Feb
12
2024

I Make $36,000 a Year, How Much House Can I Afford?

By | Family Finances, Home Ownership, mortgage | Comments Off on I Make $36,000 a Year, How Much House Can I Afford?

On a salary of $36,000 per year, you can afford a house priced around $100,000-$110,000 with a monthly payment of just over $1,000. This assumes you have no other debts you’re paying off, but also that you haven’t been able to save much for a down payment.

Of course, you’ll want to talk to a lender for your individual situation, which could qualify you for more (or less). If it sounds overwhelming, don’t worry. We’ll walk you through what it takes to qualify for a home, no matter what your income level is.

What Kind of House Can I Afford With $36K a Year?

At a $36,000 annual income, you may need some help affording a home in today’s market. You’ll need to eliminate debt and make sure you have a good credit score, as well as find programs and lenders that can help. In addition to income and debt, your lender will take into account:

•   Your down payment savings

•   What taxes and insurance will cost

•   What interest rate you qualify for

•   The type of loan you’re applying for

•   Whether or not they can let your debt run up to 50% of your income

First-time homebuyers can
prequalify for a SoFi mortgage loan,
with as little as 3% down.

Understanding Debt-to-income Ratio

Beyond interest rates, debt is your biggest enemy to home affordability. The more debt you have to pay on a monthly basis, the less you’re able to pay toward a mortgage. In other words, your $200 monthly credit card payment could cost you thousands on the purchase price of a home.

To understand the debt-to-income ratio (DTI), add all of your debts together, and then divide that number by your monthly income. Your lender calculates your DTI ratio to determine how much you can afford as a monthly payment on a mortgage. The guideline is 36%, but some lenders can go higher on a home mortgage loan.


💡 Quick Tip: To see a house in person, particularly in a tight or expensive market, you may need to show the real estate agent proof that you’re preapproved for a mortgage. SoFi’s online application makes the process simple.

How to Factor in Your Down Payment

A down payment increases how much home you’ll be able to qualify for. The more you’re able to put down, the more home you’ll be able to afford.

You’ll also want to consider whether you can put down a deposit of more than 20% so you don’t have to buy mortgage insurance. This may help you qualify for a higher mortgage. Use a mortgage calculator to see how a down payment affects home affordability.

Factors That Affect Home Affordability

Home affordability goes beyond your down payment and DTI ratio. You also want to look at:

•   Interest rates When interest rates are high, borrowers qualify for a lower mortgage. When they’re low, it may be possible to qualify for a higher mortgage.

•   Credit history and score Your credit score is a reflection of your credit habits, and with a higher credit score, you’ll qualify for the best interest rates, giving you more buying power.

•   Taxes and insurance If you live in an area with higher taxes, insurance, or homeowners association dues, these will be taken into account by your lender. You’ll qualify for a lower mortgage amount when these numbers are high.

•   Loan type Depending on the type of loan you get, your interest rate, credit score, and down payment amount can affect how much house you can afford.

•   Lender Lenders have the final say when it comes to approving you for a mortgage. In special circumstances, you may be able to qualify for more than a 36% DTI ratio. Some lenders approve borrowers with a DTI ratio around 50%.

•   Location If you’re shopping in a state with a high cost of living, you’ll have a hard time qualifying for a mortgage no matter what your income level is. If you’re considering other areas, you may want to look at the best affordable places to live in the U.S.

How to Afford More House With Down Payment Assistance

Down payment assistance programs can help you qualify for a larger mortgage. These types of programs have money to help with down payment or closing costs. They are usually offered at the state or local level with both grant and second mortgage programs. They may limit participation to first-time homebuyers or borrowers with lower incomes, but you should still look into these programs and see if you can qualify.

Examples include CalHFA MyHome Assistance Program and the “Home Sweet Texas” Home Loan Program. You can look for programs in your own state, county, and city.

Recommended: Tips to Qualify for a Mortgage

How to Calculate How Much House You Can Afford

Knowing how much home you are likely to qualify for doesn’t have to be a mystery. While your lender may have flexibility, they generally follow these guidelines:

The 28/36 Rule: Lenders will look for housing payments (including mortgage, taxes, and insurance) to be more more than 28% of your income and total debt payments (including mortgage, car loan, student loan, etc.) to be less than 36% of your income.

