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Pursuing a college education as a single mom can be both challenging and rewarding. With the added responsibilities of parenting, managing finances, and balancing schoolwork, finding the necessary resources to fund your education is essential. Fortunately, there are numerous scholarships specifically designed to support you in achieving your academic goals as a single mother.

Keep reading to learn about the various types of scholarships for single moms, their eligibility requirements, and how to apply, empowering you to pursue your educational dreams.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility requirements for scholarships for single moms differ from scholarship to scholarship. Carefully review the qualifications for each one so you understand whether you’ll qualify. Beyond being a single parent, scholarship committees may impose other requirements, such as:

•   Citizenship

•   Location

•   Academic qualifications, such as grade point average (GPA) or test scores

•   Desired college major

•   Enrollment status (full-time or part-time student)

•   Financial qualifications, which may require filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®)

•   Essay requirements

•   High school or college transcripts

•   Letters of recommendation

•   Extracurricular activities

It can be tricky to keep all the eligibility requirements organized for each scholarship, so you may want to create a spreadsheet to keep it all straight.

How to Find Scholarships for Single Moms

Scholarship databases can help you find scholarships specifically geared toward single moms, and you can also look for scholarships based on keywords specific to your area, major, and more. For example, you may want to use the keywords “scholarships for single moms in medical school” or other criteria that will allow you to find scholarships for your situation.

Furthermore, you can also file the FAFSA to learn more about the types of scholarships you can apply for based on the school you want to attend.

Recommended: Steps to Filling Out the FAFSA Form for 2026-2027

Scholarships for Single Moms

Below is a list of scholarships for single mothers. Make sure to check out the requirements and deadlines for each:

•   The Colwell Law Group, LLC Single Parent Scholarship: To qualify for this $1,000 award, you must be enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or law program within the U.S., have a minimum GPA of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, and submit an up-to-date resume, current official or unofficial transcripts, and an essay of 750-1,000 words about how being a single parent has impacted your life.

•   Women-in-Transition Scholarship: This scholarship offers $5,000 over two years to students pursuing a bachelor’s degree at an accredited college or university, or $2,000 over two years for students pursuing an associate degree. You must maintain a 2.0 GPA, enroll in an accredited school in the U.S., commit to an accounting or finance degree, and demonstrate financial need.

•   Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation: The Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation offers up to $5,000 for students who are at least 17 years of age and pursuing their first degree at an accredited postsecondary institution. You must demonstrate financial need to qualify for this scholarship.

•   ANSWER Scholarship: The ANSWER Scholarship, which typically ranges from $2,750 per year for associate degrees to $5,500 per year for bachelor’s degrees, goes to primary female caregivers with at least one school-age child. You must be U.S. citizens and legal residents of Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Catawba, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Rowan, Stanly, or Union County in North Carolina, or Lancaster or York County in South Carolina. You must also attend accredited institutions in those counties and plan to pursue specific degrees. Lastly, you must also participate in the Mentors For Mom Program, maintain satisfactory academic performance, and attend the annual May Celebration Luncheon.

•   Jeannette Rankin National Scholar Grant: To apply for the National Scholar Grant, you must be 35 or older, demonstrate financial need, and have a plan for reaching your goals. You must also be pursuing a technical or vocational education degree, an associate degree, or a first bachelor’s degree at an accredited institution. The award is worth up to $2,500 per year for up to five years.

•   Judith McManus Price Scholarship for Women and Minorities in Planning: This $5,000 scholarship is for women and minority students enrolled in Planning Accreditation Board-approved programs who are U.S. citizens and demonstrate financial need.

•   Beatrice F. Kroesche Memorial Scholarship: To qualify for this $1,500 per semester scholarship for single parents, you must enroll in the Education, Humanities, Engineering, Business, and/or English department at the University of Utah. You must also carry at least 12 credit hours and maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher.

•   Women With Promise Scholarship: For this scholarship, you must be a full- or part-time student in North Texas and plan to attend an accredited institution. You can receive between $250-$5,000 for tuition, books, and fees.

These aren’t the only scholarships available. Search for other opportunities as well, and check for potential scholarships at your intended college or university.

