 each to those pursuing a bachelor’s in nursing. You must be a member of ARN and have two years of experience. Other scholarships are also offered by the association that will pay for full tuition.
Dr. Delaney Award
This scholarship is for $10,000 and goes to a female dental student pursuing a postgraduate degree. It honors Dr. Bessie Elizabeth Delaney, a pioneer in civil rights and a former author and dentist. You need letters of recommendation and a resume.
Eleanor J. Bushee Award
This is a memorial scholarship that varies in award amount from year to year. It’s a merit award for female dental students, providing you with the ability to pursue your degree.
Forte Fellows Program
The Forte Fellows Program gives you the opportunity to purse an MBA part-time or full-time. There is a list of participating schools and universities. You may also get special consideration if you have exhibited a commitment in your community or profession, such as helping the initiatives of girls or other women.
AAUW
The American Association of University Women has scholarships ranging in award amounts. Many scholarships are given out every year and women of color are also given special consideration. It is designed to give women the edge they need if they are pursuing an advanced degree, switching careers or re-entering the workforce.
How to Get the Most Money for School
Every year, there are corporations and private organizations that give out thousands of dollars in money for college to students of every age. Some of that money goes uncollected simply because people don’t do the necessary research. The more opportunities you identify, the easier it will be to get a comprehensive list of scholarships and grants to submit to.
Consider every angle you can in terms of searching for scholarships. This includes:
- Age
- Minority
- State you live in
- Extracurricular activities
- Obstacles in life (abuse, orphan, cancer survivor, etc.)
- Company you work for
- Degree you wish to get
- Career you want
This list will allow you to search for thousands of scholarships. Read through each of them to ensure you understand the deadlines, what you need to meet the requirements and what you must submit along with the application.
It is not uncommon to submit an essay covering a particular topic. Make sure you read through it a few times and spell check it. It’s also helpful to have someone else read through it to get their thoughts.
You may be submitting your scholarship application to a company or organization that is getting hundreds or thousands of other people submitting for the same scholarship. This means you are up against stiff competition. The better you can appear on paper and through your essay, the better it will be.
As a returning student, you aren’t relying on your GPA or SAT scores as the high school and college students are. You are using your life experience and your current career and living situation to get you the financial support you need. Using every aspect of your life experience can be an asset to you. Don’t be ashamed to get it on paper because it could be the very thing that helps you to win a scholarship.
Don’t Limit Yourself
Since you will be competing with so many other people for every scholarship and grant you submit to, it’s important to remember that you won’t win them all. There is no limit to how many you can submit to; therefore it’s advantageous to submit to as many as you have time for.
Often times, you don’t have to submit via mail – you can do the entire submission process online. This allows you to save money on stamps, too. It is not uncommon for people to submit to 50 or 100 different scholarship programs. The more you qualify for, the better. But you won’t get them unless you at least try.
You may be able to pay for 100% of your education by taking the time to submit to enough places. Almost every scholarship and grant is for a different amount of money. Some offer you hundreds of dollars, others offer you thousands of dollars. Regardless of what you get, it will all bring you one step closer to affording your college tuition.
Organizing Your Financial Aid Efforts
Your head may be spinning from trying to figure out how you will focus on getting the money you need for school. As a woman who is returning to school, you have a number of opportunities out there. Now you just need to get organized in order to figure out where to start, how to get the applications completed and start earning the money you need to make your dreams of going back to school a reality.
1. Identify Your Scholarship & Grant Opportunities
Spend a few weeks doing research of all of your possibilities. Create a list of about 50 or 100 scholarships that you qualify for and plan on submitting an application to each of them.
Don’t pay attention to how much they will give you. While it’s ideal to get a scholarship that will pay full tuition, you may be able to get four small ones that will provide you with the same outcome. At this point, you want to cover all bases. It’s easier to turn down a few scholarships than not have enough to pay for the full tuition when you’re ready to enroll.
