Navigating Higher Education as a Married Student: A Guide to Scholarships and Grants

Marriage is a significant life event, and for students, it can present unique financial challenges when pursuing higher education. Fortunately, numerous scholarships and grants are available to help married students achieve their academic goals. This article explores the landscape of financial aid for married students, covering federal programs, institutional support, and private scholarships.

The Growing Prevalence of Married Students in Higher Education

Married students represent a notable and expanding demographic within the national collegiate student body. These students come from diverse backgrounds and life stages. Some are young individuals who married early, either before starting college or during their initial years. Others are returning students whose education was interrupted by choice or necessity. A significant portion consists of adult learners seeking further training to enhance their career prospects. These students may be first-time enrollees who postponed college for work and family or degree holders returning to gain a competitive edge. Regardless of their circumstances, married college students share a common need: financial assistance.

The Foundation: Completing the FAFSA

Before exploring specific grants and scholarships, it's crucial for students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA determines eligibility for federal and state financial aid and is often used by colleges, universities, and private organizations to assess eligibility for their programs.

A key difference for married students completing the FAFSA is the reporting of income and assets. Unlike unmarried students who may be considered dependents, married students are typically considered independent, regardless of age. This means that the combined income and assets of the student and their spouse will be used to determine financial aid eligibility. While this may affect eligibility for some programs, it doesn't eliminate the possibility of receiving aid.

Federal Grant Opportunities

The federal government offers several grant programs to help students finance their education. It is advisable to explore the options offered by the Department of Education first.

Read also: Camp Scholarships Guide

Federal Pell Grant: This grant is available to undergraduate students who demonstrate significant financial need. For married students, eligibility is determined by the combined income and assets of the student and their spouse. Award amounts are based on financial need, cost of attendance, and enrollment status (full-time or part-time). If the family's income is less than $30,000 a year, then the student qualifies for a Pell Grant. The amount awarded, which has a current maximum of $5,400 a year, is then based on the student’s financial need, after taking into consideration things such as educational costs and the student’s family contribution to cover these costs.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): The FSEOG is offered to undergraduates who qualify for the Pell Grant but still have unmet financial needs. This grant is administered through participating colleges and universities, and students must apply through their school's financial aid office. Award amounts depend on financial need, cost of attendance, and the availability of funds. The amount of the funds received ranges from $100 to $4,000 a year. If eligible, students receive the FSEOG twice per academic year. Students who receive this grant must be enrolled in school at least half-time and seeking a bachelor’s degree or associate’s degree.
Federal TEACH Grant: The TEACH (Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education) Grant supports students pursuing careers in teaching. It requires recipients to agree to teach in a high-need field at a low-income school after graduation. Applicants must meet basic eligibility requirements for federal financial aid, be enrolled in an accredited college or university participating in the TEACH program, and meet certain academic achievement standards.

College and University Grants and Scholarships

Colleges and universities often provide grants and scholarships to attract a diverse student body. Many institutions offer specific aid programs for non-traditional students, including adult learners, married students, and students with children.

Indiana University East: IUE offers a range of scholarships and grants, including the Antonio Ochoa Memorial Scholarship for returning students with demonstrated financial need. Preference is given to single parents and students returning to complete an interrupted degree. The David H. Runyon Scholarship is for students who are enrolled full-time, with preference for married students. Students must be residents of Richmond, Indiana and demonstrate how they view education as a way to improve their lives.
Agnes Scott College: This women's college offers the Irene K. Woodruff Program for Non-Traditional Students, providing financial assistance to women who are at least 24 years old and married or single with dependents.
Dixie State College of Utah: This college offers the Carolyn Reinbold Scholarship for married students and students pursuing degrees in health sciences. The Carolyn Reinbold scholarship is for students who are completing a bachelor’s degree at Dixie State College. The applicant must have at least a 3.0 GPA, earned 62 credit hours or an associate’s degree. Priority is given to married students and health sciences majors based on financial need.
Middle Tennessee State University: This university offers the Paul W. Martin Sr. Scholarship to Honors College recipients, with preference given to married students, military veterans, and children of Tennessee Valley Authority employees. Qualifying students must be full-time and enrolled in a minimum of a three-hour Honors class or in the thesis project stage of the curriculum. There are competitive scholarships offered to Honors College recipients. One to four of these scholarships are awarded yearly with recipients getting a $1,500 stipend.
Ohio State University: Ohio State University awards the Ed Bacome Scholarship, primarily to married applicants in the College of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences. The scholarship is awarded annually to students enrolled full-time as an undergraduate at the Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Students must display academic success.
Idaho State University: Idaho State University offers the Carl K. Davis Scholarship is for students who are majoring in pre-law with at least a 2.0 GPA and is geared toward married students.