Types of Scholarships Available for Single Moms

There are two main types of scholarships for moms: need-based and merit-based scholarships. What’s the difference between the two? Let’s dive into it below.

Need-Based Scholarships

Need-based scholarships are given to students based on financial need. In most cases, you qualify for financial aid if you have a low income. Need-based aid often comes from the government, though nonprofit organizations and businesses may prioritize giving scholarships and awards to low-income students.

In many cases, you may also qualify for grants, which do not need to be repaid. For example, if you have a high financial need, you may receive the Pell Grant after filing the FAFSA. For the 2025-26 school year, you can potentially receive a maximum Pell Grant award of $7,395. The Pell Grant amount adjusts every year.

Recommended: 10 Popular Scholarships for Women

Merit-Based Scholarships

Merit-based scholarships aren’t based on need but rather a multitude of other factors, such as:

•   Academic achievements (such as GPA or test scores)

•   Extracurricular activities

•   Leadership

•   Community service

•   Talents and skills

These scholarships come from a wide variety of sources, such as colleges and universities, private organizations, and businesses. Check with the college or university you plan to attend to learn more about merit-based scholarships. In most cases, you’ll have to submit your application materials to the college or university to qualify for merit-based scholarships, which could include:

•   Transcripts

•   Recommendation letters

•   Resume

•   Essays

•   Interviews

•   Performance or display (especially for theater, music, or art merit-based scholarships)

What happens if you don’t qualify for need-based or merit-based scholarships or grants? You can tap into private student loans for single parents.

Tips for Applying

To successfully apply for scholarships and increase your chances of getting selected, consider the following tips:

•   Meet application deadlines: One of the most important things you can do is to meet your application deadlines. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to gather materials, including letters of recommendation, so the application doesn’t look rushed or messy.

•   Apply for everything: Apply for everything that fits your situation, even if the award amount is small. Smaller awards ($250-$500) usually have less competition, so your odds are greater when it comes to being selected.

•   Write a good essay: The essay is your opportunity to showcase your situation and qualifications. If needed, hire a proofreader to ensure your essay is error-free.

•   Don’t get discouraged: If you get declined for a scholarship, there are thousands of others available. Consider all your qualifications, not just the ones that have to do with your single-parent status.

•   Use a scholarship search tool: SoFi’s scholarship search tool, arranged in order of closest deadline, helps you see scholarships by keyword, award type, location, study level, and more. Learn more about SoFi’s monthly $2,500 Scholarship Sweepstakes.

The Takeaway

Securing a scholarship can be a transformative experience for single moms pursuing higher education, providing both financial support and motivation to achieve academic and career goals. By understanding the various scholarships available, carefully reviewing eligibility requirements, and submitting strong applications, you can significantly reduce the cost of your education and focus more on your studies.

And if scholarships aren’t enough to pay for the cost of college, you can rely on cash savings or federal and private student loans.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.

FAQ

Is there a limit on how many scholarships you can apply for?

No, you can apply for as many scholarships as you want, but keep in mind that the college or university that you apply to may revoke some awards if you earn more in outside scholarships than the allowable limit. For example, if you receive a $10,000 outside scholarship, it may affect your financial aid award. Get in touch with the college or university of your choice to learn more.

Are there scholarships for single dads, too?

Absolutely! Use Google to search for scholarships for single dads, just like you would for scholarships or grants for single mothers. Ask your college or university for information about other scholarships and awards (including merit-based scholarships) you can apply for, as well.

Do I need to be a full-time student for single mom scholarships?

No, not necessarily. While some grants and scholarships require you to be a full-time student, others may accept part-time students. However, check the scholarship requirements. If it’s not clear, check with the scholarship committee for more information.

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SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. We encourage you to evaluate all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.

Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa, and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Not all repayment options may be available for all loans. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is current as of 3/2/2026 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891. (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

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If a student has the goal of pursuing a career as a teacher, they may find that the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant can help them meet their goals and reduce their educational expenses. The TEACH Grant is a form of federal financial aid that is focused on helping those pursuing a career in teaching pay for their college expenses.

As part of the TEACH Grant, recipients are required to complete a teaching service obligation in order to get the grant. If this obligation isn’t completed, the grant will be transitioned into a loan that will need to be repaid with interest.