The 35/45 Rule: Some lenders allow for higher debt levels. This rule says the housing payment can be up to 35% of your income and total debt to be 45%.

An easy way to calculate how much home you can afford is with a home affordability calculator.

Home Affordability Examples

On a $36,000 annual salary, you’ll have $3,000 each month for expenses. Using the 36% debt-to-income ratio, you can have a maximum debt payments of $1,080 ($3,000 * .36). In the two examples below, taxes ($2,500), insurance ($1,000), and interest (6%) are the same for a 30-year loan term.

Example #1: Debt limits home affordability, even with large down payment

Monthly credit card debt: $100
Monthly car payment: $500
Student loan payment: $100
Total debt = $700

Down payment = $20,000

Maximum DTI ratio = $3,000 * .36 = $1,080
Maximum mortgage payment = $380 ($1,080 – $700)

Home budget on $36,000 salary = $34,733

Example #2: No down payment, but little debt

Monthly credit card debt: $0
Monthly car payment: $0
Student loan payment: $100
Total debt = $100

Down payment: $0

Maximum DTI ratio = $3,000 * .36 = $1,080
Maximum mortgage payment = $980 ($1,080 – $100)

Home budget on $36,000 salary = $96,314

How Your Monthly Payment Affects Your Price Range

The amount you’re able to pay toward a mortgage each month determines how much home you’ll be able to afford. Any monthly payments you have, such as debt, can take away from how much you’re able to pay for a mortgage. Conversely, how much income you earn in a month can improve how much mortgage you can qualify for.

Interest rates also play a huge role in your monthly payment. Higher interest rates mean you’ll qualify for a lower mortgage while lower interest rates improve home affordability. That’s why homeowners get a mortgage refinance when interest rates drop.

Recommended: Home Loan Help Center

Types of Home Loans Available to $36K Households

The different types of mortgage loans also affect home affordability. Some have a zero down payment option, flexible credit requirements, less expensive mortgage insurance, and varying interest rates. You’ll want to consult with your lender to determine what loan type of right for you.

•   FHA loans: Loans backed by the Federal Housing Administration are great for buyers with unique credit situations that can’t get approved for conventional financing. It can be more expensive to go with an FHA loan, but there are low down payment options and flexible credit requirements for those with a score as low as 500.

•   USDA loans: United States Department of Agriculture mortgages, available in rural areas, offer great interest rates, zero down payment options, and competitive mortgage insurance rates. Some USDA mortgages are directly serviced by USDA, and have a subsidized interest rate.

•   Conventional loans: Many borrowers opt for conventional financing if they qualify. Over the course of a mortgage, this is one of the least expensive types due to competitive interest rates and mortgage insurance premiums that drop off after you pay down the loan past 80%.

•   VA loans: A loan from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is hard to beat for service members, veterans, and others who qualify. You may be able to qualify for a home purchase price with no down payment. VA loans may have great interest rates and flexible credit requirements (depending on the lender).


💡 Quick Tip: Active duty service members who have served for at least 90 consecutive days are eligible for a VA loan. But so are many veterans, surviving spouses, and National Guard and Reserves members. It’s worth exploring with an online VA loan application because the low interest rates and other advantages of this loan can’t be beat.†

The Takeaway

Purchasing a home on a $36,000 salary is a feat you’ll need help with in a market where the U.S. median sale price tops $342,000. Whether it’s down payment assistance, paying down debt, nurturing your credit score, or adding income, there are a lot of moves you can make to bolster your home budget. In the end, when you move into a place that’s all yours, the hard work will be worth it.

Looking for an affordable option for a home mortgage loan? SoFi can help: We offer low down payments (as little as 3% - 5%*) with our competitive and flexible home mortgage loans. Plus, applying is extra convenient: It's online, with access to one-on-one help.

SoFi Mortgages: simple, smart, and so affordable.

FAQ

Is $36K a good salary for a single person?

A single person can afford to live on $36,000 a year in more affordable places in the U.S., but it could still be difficult to afford to buy a home in today’s real estate market.

What is a comfortable income for a single person?