2. Create a Calendar of Deadlines
Create a three- or six-month calendar for the deadlines of all of the scholarships. You want to get your applications in before the deadline, otherwise you won’t qualify. When time allows, try to get your application in two to four weeks before the deadline. The reason for this is because some scholarship competitions close early once they reach a certain number of applications. You don’t want to miss out on a great scholarship just because you weren’t one of the first thousand to get your application into the right hands.
The calendar will allow you to focus on a few applications every week. This way you can ensure every word and every thought is clear, concise and correctly portrayed. It will also prevent feelings of being overwhelmed or inundated with all of the scholarship and grant applications. In many cases, the due dates will range throughout the year, giving you plenty of time to apply for as many as you wish.
3. Write the Essays
Filling out the applications are the easy part. Most of them require the same basic information: address, social security number, phone number, email address. Some of them will ask you a few basic questions, too, such as what your hobbies are, the biggest obstacle you’ve overcome or what your career goals are. These are all important things to answer but the essay is where you want to spend the most time.
Essays on scholarship and grant applications can range from 300 words to several thousand words. Plan on typing out your response unless they ask for it to be handwritten. You don’t want a judge to be unable to read your words, which is why you should always type it when given the choice. Spell check the essay and let someone else read it over before you submit it with your application.
4. Read Over Your Full Entry
Before submitting any application, read through the entire entry requirements. You may be required to send one full packet containing various things including: application, essay, letters of recommendation, test scores, college acceptance letter and other items at request. If you forget any of these items, your application will be disregarded because of your inability to follow instructions. When you submit any kind of letter or test score, make sure you are sending a copy, not an original (unless specifically asked to do so).
5. Track Responses
Almost all scholarships and grants will tell you if and when you will be notified of the winners selected. Track all of these responses. This way you can find out how many you are getting and how many more you are waiting for to determine if you need additional financial assistance or if you can now afford your college tuition.
You may not get 100% of your college tuition, books and other expenses covered through financial aid but you can get a significant amount paid for. The rest of the money can be paid for out of pocket or through the use of student loans. Going back to school or continuing your education is a big step. By focusing on as many scholarship opportunities as possible, you can make your degree a reality.
73 Comments
i am so grateful to get across such information. this is a very good attempt in order to put the needy through in somethings. i just finished my first degree in public health from babcock university, Nigeria and i have the vission to enroll for 7 years MD program in babcock university. please i need scholarship. thanks.
Then why can’t you use a capital when writing your response?
LOL — I noticed that, too, but figured I was just being critical for no reason and that someone else will let her know she should probably lock in her grammar skills before she fills out those apps. Thank you, “Someone Else!” 🙂
And can you speak, write or READ a foreign language? With or without proper punctuation.
Rude.
agree very rude.
Why would either of you even bother to point this out? Especially the manner in which you pointed it out. Here’s someone, a woman, who has some kind of hope in pursuing her dreams.
OBIA Ugochi Stella, congratulations on obtaining your degree! Try looking up (Google) some of the organizations listed above. Just make sure you fit the criteria. I’m trying to continue my education as well. It’s just kind of hard because I work full time and also am the lucky mother of two amazing kids. I’m not going to give up though! You shouldn’t either. Don’t ever let the ignorance of people hold you back or feel any less than your worth. Good luck!
well said ! encouraging is much more valuable and empowering !
Well I wouldnt pointit out but if you are writing even in another language and your grammor is that bad it will show up in your applications and essays. So Id think she would like to know that before she misses out on a lot of them for that reason. Now was it nasty the way it was done, maybe. From someone who sucks at grammar and this is my language she should look into Grammarly the free version would help her a lot with her mistakes and could help are get a scholarship. PS my mac loves to double space everything word misses that a lot…
I realize that higher education expects general proper grammar, but as a university professor, I find that many students have not been taught all they need to know in elementary and high school.
Also, she mentions she is from Nigeria. I expect the rules for writing may be different there.
I would like to offer up the idea of suggesting methods of improving her writing skills rather than pointing out her mistakes.
We’re all human.