Keep reading for more information on the TEACH Grant, including how it works, pros and cons of the TEACH Grant, and how to apply.

What Is a TEACH Grant?

The TEACH Grant is a federal financial aid program designed to help students pursuing teaching careers pay for college expenses. In order to receive a TEACH Grant, applicants have to agree to teach a subject that is considered “highly needed” in a low-income area with a shortage of specific subject teachers. They can do this in an elementary or secondary school.

Grant awards are up to $3,772 a year when the recipient is in school. Once they start working, they will be paid their normal salary without the addition of any grant funds.

Prospective teachers in multiple subject areas are eligible for TEACH Grants, including:

•   Bilingual education and English language acquisition

•   Foreign languages

•   Mathematics

•   Reading specialist

•   Science

•   Special education

•   Any other field that has been identified as high-need by select governing agencies

After graduating, recipients have to teach at a low-income school or educational agency for a minimum of four years. This four-year teaching requirement must be completed within eight years of the recipient’s graduation.

Recommended: FAFSA Grants and Other Types of Financial Aid

TEACH Grant Eligibility

The TEACH Grant comes with certain eligibility requirements, including:

•   The student must be eligible for federal student aid programs.

•   The student has to be an undergraduate or graduate student.

•   The recipient’s school has to participate in a TEACH-Grant-eligible program of study.

•   The student has to be enrolled in one of these eligible programs.

•   The recipient must score above the 75th percentile on one or more portions of a college admissions test or maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher.

How the TEACH Grant Works

Students who qualify for the TEACH Grant program may receive up to $3,772 a year in funding if they are in the process of completing — or one day plan to complete — the coursework required to start a teaching career.

In order to qualify for a TEACH Grant, the student has to sign a TEACH Grant agreement to work full-time as a teacher for four years at an elementary or secondary school or educational service agency that serves low-income students. As we’ve mentioned, they also need to teach in a high-need field and have to complete their teaching obligations within eight years after they graduate from or stop being enrolled at the institution of higher education where they received a TEACH Grant.

Do You Have to Pay It Back?

If the recipient fulfills all the service obligations of the grant, they won’t have to repay their TEACH Grant. However, if they don’t fulfill the TEACH Grant requirements, then all TEACH Grants they received will be converted to Direct Unsubsidized Loans that they must repay in full. They will be charged interest starting from the day of their TEACH Grant disbursement.

Can It Be Used for Living Expenses?

The TEACH Grant is intended to fund educational expenses (up to $3,772 annually) for students who are in the process of or will one day complete the coursework required to begin a teaching career. As a form of federal student aid, it should be usable for living expenses.

Pros and Cons of a TEACH Grant

Like any program, the TEACH Grant has some unique advantages and disadvantages associated with it.

Pros	Cons
Up to $3,772 in funding each year to pursue the coursework required to become a teacher	Must work full-time as a teacher for four years at an elementary or secondary school or educational service agency that serves low-income students
If service obligation is fulfilled, the grant doesn’t need to be repaid	If the service obligation is not completed within eight years, the grant will need to be repaid in the form of a Direct Unsubsidized Loan

Applying for a TEACH Grant

The TEACH Grant application is a part of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). Students can apply for the TEACH Grant when they submit their FAFSA. Some grants may have limited funding, so it’s generally recommended that students submit the FAFSA earlier rather than later. When the student receives their financial aid offer, they’ll find out if they received a TEACH Grant.

Students must continue to apply for the TEACH Grant each year by submitting the FAFSA annually. They will also be required to complete TEACH Grant counseling and sign a new Agreement to Serve every year.

Not all schools participate in the TEACH Grant program, so it’s helpful to contact the school’s financial aid office to find out whether they participate and learn what specific areas of study are eligible.

Alternative Forms of Funding

If a student doesn’t qualify for the TEACH Grant, finds it is not a good fit for their needs, or knows that they don’t want to complete the service obligations, these are some other options they may have for pursuing funding to help pay for college.

Scholarships

When a student receives a scholarship, they don’t have to repay those funds. It’s worth applying for multiple smaller scholarships, not just big ones. Those smaller scholarships can really add up.