The median income for a single person is $56,929, according to data from the U.S. Census, but a comfortable income for a single person depends on your lifestyle.

What is a liveable wage in 2024?

What is livable varies greatly by location. For a single person living in San Francisco, a living wage is equivalent to $26.63 per hour. In other cities, it’s considerably less.

What salary is considered rich for a single person?

If you make more than $234,342 per year, you would make more than 95% of earners in the United States. But what feels “rich” is going to depend on your lifestyle and where you live.

Photo credit: iStock/mapodile

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.

SoFi Mortgages
Terms, conditions, and state restrictions apply. Not all products are available in all states. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information.

*SoFi requires Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) for conforming home loans with a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio greater than 80%. As little as 3% down payments are for qualifying first-time homebuyers only. 5% minimum applies to other borrowers. Other loan types may require different fees or insurance (e.g., VA funding fee, FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums, etc.). Loan requirements may vary depending on your down payment amount, and minimum down payment varies by loan type.

†Veterans, Service members, and members of the National Guard or Reserve may be eligible for a loan guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. VA loans are subject to unique terms and conditions established by VA and SoFi. Ask your SoFi loan officer for details about eligibility, documentation, and other requirements. VA loans typically require a one-time funding fee except as may be exempted by VA guidelines. The fee may be financed or paid at closing. The amount of the fee depends on the type of loan, the total amount of the loan, and, depending on loan type, prior use of VA eligibility and down payment amount. The VA funding fee is typically non-refundable. SoFi is not affiliated with any government agency.
¹FHA loans are subject to unique terms and conditions established by FHA and SoFi. Ask your SoFi loan officer for details about eligibility, documentation, and other requirements. FHA loans require an Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMIP), which may be financed or paid at closing, in addition to monthly Mortgage Insurance Premiums (MIP). Maximum loan amounts vary by county. The minimum FHA mortgage down payment is 3.5% for those who qualify financially for a primary purchase. SoFi is not affiliated with any government agency.
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.

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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Feb
09
2024
Where Is My Tax Refund?

Where Is My Tax Refund?

By | Budgeting & Goals, money | Comments Off on Where Is My Tax Refund?

The IRS says that if you file your return electronically and enroll in direct deposit, you can probably receive any refund you qualify for within three weeks. That speed can be a real upside of getting organized and filing early, especially if you have plans for the funds coming back to you (such as paying for summer vacation plane tickets).

Those who file a paper return, however, will likely have a longer wait. Read on to learn more and manage your expectations, including:

•   How long does it take to get my federal tax refund?

•   When will I get my tax refund?

•   What affects the time it takes to get a tax refund?

•   How can you check on where your tax refund is?

IRS Refund Schedule for Tax Year 2023

For those who are curious about when exactly a refund should arrive for the tax year 2023 (filing began on January 29, 2024), consider this information:

Federal Tax Refunds

In terms of when you will get your federal tax refund, here is a typical timeline after filing:

•   1 to 3 weeks for e-filing with direct deposit

•   4 to 6 weeks for paper filing with direct deposit

•   21 days plus mailing time for e-filing with the check sent by mail

•   4 to 6 weeks or longer plus mailing time for paper filing with the check sent by mail

State Tax Refunds

When it comes to issuing refunds, each state handles things in their own way, on their own timeline, so it can be difficult to generalize.

Typically, a state tax refund can take anywhere from a few days to a few months for processing. If you filed a paper copy vs. electronically, that may lengthen the usual time for refund processing and the arrival of your funds.

💡 Quick Tip: An online bank account with SoFi can help your money earn more — up to 4.00% APY, with no minimum balance required.

Tax Return Extension

Sometimes, a taxpayer will not be able to file their return by the Tax Day deadline. Perhaps they are missing important tax documents, are experiencing a family or personal emergency, or maybe they just procrastinated. Whatever the case, there is a mechanism in place that allows for an extension.

The IRS allows people to file for a six-month tax extension for submitting their return. However, the extension request, plus any taxes owed, are still due on that April deadline (the 15th or slightly later if it falls on a weekend or holiday).

If you are due a refund, it will be delayed if you submit your tax return late. The volume of tax returns filed late can impact how soon you get your refund.

