Best College & Education in Pennsylvania — 16 verified resources

About College & Education

Education resources for women include FAFSA-based federal aid (Pell Grants up to ~$7,000/year), the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Title IX protections against sex discrimination on campus, and dedicated single-mother scholarships through the Jeannette Rankin Foundation, Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards, and Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation. Community colleges offer low-cost two-year degrees and trade certificates, often with CCAMPIS-grant subsidized on-campus childcare. AAUW funds career development grants and fellowships for women. GED and HiSET programs run through state adult education offices, usually free. This directory covers FAFSA offices, community colleges, adult education, and women's scholarships.

16 Resources

8. Federal Pell Grant — Free

Need-based grant of up to $7,395/year for undergraduate students. Does not need to be repaid.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

14. Scholarships.com — Free

Free national scholarship search engine with millions of scholarships for women, minorities, and adult learners.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

Frequently Asked

How many college & education resources are in Pennsylvania?
Women's Corner tracks 16 verified college & education resources for women in Pennsylvania.
Are college & education resources in Pennsylvania free?
12 of the 16 listed college & education resources in Pennsylvania are explicitly free or low-cost.
Which cities in Pennsylvania have college & education resources?
Listings span cities including Harrisburg, Philadelphia, University Park, Bryn Mawr.
What are some examples of college & education resources in Pennsylvania?
Featured entries include PHEAA — PA Higher Education Assistance Agency, FAFSA — Pennsylvania, Community College of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, Penn State University.
Do these listings include phone numbers?
6 of 16 Pennsylvania college & education listings include verified phone numbers.
How do I pay for college as a single mom?
Start with FAFSA at studentaid.gov — single moms typically qualify for the maximum Pell Grant (up to $7,395/year, not repaid). Add state grants, Federal Work-Study, and scholarships specifically for single mothers (Patsy Takemoto Mink Foundation, Soroptimist Live Your Dream, Jeannette Rankin Foundation). Many community colleges have Single Parent Programs with childcare, books, and emergency funds.
Can I go to college while on welfare?
Yes — TANF rules now count post-secondary education toward work requirements in most states, especially CTE/vocational programs. The CCAMPIS program funds free on-campus childcare at hundreds of colleges. SNAP students with kids under 12 qualify for SNAP E&T benefits. Tell your TANF caseworker you're enrolling — they often have hidden funds for books, transportation, and uniforms.
How do I get a GED?
GED classes are free at adult education centers, community colleges, libraries, and online through GED.com and Khan Academy. The exam costs
6–
44 depending on state, and many states waive fees for low-income test-takers. Call 211 or search 'adult education' + your state. Most centers offer free childcare during classes.
Are there scholarships specifically for women?
Yes — AAUW, P.E.O. International, Jeannette Rankin Foundation (women 35+), Society of Women Engineers, Live Your Dream Awards, and hundreds of state-specific awards target women, especially returning students and mothers. Search Fastweb and Scholarships.com filtered for 'women' and your major. Apply to many small scholarships — they're less competitive than big ones.