Recommended: The Differences Between Grants, Scholarships, and Loans

Other Grants

Like scholarships, generally, students don’t have to repay grants for college (unless the grant has obligations, as with the TEACH Grant). A student’s financial aid office can help point them in the direction of available grants, and filling out the FAFSA annually can help them qualify for other federal grants, such as the Pell Grant.

Recommended: FAFSA Guide

Federal Student Loans

Federal student loans are funded by the U.S. Department of Education, and there are a handful of different types of federal loans available to both undergraduate and graduate students. To qualify for federal student loans, students have to fill out the FAFSA each year. Federal student loans generally have better interest rates and terms than private student loans and come with unique federal protections.

Private Student Loans

Students can use private student loans to help fill the gaps that scholarships, grants, and federal student loans leave behind. As mentioned, private student loans may not offer the same benefits as federal student loans, so they are generally considered an option only after other funding resources have been exhausted.

Recommended: Guide to Private Student Loans

Part-Time Work

If students are looking to avoid taking on student loan debt or want to lighten their student loan load, they may work part-time to help cover higher education costs and living expenses. There are often on-campus jobs designed to help college students balance their school work and their need to earn an income.

The Takeaway

Paying for college is expensive, and a TEACH Grant can help soon-to-be teachers pay for the cost. That being said, the service obligations of this grant may not suit all students, and you may find you need to pursue alternative funding, including federal and private student loans.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.

FAQ

Is the TEACH Grant worth it?

Each individual needs to consider carefully whether the service obligation attached to the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant makes the $3,772 in financial assistance worth it to them. If you don’t want to live or teach in an area that serves low-income students, you may find this program isn’t a good fit.

Do you have to pay back a TEACH Grant?

Recipients may have to pay back their Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants if they don’t meet the full requirements of their service obligation. If a recipient fails to meet these obligations, the grant funds they received through the program will be converted to Direct Unsubsidized Loans, which must be repaid in full with interest.

What does TEACH Grant stand for?

The acronym TEACH stands for Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education. The grant is a form of federal financial aid for those pursuing a career in teaching.

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SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. We encourage you to evaluate all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.

Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa, and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Not all repayment options may be available for all loans. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is current as of 3/2/2026 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891. (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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A Doctor of Pharmacy degree is a 4-year, licensed professional degree that teaches students how to fill prescription medications and educate patients about using prescriptions safely. Pharmacy school can be expensive, adding up to nearly $200,000.

With that price tag, it’s not a surprise that pharmacy students may have to rely on a few different sources of financing to pay for school, sometimes using a combination of savings, grants, scholarships, and federal and private student loans. This article will review pharmacy school costs, the amount pharmacists can make, and nine tips for paying for pharmacy school.

Key Points

How Much Does Pharmacy School Typically Cost?

The cost of pharmacy school can vary depending on where you enroll, the location of the institution, and the extent to which public dollars support the university you plan to attend. As mentioned, the complete cost of pharmacy school can add up to nearly $200,000, and this can swing higher for students who opt for an out-of-state institution. The American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) lists the tuition and fees for pharmacy school for the 2025-2026 academic year, which can help you compare costs across the pharmacy schools you may be considering.

For example, the first school on the list, Auburn University, costs $11,340 per year for in-state pharmacy students and $34,020 per year for out-of-state students. Mandatory fees cost $14,566 for 33 credit hours for students in their first year. However, in the fourth year, mandatory fees cost $13,316 for 46 credit hours.

It’s worthwhile to compare the costs of various institutions before you make a decision. However, remember that financial aid can potentially bring the costs down further, so don’t rely completely on the published tuition prices. A conversation with the financial aid office at each school may give you a more in-depth analysis of how much it will actually cost, taking your personal situation into account.

Is Pharmacy School Worth It?

For the right individual, pharmacy school can be worth it. The costs of pharmacy school may seem daunting, but the professional perks, ability to become a part of a health care team, job opportunities, and career stability mean that pharmacy school can be the right option for many individuals. The high salary of pharmacists may also make pharmacy school worth it.

How Much Can Pharmacists Make?

The 2024 median pay for pharmacists was $137,480 per year, or $66.10 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The job outlook for 2024-2034 will increase 5% in total, which is faster than average.