The art of essay-writing taught in Nigeria, my homeland, might ‘overlook’ the more advanced rules of syntax and grammar observed by students trained in developed countries… Nonetheless, capitalization of the first letter in a sentence, as well as, proper nouns is generally emphasized in Naija. Thus, while apologizing for little missy’s oversight of how powerful the internet could be, I am persuaded that Babcok University has tutors/lecturers in its employ who stress professionalism. Their standards ought to have reflected in their product. Seven years of tertiary studies should have come across differently.
All the same, Kate is right in pointing out the fact that Ugochi’s primary and secondary school days might have been focused on learning within the context of limited socio-cultural resources (inclusive of language teachers). She probably never got to realize that the notion of writing entailed much more than capturing one’s thoughts on-the-go.
We could have criticized her deficiencies constructively… At least, we know that she can read, type and even surf the internet. Breathe 😉
Crickets. lol..
Hi, as I am reading the comment to your post and getting more annoyed with people. So, I though I could just reply to you myself. Please do not take this as an insult at all, because I grew up learning this language and its grammar and still suck at it. Even with spell checks and grammar checks I see mistakes usually after I post it. I will say a lot of scholarships want proper or close to it grammar, so I would suggest “Grammarly”. I have it as an extension on chrome, it help with grammar, spelling, and punctuation. No, its not perfect because they want you to pay for the good one, but the free one works good enough. I wish you great luck and never lose hope.
I am over 4o years old and will be enrolling into F.I.T in the Spring of 2013. I am currently looking for scholarships.
I ‘m in need of help with my tuition. I’m a single mother and curently laid off. I’m a full time student and have 5 more months to completing my course of study. My G.P.A is 3.5. The program length is 13 1/2 months. I’m really enjoying being in school but, it’s getting a little hard. I drive 30 plus miles each way. With the price of gas I don’t know what to do. I’m looking for a schlorship that will assist me and my boys.
Hello i am a 23 year old hispanic single mom and i would like to know what kind of scholarship i cualify for to go back to school in the law field
Please learn to spell if you are in fact going to law school. The correct spelling is qualify not cualify. That will be the first sign you won’t get in.
LOL! I have been at this website for about an hour now and some of my favorite things to read, so far, are the passive-aggressive corrections. Good times.
Hello am 27 year old Kenyan single and would wish to go back to school in the computer science field i would request to know which scholarship i qualify for? thanks in advance
Hello. I am 31 years of age and a single white female with no children. I have an income of $35k a year. I am also the first of my family to go to college. Although, I am not considered to have an extremely low income, I do not have enough money to finish my degree. I have researched degree programs and have decided on a technical communications degree from Arizona State University. However, I do not seem to qualify for financial aide. I have approximately 90 hours of college credit which includes an associate of science degree. After reviewing my previous coursework, ASU has determined that it will take approximately 30 hours are required to complete my degree (Approximately $15k). With so little left to complete, I have become determined to find a way to earn my degree. Please let me know if you have any recommendations. They would be greatly appreciated.
I hate to sound so negative, but I have had no luck finding grant or scholarship money and have been trying for year and half now. My father left me an inheritance when he passed two years ago, which is about to dry up. Seems I’m either too old or I’m pursuing the wrong major. Everything is uber specific. I’m still holding out hope, though.
Don’t give up, do searches on as many search engines as possible. I was once told that even if you dont fit the scholarship requiremants 100%. You should still apply because sometimes The company has a certain amout alloted to give. So if there aren’t enough applicants they lose the funds and/or tax write-off. So they will give the remainder to the people that srfe next closest to meet their requirements. Obviously this is more prevalent with scholarships from little known companies or directed at a not-so prevalent population. Like for women banjo players well you’re a women so there’s a chance.
Good Luck
Woman of 58 yr’s, family grown, now alone. Working as Cert. Clinical Med. Asst. and wish to obtain a 2 yr RN degree.
Is there ANY help for me?
I am 59 and have begun classes to obtain my 2 year RN degree as well. Did you get any response to your question?
