Going to Nursing School as a Single Parent or Guardian

Going to Nursing School as a Single Parent or Guardian

Single parents and guardians don’t have to pause their nursing education. Discover programs and nursing scholarships tailored for single parents and guardians. Completing nursing school as a parent or guardian comes with unique challenges that students without children might not experience. Balancing daycare arrangements, managing coursework time, and supporting your children financially while studying are just a few hurdles that student parents might encounter.

For single parents, getting a college degree can be tougher compared to households with two parents.

• 2.1 million American students raise children on their own.
• The majority of single parents are women of color, especially Black and Native American/Alaska Native students.
• Single mothers are more than six times less likely to graduate with a degree compared to women in college without children.

Source: Institute for Women’s Policy Research, 2020

Finding a Nursing School as a Single Parent or Guardian

Finding childcare is often difficult for many American parents and guardians. Some areas have limited capacity, and parents have to wait for acceptance.

Fortunately, over 1,500 universities and colleges offer on-campus childcare for students with children. Universities might also provide free or reduced-price meals for students’ kids, along with mentoring, counseling services, and parent support groups.

Here are some schools offering nursing programs with childcare options and activities for students with children:

1. Arizona State University
– ASU offers childcare centers and assistance programs. The Sun Devil Subsidy provides a lump sum each semester, while the CCAMPIS Child Care Subsidy covers up to 95% of costs at designated on-campus centers.

2. Florida Gulf University
– FGCU students’ children have priority enrollment at Little Eagles Learning Center. Students also get help accessing state childcare resources.

3. Framingham State University
– Students receive a tuition discount at the Early Childhood Center, serving children up to age 6.

4. University of Oregon
– The Associated Students of the University of Oregon offer subsidies for childcare expenses at approved on- and off-campus facilities.

5. Fort Hays State University
– Candidates can enroll their young children at the affordable Tiger Tots Preschool Center near the campus.

6. Essex County College
– Students have access to free, low-cost, or subsidized childcare at the college’s Child Development Center.

Benefits of Online Nursing Programs for Parents and Guardians

There are numerous advantages to pursuing online programs, particularly for busy single parents and guardians. While fully online nursing programs often require in-person clinical experience, coursework can be completed online.

– Flexibility: Parents or guardians can attend classes on their schedule, balancing family and work duties.
– Affordability: Online classes reduce some costs associated with on-campus learning, such as parking and service fees.
– Self-Paced Learning: Online programs accommodate parents and guardians who can only take one or two courses at a time.
– Active Participation: Online students are active learners. They can ask questions or join discussions online with time to think.
– More Choices: Distance learners can enroll in the ideal online program without uprooting their families to relocate for school.

Parenting alone is often financially challenging and can make graduating from college more difficult.

– Twenty-eight percent of single mothers have some college education but couldn’t finish their degree.
– Latina single mothers are most likely to not enter college.
– Sixty percent of Latina single mothers have a high school diploma or less.

Source: Institute for Women’s Policy Research, 2020

Tips for Single Parents and Guardians Attending Nursing School

– Seek Help: Use university resources for student parents and guardians, and talk to a student advisor about education options. Some nursing degree paths might be better for parents looking to enter the nursing workforce quickly.
– Look for Scholarships: Many scholarships support single parents and guardians pursuing a college degree. Find scholarships for single parents and guardians below or in our financial aid hub.
– Practice Self-Care: Going back to school as a parent or guardian is hard. Avoid nurse burnout by taking regular time to recharge.
– Use Tax Breaks: The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit lets individuals deduct up to 35% of total childcare costs, depending on income.

The value of higher education is clear.

– Single mothers with a bachelor’s degree earn over $625,000 more in a lifetime than single mothers with only a high school diploma.
– Single mothers with an associate degree earn about $256,000 more in a lifetime than single mothers with only a high school diploma.