9 Tips for Paying for Pharmacy School

Think of paying for pharmacy school as dividing up a pie, as there are many ways to do this. For example, various pieces of the pie might be made up of scholarships, grants, loans, and money out of your own pocket. No matter how you slice the pie, every dollar you contribute is an investment into your career and your future. We’ll discuss scholarships, including university, pharmacy, and private scholarships as well as grants in the next section.

1. Scholarships

Scholarships are funds that you don’t have to pay back. You can get scholarships as a pharmacy student from a number of different sources, including the university that you plan to attend as well as through designated pharmacy and private scholarships.

It’s also worth considering your other interests beyond pharmacy. Scholarships may be awarded based on heritage, location, or even hobbies or special skills. Take some time to review if you have talents in other areas that may qualify you for additional scholarships.

University Scholarships

Pharmacy colleges and schools traditionally offer direct financial assistance to pharmacy students through various sources, including alumni associations and local chapters of pharmaceutical organizations and fraternities. Consider setting up a meeting with the financial aid office at the university you plan to attend to learn more about specific scholarships available for the pharmacy program.

Pharmacy Scholarships

Local and state pharmaceutical associations, practicing pharmacists, drug manufacturers, and wholesalers may also offer pharmacy scholarships to promising pharmacists. For example, seven pharmacy students annually can receive a $5,000 Walmart Community Pharmacy Scholarship. Students must be accepted or enrolled in the professional curriculum at a U.S. college or school of pharmacy and show evidence of leadership skills and academic success. They must also have a preference to serve rural or medically underserved patients.

Private Scholarships

Private scholarships come from companies, service groups, local or regional organizations, foundations, and individuals. For example, Tylenol offers a scholarship for students pursuing careers in health care, including pharmacy.

2. Grants

Like scholarships, you do not have to repay the money you receive from grants. Grants, which are typically based on need, can also be awarded based on merit. Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) automatically considers you for federal grants based on need. You may also become eligible for state grants. Your college or university can give you more information about the types of grants you’re eligible for through your pharmacy program.

3. Federal Student Loans

You may be wondering how to pay for pharmacy school without loans. It’s possible to do it through a combination of scholarships, grants, and savings, though many people take advantage of federal student loans through the U.S. Department of Education.

Federal student loans are a type of federal financial aid, and to apply, you must file the FAFSA. Learn more about the requirements for this application in SoFi’s comprehensive guide to the FAFSA. You can qualify for two types of federal student loans for pharmacy school: Direct PLUS Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans.

Federal student loans have fixed interest rates and benefits, such as income-driven repayment plans. Just like obtaining an auto loan or a mortgage, you must pay back these loans with interest.

Direct PLUS Loans

Pharmacy students can take advantage of Direct PLUS Loans, also called grad PLUS loans or direct grad PLUS loans, to help finance graduate and professional school. The grad PLUS loan comes from the U.S. Department of Education for graduate or professional students. In order to get one, your school must participate in the Direct Loan Program.

Please note, however, that grad PLUS loans will be discontinued for new borrowers after July 1, 2026. Borrowers who received a grad PLUS loan before June 30, 2026, can continue borrowing under current terms through the 2028-29 academic year.

The Direct PLUS Loan is not need-based, which means you can get it no matter your income level. You can borrow up to the full cost of attendance and use the money to pay for your tuition, room and board, and fees. Your school will subtract other financial aid you receive, such as scholarships, grants, and fellowships, from the full cost of attendance and award you the difference with a Direct PLUS Loan. The interest rate is 8.94% for Direct PLUS Loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2025 and before July 1, 2026.

Direct Unsubsidized Loans

Similar to student loans for undergraduates, you can tap into Direct Unsubsidized Loans. Unsubsidized means that the government doesn’t pay the interest while you’re in school and during the grace period. You can borrow up to $20,500 per year with this type of loan, and the interest rate is 7.94% if disbursed on or after July 1, 2025 and before July 1, 2026 for graduate students.

4. Private Student Loans

Private graduate student loans do not come from the federal government. This type of loan can come from a bank, credit union, or another financial institution and can be used to help finance your education. The amount you can borrow depends on the costs of your degree but also depends on your personal financial factors, such as your credit score and income.

