In the united states 82% of single moms are not college graduates, which limits the amount of money they can make each year. Statics state that only 22% of single mothers will make over $30,000 a year.These facts are one of the major driving forces why moms all over the country are returning to school in record numbers.

Many parents are just sick and tired of struggling day in and day out just to make ends meet. Face it, nothing is getting any cheaper. Gas is more expensive, food is costing more, home utility costs continues to rise, and on and on and on.Yes everything costs more but it never seems like the paychecks increase more. This is why if you are stuck in a dead-end, low-paying job you have to dig yourself out of that financial pit. which is why moms are returning to school. We want to make more money.

But the thought of actually paying for school and finding the time to attend school can be overwhelming to some of us. I mean if you are working you fingers to the bone now just to pay the bills you have, you may think you cannot return to school. But you can. Especially if you fall within the low-income range. There are grants from the government that will pay for your education, as long as you attend an accredited school.

There are also scholarships from companies, non profit organizations, and even the schools. Some of these scholarships are contests where you can win $10,000. All you have to do is enter your info and view their schools, as they just want you to look at some of their schools, but you do not have to go to them to win. Plus there are even some crazy scholarships such as the one with a greeting card contest. You just make the best one and you win.

So if you are one of the many moms returning to school or at least wanting to return, you need to be diligent in finding funding. However, you should never pay anyone to find a scholarship for you, especially if they guarantee you will get one. Just be smart about it and do good research. There really is no other choice...if you want a better life.

Grants for moms can help you pay for your education.

The Pell grant is one grant that is given out based on need and is now many people afford a college education, as this grant can be as much as $5350. The amount you receive will be based not only on your need but how much your education is costing and whether or not you are a full-time student.

Not only is the Pell grant one of the grants for moms that can help and is awarded based on need, but there is also the FSEOG grant (Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant). This grant can be up to $4000 a year depending on when you apply, your financial need, and the school you are attending. And if you do qualify and receive these grants, they will be paid to your school directly with the balance, if any, being given directly to you to do with what you wish.

But those are not the only grants that can help. There are also the TEACH and SMART scholarships based on merit and area of study in which you may qualify to receive. This will give you even more money to cover the cost of your education, thus avoiding those student loans.

Grants for moms can help, if you apply. So be sure to apply early and fill out each and every part of the application exactly as stated, so as not to risk your chance at the help you need.

Did you know that the government also offers tax credits to help offset the cost of college? Unlike a deduction, this is a tax credit which is like free money at the end of the year when it comes time to pay your taxes.

The American opportunity tax credit, which expanded and renamed the already-existing Hope credit, can be claimed for tuition and certain fees you pay for higher education in 2009 and 2010. This can be claimed for the first four years of post-secondary education for up to  $2,500 of the cost of qualified tuition and related expenses paid during the taxable year, which is a $700 increase from the previous Hope credit.

This includes costs of books, supplies and equipment needed for a course of study whether or not the materials are purchased from the educational institution as a condition of enrollment or attendance. Plus if a computer is needed for enrollment or attendance at the educational institution, then this too will be covered. Taxpayers will receive a tax credit based on 100 percent of the first $2,000 of tuition, fees and course materials paid during the taxable year, plus 25 percent of the next $2,000 of tuition, fees and course materials paid during the taxable year.

In order to qualify for this tax credit, a taxpayer who has paid a qualified tuition and related expenses and whose federal income tax return has a modified adjusted gross income of $80,000 or less ($160,000 or less for joint filers) is eligible for the credit.

Many schools are now offering special programs and scholarships for single parents. For instance, in the Muhlenberg Medical Center in New Jersey there is a nursing program just for single parents. Those who are accepted to this unique nursing program have to be a single parent in order to receive this opportunity. Each single parent who is chosen to become a member in this program will together for the benefit of all. This will include babysitting, cooking, and cleaning for each others, taking turns. These single parent student live like a family in a special unit, all together and each one pulls together to make this program work.

There are also other schools and online colleges that are offering special programs and scholarships for single parents in order to help them succeed. Unlike students without children, single parents have certain obstacles that they must live with everyday. If their child gets sick, they have to stay and care for them. It is just the way it is. More and more schools are understanding the difficulties faced by the single parent family and are making special concessions.

Of course, if you are fortunate enough to be able to attend school online and receive a scholarship for single parents to help pay for your degree, you may have an easier time. With an online education you do not have to worry about commuting and finding someone to watch your children quite as often. However, there are times that having someone to watch your child while you study will be quite helpful.

Going back to school when you are a parent requires discipline and committment. You must want to graduate so badly that you can taste it. Remember, time is going to keep on going so you might as well use your time wisely and return to college, especially with the scholarships for single parents that are now available.

The Nursing School at Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center in Plainfield, NJ offers unique scholarship for single parents mothers and fathers who was to enter the field of nursing.

Several years ago a wealthy benifactor with an interest in single parents along with Judith Matthews, the dean, were able to start this wonderful programm which is the first residental program in the country for nursing students.

All the students and their children live together and help each other out with baby sitting, cooking, cleaning, etc. They are like a small family.

This program has now expanded to accomidate 30 students and has been named the Audrey Snyder Single parent program and consists of:

• A residential unit dedicated to the needs of single parents and their school-age children. The unit supports five families who live there until the completion of their nursing program
• Personal performance enhancement sessions allow parents to discuss issues of self-esteem, interpersonal relations, problem-solving and conflict resolution
• An assigned family mentor to help foster parenting skills, health and wellness, goal-setting, peer interaction, socialization, team building, decision making, growth and development for the entire family
• An academic counselor to help the student nurse with academic and clinical matters as well as work on study skills, test-taking strategies and time management tactics.

- as stated on the college website.

This is a great program for any single parent, man or woman, looking to become a nurse and lives in New Jersey. Hopefully more programs like this one will be started around the country.