I am a 57 years old African American female and I am attending college. My yearly income is 11,000. I need help with my tution and other expenses. My GPA is 3.7 and my major is human services. I would also like to obtain a degree in early childhood education.
I am a 42 year old african american female looking to go back to school. Would love some help in yhe finance department. I’m really excited and looking forward to getting back in the thick of things.
Hello, I am 29 years Somali female. I received a scholarship from an academy in Switzerland, but it only covers the Master’s tuition fee and accommodation. I have to cover my living allowances and medical insurance. Been a female from developing country like Somalia I cant afford all of it, I am looking sponsors who could help me with this or even any organization who could give me some grants to finance this. Its 9 months long and its so important to me… Please do help
I am a 57 year old women who is taking care of my 85 year old mother with dementia. I am a junior in college at Eastern University New Mexico on-line. Being a full time care taker is very constricting and rewarding. I lost my job 5 years ago, the timing was a blessing because that is when my mother wasn’t capable of taking care of her self so I moved her in with me. I went ahead and got student loans this semester but can not afford to get more in the future.
I would love to be able to get my BA in social work and keep my mind stimulated. Thank-you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Lesa DiPomazio
Lesa, best wishes to you. I too am caring for my mom with dementia and other medical issues and I wanted you to know you are not alone. Well, you probably know that, in fact there are 42 million of us doing this work; we’re unpaid and underappreciated. On behalf of those of us who know too well how you keep going day in & day out, without help or respite, I say DON’T GIVE UP and remember there is a future for us after our duty is done; with luck we will be well enough to live it productively and joyfully.
I am 42 years old have spent the last 3 1/2 years working towards my BA in Business with a HR concentration. I have hit a wall where my FA has run out and need to find scholarships to complete my journey. I have spent many years on this journey and can now see the end of the tunnel, I am hoping to complete it by next year. Any assistance is welcomed.
My name is Marian and I am wanting to go back to school to better my life for my family, however the funds are not there. I have a 3.84 GPA and I am a wonderful student and work very hard in school. I have a true passion for the medical field.
Being able to give my family a better life would make a world of a difference for us that words could not explain!!
Without a doubt I know that I would make myself, professors, and family very proud if I got a scholarship that gave me an opportunity to be able to make our dreams come true! God Bless.
I have two more semesters to be in position to graduate with BS in SOCIAL WORK,I am capped in financial assistance,been attempting to get college degree since 1974,without this financial support I will be unable to complete this career goal,any assistance would be greatly appreciated.Thank You.
What may set me aside from others, is that I had/have a vocation as a colon hydro-therapist and am back in a junior college taking business courses so I can start a successful business with a good foundation. I have not worked since 2008 (except for a couple of months) and am a woman of 59 years. I left my job in Puerto Rico because I had a bad car accident and hurt my back. My savings was spent on alternative care and my back is healthy now. My sister, my father, and my brother all passed recently. I believe the total S.S. benefits I will receive when I am of age is less than $300 to date! I have lived in my car, and mostly couch surfed these past years. I did live with my father when I cared for him as he passed. With my school grant I was able to rent a room/trade for awhile. I am currently living in a tool shed behind a house. My FAFSA mainly went to keep my vehicle legal and supply me with gas money to school. My grade point average as of now is 4.0! I enrolled at Santa Rosa Junior College in Business courses since Spring 2012. I would have gone for an AA and possibly continued onto a 4 year college, but instead had to go for my Small Business Management Certificate because I would not receive continued Federal Funding due to the criteria. I had attended the junior college in the 70’s and 80’s as a single mom and had problems keeping up in school during those years. I will receive my certificate upon completing another 9 units of business courses. I saved the hardest for last because I had been out of school for so many years. I may have to spread them out over 2 semesters, if possible, because there is alot of math involved. It is extremely rare to find a job giving colonics. I will have to start my own business. My credit is poor since I lived off of 2 credit cards for awhile when I had no income. I have approx. $7,000 in debt. This schooling is my only hope. Please let me know if I am eligible for any scholarships. I was 1!! day late to sign up for scholarships through my college! I did not know other scholarships besides the Federal were available to me. Thank you for viewing this rather lengthy bio. Actually writing this out has helped me put all this into perspective so that I might apply wherever possible, hoping I am not too late for next semester. I know I will also have to apply for grants to get business started, as well. Thank you very much from someone who really has no resources at the moment. But, I do have faith!