Married students should also explore general scholarships and grants offered by their college, as they may be eligible even with some restrictions. In certain cases, students meeting all other criteria may apply for exemptions to restrictions like on-campus residency or full-time enrollment.

Private Grants and Scholarships

Private organizations and professional associations offer various grants and scholarships to support students pursuing specific career paths or belonging to particular demographics. Many private sector grants target women and minorities, aiming to diversify the workforce.

Lowe's Carl Buchan Scholarship: Lowe's offers this scholarship to full- and part-time employees and their spouses. Fifty scholarships valued at $5,000 are awarded annually to undergraduate students enrolled in accredited two- or four-year colleges or universities.
AAUW Career Development Grant: The American Association of University Women sponsors this grant for women returning to college to advance their careers. Over 60 grants are awarded annually, with special consideration given to women of color.
Jeanette Rankin Foundation Scholarship: This foundation offers scholarships and grants for women from low-income backgrounds, aged 35 or above, pursuing vocational education, associate's degrees, or bachelor's degrees.
Executive Women International ASIST Scholarship: This program provides scholarships to adult students pursuing college education to improve their social and economic standing. Twelve scholarships valued at $2,500 are awarded annually. This scholarship is for non-traditional students. Students who are above the age of 24, married or single with kids are eligible to apply. This scholarship is for students attending college for the first time or completing a degree. Applicants must have at least a 2.0 high school GPA or a 2.0 GPA from their previous college.

Resources for Military Spouses

College students married to active or retired military personnel have access to a range of financial aid opportunities. Each branch of the U.S. military sponsors grants and scholarships for enlisted personnel, their spouses, and dependent children. The MyCAA program provides assistance of up to $4,000 over two years to military spouses who are enrolled in degree, licensing, or credential programs that lead to employment in transportable careers.

Army Emergency Relief: This organization offers two scholarships for spouses of active members: the Overseas Spouse Education Assistance Program and the Stateside Spouse Education Assistance Program. For the stateside program, the total benefit is $2,900 per year. All coursework must be completed at an institution approved by the Department of Defense.
Air Force Aid Society: This society offers the General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant Program, which has been expanded to include spouses of service members.

Additional Scholarship Resources

Scholarships.com: When you create a free account on Scholarships.com and add your demographic information, you will receive a list of scholarship opportunities tailored to you, including those for students who are residents of California or attend or plan to attend institutions in California.
Talbots Charitable Foundation’s Scholarship Program: offers scholarships to women who are completing their college education later in life. The scholarship is currently open to women who reside in the United States or Canada, who have earned their high school diploma or GED before September 2001, and who are enrolled or will be enrolling at an accredited institution for part-time study.

Strategies for Married Students Seeking Financial Aid

Brainstorm Unique Qualities: Identify your unique qualities and experiences to find awards that match those characteristics. You can search for scholarships related to your race, ethnicity, or other distinguishing factors.
Explore Location-Based Scholarships: Research scholarships specific to your location, whether you attend school in California, plan to enroll in a California college, or are a California resident.
Consider Scholarships with Larger Applicant Pools: Look into scholarships with broader eligibility criteria to increase your chances of success.
Complete the FAFSA: Many scholarships, especially those with need-based components, require students to complete the FAFSA.
Inquire About Employer Tuition Assistance: If you are employed, check with your employer's human resources department about tuition assistance programs.
Avoid Over Borrowing: Be cautious about taking on excessive student loan debt. Only borrow what you need and can realistically repay after graduation.

Scholarships for Women

The San Diego Foundation: has a long list of scholarships, all with a basic criteria but geared towards different groups. One of the scholarships they offer through their common scholarship application is for returning students, which can be a good choice for married women continuing their education.
The Jewish Foundation for the Education of Women: offers many different grants to women who demonstrate financial need and a desire to continue their higher education. All the institutions are located in New York and many of the majors are related to the Health professions.

Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Success

Married college students face unique challenges, such as balancing household responsibilities, employment, and childcare. However, with the right grants and scholarships, couples can successfully complete their education and build a brighter future.

Read also: Benefits of NSHSS Scholarships

Read also: Scholarship Guide

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