Source: Institute for Women’s Policy Research, 2020

Scholarships for Single Parents and Guardians Attending Nursing School

While single parents and guardians in nursing school face challenges, including financial instability, various nursing financial aid options exist to help alleviate student debt. Here’s a list of scholarships for single parents and guardians attending nursing school.

Scholarships for Single Parents and Guardians Attending Nursing School

While single parents and guardians in nursing school face many challenges, including financial instability, there are various options for nursing financial assistance that can help alleviate student debt. Here is a list of scholarships available for single parents and guardians who are pursuing nursing education.

The Foundation of the National Student Nurses’ Association General Scholarship Program

Eligibility: Any nursing student currently pursuing an associate degree, bachelor’s degree, diploma, or direct-entry master’s degree, or enrolled in RN-to-BSN/MSN, LPN/LVN-to-RN bridge, or accelerated programs.

Amount: Up to $7,500 per academic year
Apply for the National Student Nurses’ Association General Scholarship

The Mary Blake Single Parent Nursing Scholarship

Eligibility: Single parents accepted to or enrolled in an accredited nursing program who meet minimum GPA and test score requirements. Applicants must also submit an essay explaining why they deserve the award.

Amount: $500
Apply for the Mary Blake Single Parent Nursing Scholarship

Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation

Eligibility: Low-income single mothers seeking their first degree (vocational or technical certification, associate, bachelor’s, or master’s) from a nonprofit, accredited institution.

Amount: Up to $5,000
Apply for the Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation Scholarship

Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) Foundation

Eligibility: The ENA Foundation offers multiple scholarship programs for students at all educational levels. Most require a minimum 3.0 GPA, letters of recommendation, and ENA membership.

Amount: Varies

Apply for the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) Foundation Scholarship

Women’s Independence Scholarship Program

Eligibility: Low-income women who have survived intimate partner abuse within the previous seven years and have sought support services from a nonprofit agency. Applicants must be enrolled in or accepted into an accredited educational program.

Amount: $500-$2,000 per semester or quarter

Apply for the Women’s Independence Scholarship

TopProducts Single Mother Scholarship

Eligibility: Single mothers with at least one dependent child who are enrolled in or have been accepted into an accredited educational program. Applicants must submit an essay on an assigned topic.

Amount: $1,000

Apply for the TopProducts Single Mother Scholarship

Capture the Dream Single Parent Scholarship

Eligibility: Low-income single parents living in the San Francisco Bay area who are enrolled in an accredited nonprofit institution.

Amount: $1,000

Apply for the Capture the Dream Single Parent Scholarship

Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award

Eligibility: Low-income women who provide the primary financial support for themselves and their dependents. Applicants must be enrolled in or accepted into an accredited undergraduate or vocational training program. They must also live in a Soroptimist member country or territory.

Amount: $1,000-$16,000

Apply for the Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award

Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund

Eligibility: Low-income women age 35 or older who are pursuing an undergraduate education or a trade skills certification at a nonprofit, regionally accredited institution.

Amount: Varies; renewable for up to five years

Apply for the Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship

Childcare Grants

Eligibility: Some state and federal organizations offer childcare grants to help low-income single parents and guardians cover the costs of childcare while attending classes.

Amount: Childcare assistance or subsidy programs vary by state. Families may need to meet specific eligibility requirements and/or pay application fees.

Explore Childcare Grants in Your Area

Financial Aid Options for Single Parents and Guardians

Common financial aid options include scholarships, grants, federal and private loans, and employer tuition assistance.

Find Out More About Different Financial Aid Options

Sources

• Dependent, child care expenses tax credit. (2022). https://www.efile.com/child-dependent-care-expenses-credit/#:~:text=The%2020%25-35%25%20is,or%20more%20of%20qualifying%20expenses
• Investing in single mother’s higher education. (2022). https://iwpr.org/iwpr-issues/student-parent-success-initiative/investing-in-single-mothers-higher-education-state/
• Schools offering on-campus daycare services. (2001-1014). http://www.educationdepartment.org/daycare.php?page=1