[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Single parents and guardians in college must juggle many responsibilities on top of meeting academic expectations. The situation gets more complicated in [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/best-online-nursing-programs/” target=”_blank”]nursing school[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Thankfully, many programs and schools offer resources and services designed with you in mind. It’s just a matter of knowing what’s available. Keep reading to learn about program options, scholarships, financial aid, and more to support your nursing journey.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Finding a Nursing School as a Single Parent or Guardian[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Finding childcare can prove challenging for many American parents and guardians. Some areas face capacity shortages, and parents and guardians must put children on waiting lists in hopes of being accepted to a program.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Fortunately, more than [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.educationdepartment.org/daycare.php?page=1″ target=”_blank”]1,500 universities and colleges[/hen-ui-link] offer on-campus childcare for students with children. Universities may also offer free or discounted meals for enrolled students’ children, along with mentoring and counseling services and support groups for parents and guardians.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Below are just some of the schools offering nursing programs that include [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/childcare-assistance-resources-for-nurses/” target=”_blank”]childcare opportunities for nurses[/hen-ui-link] and activities for students with children.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://eoss.asu.edu/students-families/oncampus” target=”_blank”]Arizona State University[/hen-ui-link]ASU boasts multiple childcare centers and two assistance programs. The Sun Devil Subsidy offers a lump sum payment each semester, while the CCAMPIS Child Care Subsidy covers up to 95% of costs at designated on-campus centers.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.fgcu.edu/coe/coe-communities/littleeagleslearningcenter/parents#ForParents” target=”_blank”]Florida Gulf University[/hen-ui-link]:[/hen-ui-text] The children of FGCU students receive priority enrollment at the university’s Little Eagles Learning Center. Candidates also benefit from assistance accessing state childcare resources.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.framingham.edu/the-fsu-difference/centers-and-institutes/centers-for-early-childhood-education/early-childhood-center/index” target=”_blank”]Framingham State University[/hen-ui-link]:[/hen-ui-text] Students enjoy a tuition discount at the school’s Early Childhood Center, which serves children up to age 6.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”][hen-ui-link href=”https://asuo.uoregon.edu/benefits” target=”_blank”]University of Oregon[/hen-ui-link]:[/hen-ui-text] The Associated Students of the University of Oregon offers reimbursement subsidies for childcare expenses at approved on- and off-campus facilities.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.fhsu.edu/tigertots/” target=”_blank”]Fort Hays State University[/hen-ui-link]:[/hen-ui-text] Candidates can enroll their young children at the low-cost Tiger Tots Preschool Center located near the campus.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.essex.edu/childcare-development-center/” target=”_blank”]Essex County College[/hen-ui-link]:[/hen-ui-text] Students enjoy access to free, low-cost, or subsidized childcare at the college’s Child Development Center.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Pros of Online School for Single Parents and Guardians[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Enrolling in an online program has many advantages, especially for busy single parents and guardians. However, most [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/online-nursing-programs-overview/” target=”_blank”]fully online nursing programs[/hen-ui-link] still require in-person clinical experiences, though students can complete the coursework online.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Flexibility[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Parents and guardians can attend classes and complete coursework on their schedules, making it easier to balance school, work, and family.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Affordability[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Taking classes online reduces some costs associated with on-campus learning, like parking and service fees.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Active Learning[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online students are active participants in their learning processes. Candidates may feel more comfortable asking questions or joining discussions online since they have the time to gather their thoughts before participating.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Expanded Choices[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Distance learners can enroll in the ideal online program without uprooting their families to relocate for school.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Tips for Single Parents and Guardians Attending Nursing School[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Ask for Help:[/hen-ui-text] Take advantage of the university’s resources for student parents and guardians and discuss education options with a student advisor. Some nursing degree paths may be better suited for parents and guardians looking to quickly transition into the nursing workforce.