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Big Ways to Save on Back-to-School Buys
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Parenthood can be a joy and is undoubtedly one of life's most rewarding experiences. However, it can also be stressful. This is especially true for single parents, who must juggle child care with their career, studies, and day-to-day life — all on their own. It can be stressful, to say the least — and the science is there to back it up. For example, one study of single mothers revealed that they were at a higher risk for psychological stress than their married counterparts.
On top of the emotional and physical stress that single parenting brings, it also contributes to financial hardships. A single-parent household only has one income stream, which can make money tight. If you're a solo mother or father, the combination of providing for your little one's day-to-day needs, along with planning for their future (like college), can be nerve-wracking. The cost of going to college is rising, while inflation is increasing everyday living costs. It's overwhelming, to say the least.
The good news? There is assistance available. For example, if you want to further your education to secure a brighter future for yourself and your family, there are financial grants to help. There are also plenty of support resources to help the many single parents who are caring for their kids while obtaining an education. While being a single parent in college or university might feel lonely at times, you definitely aren't in this alone. There are others like you. Need proof?
Here's some fast facts on single parents who are studying:
According to an analysis of National Center for Education Statistics data conducted by the Institute for Women's Policy Research and the ASCEND, 22% of college students are parents. Of those, 45% are single parents — and of those, 79% are single moms. The number of single mothers studying is even higher for Black women, who are more likely to be parenting solo than their white or Hispanic counterparts.
The facts are clear: Single parents in college face unique hardships. The need to care for kids while making time for studies — and, often, holding down a job at the same time — results in so-called "time poverty." On top of that, many student parents (41%) live in actual financial poverty. Affording tuition and books, on top of day-to-day living expenses for an adult and a child, leaves single parents who are studying stretched thin. These grants can help.
Pell Grants make up the largest student aid program in the U.S. This is a need-based (not merit-based) form of financial help that grants recipients money to put towards tuition, books, and other college-associated expenses. The amount of the grant depends on the determined need as well as the costs of the applicant's educational institution, and whether the applicant is studying full or part-time. The maximum amount awarded for a Pell Grant was $6,495 from 2021 to 2022.
To qualify for this grant program, you must be already enrolled in a college or university (full or part-time) and show financial need. This is done by completing the FAFSA, Free Application for Federal Student Aid. To complete the FAFSA, you'll need basic identifying and financial information, like your social security number or alien registration number, federal income tax returns, and bank statements and records.
Best for: Students with basic needs.
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, FSEOG, is given to students who demonstrate the "highest levels" of need. FSEOG is given to people who have been awarded a Pell Grant and still need additional funds. This supplemental grant can range from $100 to $4,000 per year based on the demonstrated need and availability of funds (2021 to 2022 figures).
To qualify for an FSEOG supplemental grant, you simply need to complete the FAFSA. Based on the FAFSA, you may be awarded a Pell Grant and the supplemental FSEOG. The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid provides participating schools with a set amount of FSEOG money every year. Once the FSEOG money has been distributed, there isn't any more for that year. In contrast, the Pell Grant awards funds to all who meet the eligibility requirements.
Best for: Students with extreme need and limited or no familial contribution.
The above grants are both federal grants. However, there are also state government grants. For example, Virginia has the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant, VTAG, which helps Virginia residents who attend accredited, private, nonprofit educational institutions in the state (funding of up to $4,000 for undergraduates and $2,200 for graduate students).
Meanwhile, in New York, the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) helps residents pay tuition at approved schools in the state. An annual award can be up to $5,665. In California, the California Student Aid Commission provides students in need with financial support through the Cal Grant Equity Framework. Cal Grant awards are tiered according to need and institution. For example, a student studying at a California State University can get up to $5,472 towards tuition and school costs.
The best way to discover state-specific financial assistance providers is through your state's Department of Education. The National Department of Education has a state-by-state database with a website and contact information of departments of education across the country. Check it out.
Best for: People attending a school within their home state of residence.
Governmental funding is just one option for single parents. There are plenty of other options when it comes to getting together the money for studies while maintaining a family. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Many colleges and universities have school-specific scholarships issued by the institution (often with the help of an external donor). There are also private scholarships funded by philanthropists supporting education. Contact your college or university's relevant financial aid and scholarship office for information about what may be applicable at your school. Sometimes, scholarships link to a certain degree program. Examples of such scholarship funds include:
Another way to offset your financial woes as a single parent who's studying is to bring in more money. This doesn't mean you have to go work a full-time job. You might work part-time, freelance for extra cash, or even set up a small business. Here are some resources to help you find a suitable gig:
Schools are increasingly offering online coursework and degrees. An online program provides added flexibility, letting you call the shots on when and where you learn. This list of accredited online colleges can help you find a fitting program. A local community college is another option for more affordable and flexible studies — these schools often offer night classes to accommodate workers and parents. Learn about your options here.
If you're struggling financially — or dealing with "time poverty" — as a single parent in college or university, you might consider scaling back your studies. A part-time program will free up the hours you need to spend with your little one or work a job. It will still get you the same degree in the end, with less stress. If you do pursue part-time studies, make sure that you're still eligible for grants or scholarships you're considering applying to (some are for full-time students only).
In addition to student loans and college grants, there is also general government aid designed to help low-income families. For example, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, TANF, is a federal program that provides cash assistance to those in need, while the U.S. Department of Housing, HUD, provides housing grants — and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP, helps families get access to affordable food with food stamps. If you're Medicaid eligible, you can benefit from the Children's Health Insurance Program for your kid's health care. Your state likely has some type of private student loan or financial aid program available for you to consider, too.
Thriving as a single parent in college requires more than financial assistance. You can also benefit from other types of practical support — like child care — as well as emotional support. The great news is, there are organizations to help with these points too! Here's some options.
The National Center for Student Parent Programs supports college access for student parents by working together with families to improve upward mobility from poverty into the middle class. This organization encompasses a nation-wide network of university and college administrators, as well as policy makers, non-profits, and advocates. They provide programs that increase the odds of successful degree completion and foster positive career development.
Child Care Access Means Parents in School Program helps provide campus-based child care services, allowing low-income parents to more easily pursue a higher education. Funds are used to establish campus child care assistance services (like daycare) targeting low-income families. Grants can also be used for before and after-school programs.
Helping Other People be Empowered, HOPE, is dedicated to helping single parents break the cycle of poverty. Their offering includes rent assistance, child care assistance, and social services. For example, a social worker can help you figure out how to get into public housing or explain tax credits you may be eligible for.
The Single Parents Alliance of America, SPAOA, provides help for single parents by giving them information on local housing, government grant programs, and family resources. Enrollment is 100% free for qualifying single parents. The independent not-for-profit also provides single parents with access to discounts and third-party programs.
When you're a single parent who's studying and caring for a child, money can be tight. Trust CouponFollow to help you find the deals you need to get by. By saving on everyday items, you'll have more cash to put towards essentials like child care and tuition. From sales to cashback deals, you'll gain access to a variety of savings.