Form 4868

To request an extension, an individual should file IRS Form 4868. The form captures basic information about the taxpayer, such as name, address, Social Security number (SSN), and how much you believe you owe.

Anyone, regardless of income, can submit this form electronically as part of the IRS’ Free File program.

Recommended: What If I Miss the Tax Filing Deadline?

How Long Does the IRS Take to Process Your Taxes?

The IRS says that it issues more than nine out of 10 refunds in less than 21 days. That said, sometimes the processing of a return can take longer, even if a return was filed electronically.

If a return needs to be reviewed manually, it will likely take longer as well. Factors that can lead to a manual review include incorrect or missing information or identity theft situations. More detail is provided below.

Recommended: Steps to Prepare for Tax Season

Common Tax Refund Delays

If you’re wondering how long does it take to get a tax refund, know that there is not a single, specific timeframe for all taxpayers, and that delays can and do happen.

The IRS cautions visitors to its website not to expect their refund by a certain date. Though most taxpayers typically receive their refund within three weeks, and possibly in even less time if they e-file and choose direct deposit, there are several reasons why a payment might be delayed.

Here are some issues that could cause a holdup:

Filing a Paper Return

Under normal circumstances, the IRS says, it can take several weeks to process a paper Form 1040. Unlike returns that are filed electronically, paper returns must be manually entered into the IRS system.

•   Tax returns are opened in the order they’re received, so if your refund is taking longer than expected, the date you sent your return could be a factor as well.

•   The delivery option you choose for your refund also can affect how quickly you receive your funds. According to the IRS, the fastest way to receive your refund is to combine the direct deposit method with an electronically filed tax return. But taxpayers who prefer a paper return also may be able to speed things up a bit by choosing direct deposit for their refund instead of a paper check.

•   Note: If you e-file, direct deposit is again your fastest path to any refund that’s due (typically one to three weeks), as noted above. If you e-file but request a paper check, that will take a bit longer, often closer to one month.

Providing Incorrect or Incomplete Information

Did you or your spouse forget to sign your return, or did you type in the wrong Social Security number? Returns with missing information or errors can cause extra work for the IRS, which could hold up a refund.

What’s more, the IRS is strengthening its screening process to help fight identity theft, so even the smallest mistake — such as using a different name than what’s on your Social Security card or misreporting what is W-2 income — could slow things down. If the information you provide is wrong or something is missing, you can expect the IRS to contact you for additional documentation or to correct the error.

Claiming Certain Tax Credits

If you’re claiming the additional child tax credit (ACTC) or the earned income tax credit (EITC), the IRS won’t issue your refund before mid-February. A federal law that took effect in 2017 gives the IRS extra time to review those returns, check employers and other information, and detect any possible fraud.

Filing an Amended Return

You may have to amend your return if you find you made an error or there’s a change that affects your income, your income tax bracket, and/or your deductions — and that could delay your refund by several weeks. According to the IRS, it can take up to 20 weeks to process an amended return — even if it was filed electronically.

You can check your return and refund status daily with the IRS’s Where’s My Amended Return tracking tool .

Tax Fraud

A missing refund could be a sign that someone used your personal information to file a fraudulent tax return in your name. If you suspect you may be the victim of tax fraud, the IRS lists several recommendations for what to do next on its Taxpayer Guide to Identity Theft web page, and the agency advises potential victims to report their concerns to the Federal Trade Commission.

Existing Government Debt

If you have certain kinds of delinquent debt owed to the federal government, what is known as tax refund offset may occur. This means that an individual’s refund may be partially or completely withheld to satisfy the debt.

You will generally be notified if your refund is being reduced or withheld in this way, and you can dispute the payment with the agency that received it. And if there’s any money left after the offset, you’ll receive it by direct deposit or in a check, depending on what you requested on your tax return.

To ask questions about delinquent debt, you can contact the Treasury Department at 800-304-3107.

Your Refund Went Missing

If you e-filed with third-party tax software or the IRS’s Free File system, you likely received confirmation that your return was received and accepted. If you don’t remember getting a confirmation notice or if you’re concerned because you haven’t heard anything since then, you can check your status with the agency’s Where’s My Refund tool. Some next steps:

•   If the IRS’s Where’s My Refund tool says your refund check was mailed but 28 days or more have passed and you haven’t seen it, you can file a claim online to receive a replacement. (The Where’s My Refund site will show you how.)