Thank you,
Penny Yoas
I’m
wanting information on grant money or loans for low income or no income women with no high school diploma or GED….
I’m from South Africa I need someone to help me with bursary which i qualify for.I’m a orphan,i study at private institution.i don’t have enough money for food,transport and accomodation,please help me before I drop the school.contact me on this number 0766513258
I am 24 years and really need a scholarship to do futher studies on Business Adminstration. How will I obtain a scholarship?
Thanks
Shirley
I am a 42 year old woman who has been an established actress (well known for my voice over work) for many years, and have been extremely involved in charity work (I started a charity and continually help raise over 100,000 per year for many US charities and even helped start a yearly charity event noted as the one of the biggest donors of the REd Cross, and I have been traveling to 3rd world countries since I was teen ager to help , but building homes, bringing doctors, building refugee centers, teaching. You name it, I’ve done it!) I have now been diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy, which apparently is responsible for the severe childhood sickness I’ve struggled through my whole life, but now a whole host of other problems. Now, of course, with the onset of muscle deterioration, I can no longer do most jobs. I am trying to go to college for the first time in my life , to get a degee(in addition to all of the various individual college classes and professional programs I’ve studied in throughout the years. Initially , I plan to study in the business that I’m already in (entertainment, Theatre) , so I can teach, and later move into studying “business”. The school I’m accepted to is absolutely remarkable but I can find no help to pay for it, as even with ) income I only qualify for a very small portion in pell grant. So far scholarship searches are coming up empty! (Have searched diasabilities, professional ones etc.) Please help! Your site is good info, but still not pointing me to anything specific which I can apply for.
Hello..I am a 37 year old divorced female. I have enrolled at Vatterott College St.Louis Mo for their Personal Fitness Trainer, Classes progress toward advanced topics such as kinesiology, exercise psychology, and a comprehensive personal trainer externship. I have worked at a Health Food Store that we provided counselling and one on one relationship with our clients. I also worked for a Chiropractor and assisted in a monthly Wellness classes we provided for our patients . I have been through a lot , during marriage I suffered Psychological manipulation, found out many things after divorce than he had done. I personally had to file for bankruptcy because of the my husband running up my credit. After my Divorce i started the healing process .The career i have chosen will allow me to help other women that have been through challenges , mental and physical abuse and health issues that has brought them to the lowest time in their life. I have had to start over , I am the first women in my family that has chosen to attend college and looking forward to my life helping women restore their physical and mental health so they can enjoy their lives . I hope their is help for me financially as I step out in faith . Thank you Michelle Long
I am graduating from Lemoyne Owen next week end. I would like to further my education to pursue my Master in Science. I work on a as needed bases. I am a mother of three. I need help to continue my education. I have loans already from this undergraduate program. I want finish my goal but no funds to help.
Hello! I am so grateful to have come across this website after doing a lot of searching! I am 22 years young and a mother of two beautiful children! My daughter is 3 years and my son is 4 months. I am a wife as well (2 years on June 18!) we are a one income family as I love being a stay at home mom, but things are way to tight with just my husbands income and we want better for our children, for awhile now, I’ve been considering taking classes for nursing! I have finally decided to do so as I have a school in mind in which I’d like to go through to reach my career goal! However there’s no way we will be able to afford it! I don’t need as much as some people may, I have found classes in a long care facility clise to me me in Danville Pa which goes through hacc (Harrisburg Area Community College) I am in serious need of help, where do I start applying for help?
