The truth about US government grants for mothers

Ever since President Obama issued a speech last February urging American mothers to go back to college, an incredible amount of information AND disinformation has been filling the pages of the Internet.

It can be difficult to separate truth from fiction when it comes to US government grants for mothers.

The government program Obama referred to in his speech was the Federal Pell Grant program. Pell Scholarships are the most common type of scholarship for undergraduate students.

Currently, approximately 40% of all undergraduate students receive Pell Scholarships. These scholarships are made available to students who demonstrate financial need and the wonderful thing about this type of scholarship is that it never has to be repaid.

These facts make them a fantastic option for all mothers, including single and minority mothers. With college costs increasing nearly 40% compared to a decade ago, the need for scholarships has increased.

The Washington Post has reported that the Obama administration is increasing the program to nearly $35 billion this year, making Pell grants more available and adding an average of about $200 to each grant awarded.

The income limits that determine who qualifies have also been lowered, making the grants now easier than ever to qualify.

Currently, nearly 60% of graduate students leave college with student debt, and the administration is committed to significantly reducing that percentage, as well as overall debt.

In his recent State of the Union address, the President reiterated his commitment to that increase and called on Congress to take action to revitalize America's community colleges, where many students get their start.

All of this is great news for moms as they have broader access to Pell grants to start or continue their education.

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