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Find Scholarships:[/hen-ui-text] Many scholarships support single parents and guardians earning a college degree. View our list of scholarships for single parents and guardians below, or find more scholarships in NurseJournal’s [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/financial-aid/nursing-scholarship-grants/” target=”_blank”]financial aid hub[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Practice Self-Care:[/hen-ui-text] Going back to school as a parent or guardian is hard work. [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nurse-burnout/” target=”_blank”]Avoid nursing school burnout[/hen-ui-link] by taking time to recharge on a regular basis. Prioritize enjoyable activities, physical health, and mental well-being.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Take Advantage of Tax Breaks:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.irs.gov/publications/p503″ target=”_blank”]The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit[/hen-ui-link] allows individuals to deduct up to 35% of their total childcare expenses, depending on their income. Eligible applicants must have paid someone to care for dependents under the age of 13 or must have adult dependents who are unable to care for themselves.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Scholarships for Single Parents and Guardians Attending Nursing School[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While single parents and guardians in nursing school face many obstacles, including financial instability, there are a variety of [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/financial-aid/nursing-scholarship-grants/” target=”_blank”]nursing financial aid options[/hen-ui-link] to help ease student debt. Below is a list of scholarships for single parents and guardians attending nursing school.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://colwell-law.org/2024-single-parent-scholarship/” target=”_blank”]Colwell Law Group 2024 Single Parent Scholarship[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Who Can Apply:[/hen-ui-text] Single parents, individuals going through a divorce, or a child of a single parent pursuing a college education.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Amount:[/hen-ui-text] $1,000[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://answerscholarship.org/scholarship-requirements/” target=”_blank”]Answer Scholarship[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Who Can Apply:[/hen-ui-text] Nontraditional female students aged 25 or older who are the primary caregivers for at least one school-aged child.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Amount:[/hen-ui-text] Varies[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.patsyminkfoundation.org/education-support-application” target=”_blank”]Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Who Can Apply:[/hen-ui-text] Low-income single mothers who are seeking their first degree (vocational or technical certification, associate, bachelor’s, or master’s) from a nonprofit, accredited institution.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Amount:[/hen-ui-text] Up to $5,000[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://wispinc.org/new-applicant-eligibility/#1502371663782-1575a88e-fe07″ target=”_blank”]Women’s Independence Scholarship Program[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Who Can Apply:[/hen-ui-text] Low-income women who have survived intimate partner abuse within the previous seven years and who have sought support services from a nonprofit agency. Applicants must be enrolled in or accepted into an accredited educational program.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Amount:[/hen-ui-text] $500-$2,000 per semester or quarter[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.capturethedream.org/programs/scholarship-fund/” target=”_blank”]Capture the Dream Single Parent Scholarship[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Who Can Apply:[/hen-ui-text] Low-income single parents living in the San Francisco Bay Area and enrolled in an accredited nonprofit institution.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Amount:[/hen-ui-text] $1,000[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.soroptimist.org/our-work/live-your-dream-awards/apply-for-the-live-your-dream-awards.html#eligibility” target=”_blank”]Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Who Can Apply:[/hen-ui-text] Low-income women who provide the primary financial support for themselves and their dependents. Applicants must be enrolled or accepted into an accredited undergraduate or vocational training program. They must also live in a Soroptimist member country or territory.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Amount:[/hen-ui-text] $1,000-$16,000[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Childcare Grants[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Who Can Apply:[/hen-ui-text] Some state and federal organizations offer childcare grants for low-income single parents and guardians attending classes.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Amount:[/hen-ui-text] Childcare assistance or subsidy programs vary by state. Families may need to meet certain eligibility requirements and/or pay application fees.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Financial Aid Options for Single Parents and Guardians[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Common financial aid options include scholarships, grants, federal and private loans, and employer tuition assistance.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With a little know-how, single parents and guardians can find effective ways to complete — and pay for — their nursing education. Many nursing schools, not to mention your fellow nursing students, will support you in this effort. Remember to be self-compassionate and move at your own pace. It is possible to earn your nursing degree.[/hen-ui-text]