I am a 22 year old attendee at Delta State University in Cleveland, MS. My major is Speech and Hearing Science, because I would love to become a Speech Pathologist. My graduation date is May 2015, and I am a senior facing huges amounts of problems in paying for my last two years. Due to changing my major, I ran out of federal pell grant and I am not sure what to do next. I finished the Spring semester of 2013 with a 3.25 G.P.A. I really want to finish my Bachelor’s Degree in Speech and Hearing Science in order to attend graduate school to become a Speech Pathologist. I really need the help and I promise you that you will not regret helping out. If there is anyway possible that I could obtain any money paid directly to my current school that I am enrolled in I would greatly be appreciative
I’m a 21 year old female living in Durban (South Africa). I’m a single mother of 1 and need financial assistance. Both my parents are deceased and so i have no one helping me at all. I’ve been accepted to study at UKZN(Howard College) for a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science(Psychology). I do not have any finds to go to school or to pay off a place to stay, sometimes i sleep on an empty stomach. Please help me in any way you could please any thing would really be appreciated. Please
I don’t know how easy It would be for a Nigerian to really benefit from this. I have been seeking an opportunity to study law for 7yrs, but I’m a laundrist & I have no money. I am 35yrs old but I don’t wanna give up on this dream of becoming a u.k trainned lawyer before I am 40. I just hope for a miracle. I need someone to sponsor me.
Hi, I am from Kenya. Seeking a scholarship to study communication. I am 33 yrs old. A mother to a 9 yr old boy and guardian to a 5 yr old boy. I would like to know if I qualify for an award back here in my country or I need to apply to a college away from home country to qualify. Thank you.
I am divorced, 54 years old, hardly I finished my AA in Criminal Justice,
would like to continuing for BA in Social Work, and get a minor in
Theology. I am christian since I was 15yrs Old, I know I have call to work God Ministry and evangelist. My goal is to go to a Christian University, which I was accepted but my budget is not enoguh to cover the tuition. My GPA is 3.70. Hopefully you can help me to accomplish my goal.
Thank you.
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am Writing you from Nepal. As i am Very much interested in Developing my career in social sector by helping needy and bizarre people. Since my childhood i was very much curious in people who have wounds and pus in their body and i just enjoy cleaning their wounds. But as i grew up, i was unable to join nursing as a career, as in every sector grades are consider or people from deprived community are given chances. In between these i am in the middle position. i am average student but i am very much wholeheartedly interest in this sector. i have completed my M.A degree in English as major. I am finding very much difficulty in engaging my self in my work of interest. I am also getting desperate these days as i am unable to find any solution regarding my situation and work of interest. Even i cannot afford for my study in my work of interest.
i am hopefully waiting some positive response from yourside.
hi i am a 39 yr old single mom of eight three of my children are grown so me goingback to school after all this time is a huge motivator for not only me but my two children who did not graduate high school. i have taken the ged test for the first time and being my first time i did great by passing all subjects except math but not stopping there i have sent the fee in for retesting for math already and now just waiting for my test date but i didnt want to stop there i’ve been working as an home health aid for 7 yrs now and now i would love to further my career in health care starting with medical assistience ending with my nursing degree thank you but can u help me
Hi, my name is Franshesca janvier and i am 18 years old and looking for scholarships or grants to help pay for my room and board at immaculata university. I have been trying to get a loan from some other sites but have been getting denied. Right now this is my last solution,because my parents and I won’t be able to afford pay for my housing. I hope you can get back to me soon, and thank you for taking your time to read this and consider me.
Okay, I’ll bite. Pessimism isn’t quality employers look for, but the processes really can discourage us older women who are looking for some help, simply to get an education that will help us get a job. I am just such a woman, so I’ll make it brief.
I am 45. I am divorced. I have one nearly-adult (and completely awesome) daughter, and I am unemployed. I have some medical background from previous jobs, but I worked until I had my daughter, then was fortunate to be able to stay home with her. She is now on her own and I am single and really wanting to get into a phlebotomy program and try to specialize in working with dialysis patients. The programs range in length and price, and I am hoping to get into a program in Maryland (even though I live in Seattle currently). This site seems like it has the potential to be a fantastic resource, but it’s also a bit overwhelming. If anyone has forged any kind of a similar path to mine and has any pointers, I’d be grateful.