You may have gotten advice that suggested exhausting all of your federal grant and loan options before considering private loans because interest rates are usually higher compared to federal student loans. Additionally, private student loans don’t qualify for the same borrower protections as federal student loans, such as income-driven repayment plans or deferment options. However, private student loans can be an option to consider if you need additional funding to cover your pharmacy school expenses.

Recommended: Things to Know Before Applying for Private Student Loans

5. PSLF Programs

The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program is a federal student loan forgiveness program. More specifically, you may qualify to have the remaining balance on your Direct Loans forgiven after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan. You must work full-time for an employer that belongs to a qualifying organization, such as a federal, state, local, or tribal government organization or other nonprofit organization.

You must have Direct Loans or consolidate your other types of federal student loans into a Direct Loan, repay these loans under an income-driven repayment plan, and make 120 qualifying payments toward these loans. The requirements for PSLF can be quite strict, so be sure to read them closely. For more information about PSLF programs and to learn more about your eligibility, contact your loan servicer, which is the entity that services your loan.

6. Pharmacy Internships

Pharmacy internships can be instrumental in your budding career. This approach can help you understand how pharmacies operate, learn the ins and outs of customer service, help you dive into inventory management, and learn the professional skills necessary to become a pharmacist. You may also learn more from pharmacist professionals about leading a team and gain tangible professional experience to bring back to the classroom.

You may also want to look into pharmacy fellowships, which provide financial support in an external or internal capacity (in or out of the university environment). Assistantships also provide financial support in an academic department through teaching, research, or administrative responsibilities.

7. Work Part Time

You may want to consider working a part-time job in conjunction with pharmacy school. For example, if you attend school from 8am-4pm, you may want to seek a part-time job after hours.

However, it’s important to consider your time constraints and whether you can succeed in your coursework. Consider your ability to manage your time before you take on a part-time job. For the right student, taking on a job can help pay for college tuition and provide an additional source of income. Networking opportunities and skill development can also come from a part-time job, even if it doesn’t directly relate to your pharmacy career.

8. Borrow From Family

Do you have a family member who really wants to give you money for your education? You may seriously consider borrowing from your parents, sister, brother, or whoever else wants to lend you money.

Just remember that it could strain family relationships if you fail to pay back the loan. It’s a good idea to have a plan in place to repay your relative(s), as well as create boundaries so both parties feel good about the arrangement.

9. HRSA Loans

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), improves health care for geographically isolated and vulnerable individuals.

The HHS, through the HRSA, also offers several loans for health services students.

For example, Health Professions Student Loans are available to individuals who study pharmacy, as well as dentistry, optometry, podiatric medicine, or veterinary medicine. Pharmacy students who show financial need may also be able to tap into Loans for Disadvantaged Students. Health Professions Student Loans have fixed interest rates of 5%, which is lower than both Direct Unsubsidized Loans and grad PLUS loans.

These loans also allow a 12-month grace period, while most other loans only offer six months. In addition, Health Professions Student Loans are subsidized, which means you don’t pay interest on the loan while you’re in school, and you do not pay additional loan fees. However, they come with a few downsides: not all schools participate, and there are no set borrowing limits. You also can’t tap into income-driven repayment plans or PSLF.

The Takeaway

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.

FAQ

Can you use FAFSA for pharmacy school?

Absolutely! It’s generally a smart idea to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) for pharmacy school, no matter your financial situation. The FAFSA can give you access to a range of financial aid options, including scholarships (your school will consider your eligibility based on the FAFSA results), grants, loans, and work-study programs. You want to be able to put together the best financial aid options for your needs, and the best way to do that involves filing the FAFSA.

Does Walgreens pay for pharmacy school?

Walgreens offers the Pharmacy Educational Assistance Program. This program requires working for the company for a period of time as a registered pharmacist upon receiving your license. Check the company’s website for more details.

How much can pharmacists make after graduating?

The median pay for pharmacists is $137,480 per year, or $66.10 per hour, according to 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The job outlook for pharmacists is projected to grow by 5% between 2024 and 2034, which is faster than average.

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SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. We encourage you to evaluate all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.

Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa, and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Not all repayment options may be available for all loans. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is current as of 3/2/2026 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891. (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

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