Thanks in advance, Ladies!
My name is Belinda from Iceland.I want to use this medium to thank this great spell caster Dr. Olufalaye, for what he did in my life.I was having misunderstanding with my husband for over one year and i explained my problems to Dr. Olufalaye, he gave me instructions on what to do and I did them all.Three days later my husband came back home to me.He apologized for his wrong doings and today we are happy now living as one happy family again.All I have to say is thanks to Dr. Olufalaye for making me to have a happy home now and you can reach him via this email address: olufalayespellhome@gmail.com, He is a great spell caster you too can try him out……Belinda
Hello,
I am 23 and trying to attend school at the art institute to follow my passion in fashion design but my problem is it seems rather impossible to obtain scholarships for a private school but for fashion design as well.
I believe in myself and know i can go far but what is holding me back is my finances.
If you know how i can find scholarships or help me to follow my dream which will one day be my reality i would be so grateful!
am single mum of two kis four years and six years basially struggling we live in uganda,i need help with their education and i would also love to upgrade my education to help e find a better job hence better future for all of us,i have a certificate in business administration,any well wishers i will be so greatful.
I just spent two hours reading through this very informative site. Rather than write a letter as if speaking to Dr. Phil, take the time to read and then research the information provided. Most of you are asking this site to do the leg work for you and then drop you a line with the answers. If you are being that lazy now, you will have a difficult time in school. It is up to YOU to find the money. It is up to YOU to get the results you are so desperately expressing you need. Nothing in this world comes free. Michael Jordan said, “You miss every shot you never take.” It’s YOUR shot – take it or loose it. Think it. Ink it. Walk in it.
I am a African American single mother, who am in need of moneys to continue my education as a masters student. I was kicked out the program after going through personal issues and my grades dropped from a 4.00 to a 2.30. I am unemployed and I have been searching for work for the last 4 years. Please help me get back to school so I can finish what I have worked so hard for.
Hello Dear /madam
I am from Africa Ethiopia and i am Female student
i got acceptance letter for masters degree from eastern university on 2014 entitle health service management but i can not afford because Ethiopia is one of the poorest country in the world and has a lot of problem related to health and others so please help me i am very eager the education will start march 6 , 2014 I hope you will respond to me soon, and thank you for taking your time to read this and consider me.
hi….I a very happy about your website about promoting and offering different scholarships grants for underprivileged married women.I am a full time mom who wants to go back to college.I hope you could help me finish my education.I am truly interested to go back to school because of some substantial reasons e.g for my kids in particular and my community in general.
I am Gladys cleared my form four and willing to proceed with my education , i have struggled to afford school fee but i am unable i am sometimes doing temporary job and get wages but still cant afford my fee to go on i was asking for our assistance from Tanzania bt i studied in Kenya both my primary and secondary school looking towards your responce
I lost my husband last year and unfortunately when his company went belly-up they did nothing with his life insurance. Since losing him (and his income) it’s been a struggle and I want to get an Associate of Applied Science to become a Veterinary Technologist. I’m 52 years old and have already applied to school but they are no help when it comes to recommending scholarships. Also my husband was in the Army if that helps. Any help anybody can give is appreciated! Thanks.
I am a white, married, pregnant 28 year old woman who works full time. There is absolutely NO help for anyone like me and I think its absurd. Excuse me for having my life in order…I can’t go back to school even if I wanted to! This is whats wrong with America. Screw your life up and you will be catered to and given every opportunity out there, not to mention every ounce of welfare the gov’t can squeeze out for you.
Hi
My name is ketray. 24yrs old from kenya. I was a CPA student back in 2012, but due to financial difficulties, I happened to drop out of college. I really have a passion in accounting field and there is this burning feeling within me of completing the CPA so that I can secure a nice job and help people from my family and society at large. I was majoring in accounts. I am appealing to you to kindly assist me achieve my dream of being an accountant so as to help my family and community at large.
Looking foward to hearing from you.
Thank you.
I am a 52 year old Caucasian woman who was in the corporate workforce, the United States Marine Corps and worked for non-profits until the 2013 Government shutdown.
I am at the end of my PhD Academic module and have run short on federal student aid. I am carrying a 4.0 GPA.
As a Caucasian over the age of 25, I am finding it very difficult to find scholarships, regardless of how many I look at. I’m getting dizzy trying to find something.
What scholarships and grants help those of us who do not have hundreds to choose from because we are not of a “double-minority” regarding race, LGBT, or other presumably marginalized group?
i am Hiwot Bezabh i am from Ethiopia i am divorced and single mother i have bachelor degree and now i am graduate student in A.A.U but i can’t proceed it because of financial problem ,please i want to learn out side my county my email address is lizatati100@gmail.com . i want to learn organizational psychology or business administration.
I’m highly interested in going to back to school this spring, and I’m searching for any financial assistant that may be available to me. My mailing address is P O Box 2393 PB, AR 71613
Hello ma, am very happy about your program,offering different scholarships for married woman.Am a mother of three,i have a diploma in computer.Please ma,i am truly interested to go back to school because of some reasons e.g for my children,family and community and i hope you could help me to finish my education.Thanks.
Dear mum
thanks for your program
i am Abigail Dwomoh Nyarko, a young lady of twenty three years, single and staying alone in Ghana at Kumasi. i have been stuggling thought my life since the age of 18 years all because of my divorce parents who are also facing financial problems. i started selling oranges and used it to cater for my self and my education and now i have graduate from a secretarial school and finding it difficult to be employed and also not having money to further my education nor buy food so i want you to help me further my education in Business Adminitration in either my country or outside my country. plse kindly help me achieve my aims and goal for the world has been treatin me unfairly.
i want to be a higly person and help peoples who are facing such difficulties in the future…… i hope you will help me
I’m a 53 yr old breast cancer survivor living in Okla that would like to return to school & major in accounting. I’m not currently enrolled but would like to start back to school in 2015. Any suggestions on where I might apply for scholarships & grants.
Hi I am a single mom with attention deficit disorder trying to go back to school for physical therapy assistant. I have finished all of my prerequisits, and am now applying for the program. I have a bachelors, and was wondering if there is any scholarships or grants for women who already have a bachelors?
Thank You.
Im 19 years old i’ve finish grade 12 last year idont have parents even relative to help me to go to the university can someone help me please and my result are good
hello im a married women but I want to go to cooking school can you help me thank you
hello
I am a 26 years old new mom and i am seeking asylum here in NYC ,but not yet a citizen. I really want to go back to school to learn something could be useful in my future. English is my second language. I used to be a professional dancer back to my homeland. and i graduate from a technical school from my homeland. As i came here for about one year and i finished a whole year program at a dance school in NYC. Now i really need a opportunity to go back to school with help of my tuition fee since i do not have any income now. I would love to learn something about : Marketing. Nursing. Designer .or something else that you think it can be useful. please give me some advice . thank you so much !
helo, am thirty years old with no job and yet i need to take care of my 73 year old mum. please help me i have a degree. please help me thank u
In the year 2000, after having had two children I finally obtained my GED. In 2011 my son started high school and he asked me “Mom, why dont you go back to school?” I never thought I’d have time plus I didnt think was smart enough to pass any type of college courses. I have worked low wadge and dead end jobs all my life, but I am now in search to change my life and rewarding career path. I am now 40 years old and are taking my last courses to complete all the prerequisite required to obtain my associates. A dream of mine would be to receive a bachelor degree in social work from the University Missouri Saint Louis. My son is now in college and I would love to show him and my other children that if I can do it they can too. I could only pray for a finical blessing in the form of a scholarship so that I can continue on with my educational endeavors.
Thank you for the information, I found it useful! I am a Latin American looking to continue my studies, as I came back to Peru due to financial difficulties. I study at a university in Canada, and I want to go back and finish my degree. Is there any other sources you may suggest?
Many thanks again