•   Even if you opted for direct deposit, it still could take a few days for the money to show up in your account.

•   If you think your refund has gone missing, you may want to call your bank about tracking the deposit, then move on to contacting your tax preparer or the IRS for help.

•   The IRS won’t accept responsibility if it sent a refund but you or your tax preparer wrote the wrong account number on your return. If the IRS notices an error or if your bank rejects the deposit and returns the money to the IRS, the IRS still may end up sending you a check (instead of using a direct deposit).

•   If you entered an account or routing number that belongs to someone else and the financial institution accepted the deposit, you’ll probably have to work with a bank representative to recover the money. The IRS cannot compel the bank to return the refund.

Tracking Your Tax Refund Process

If you are eagerly awaiting your income tax refund, a wise move can be to track its status on the IRS website or through the IRS2GO app.

You can begin checking your refund’s progress as soon as 24 hours after the IRS receives your e-filed return or four weeks after mailing a paper return. And, if everything goes smoothly, you can use the Where’s My Refund tracking tool daily to watch your tax return make progress.

•   To use the Where’s My Refund tracking tool, all you need is your Social Security number, your filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.), and the exact dollar amount of your expected refund.

•   You may not get all the information you wanted about your refund, but it’s a start. If you can’t get enough intel there, your local IRS office may be able to help.

Tax Refund Mistakes

What about the scenario in which a tax refund arrives but it’s for less than you expected? Consider a couple of possibilities:

•   Your tax return could have contained an error, leading you to think you were due more money than you actually are.

•   You might have had your refund lowered by the Treasury’s Offset Program mentioned above.

In the situation of your refund being less than anticipated, there is likely an explanation provided from the IRS as to why. If you are not satisfied, you can use the methods outlined above to contact the IRS and gain more insight.

Tips for Getting Your Tax Refund Faster

If you’re hoping to get your next refund faster, here are a few steps that might help:

Filing Electronically

As mentioned above, filing electronically vs. filing a paper return can speed up your refund. It can typically shave a week or two off of getting your money back via direct deposit and a month off the time for a refund check to be issued.

Choosing Direct Deposit

The IRS says refunds will generally be received by taxpayers sooner if they have e-filed and selected direct deposit. Even if you prefer mailing in a paper return, you can choose to have your refund deposited into your account.

Providing Accurate Information

Pay attention to every detail as you prepare your taxes. Don’t let a little mistake or an omission of data cause a long delay.

Filing Early

By filing as soon as possible during tax season, you’ll be able to position your return at the front of the line for processing. And by starting early, you’ll give yourself plenty of time to research any tax help you may need along with tips that might apply to you, your business, and your family.

Just remember the point above about returns claiming the ACTC or EITC not being processed until mid-February at the earliest.

The Takeaway

Most tax refunds are issued within one to three weeks if you file electronically and opt for direct deposit of your refund. If you file a paper return or opt for a refund check to be mailed to you, it can lengthen the timeline. In any scenario, the IRS provides tools that can help you track your refund and know where your return is in terms of processing.

If you are due a refund and need a great place to deposit it, you may want to make sure your account offers minimal or zero account fees and a competitive annual percentage rate (APR).

Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.

Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy up to 4.00% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

FAQ

When will I get my tax refund for 2023?

Your tax refund arrival will depend on when you filed your return, how you filed it, and how you indicated you’d receive your tax refund. Typically, filing electronically with direct deposit is quickest, with the refund arriving within three weeks. If you file electronically with a paper check as the refund, that could take longer since the check has to be mailed. Paper returns can take several weeks, with those requesting refunds via paper check requiring still longer.

What is the 2023 IRS tax refund schedule?

The 2023 tax year season began on January 29, 2024, and the deadline is April 15, 2024. Tax refunds are issued at varying speeds, depending on whether you file electronically or with a paper return, and whether you request your refund be direct-deposited or sent as a check. The fastest option is to file electronically and have the refund direct-deposited. This typically takes three weeks or less.

How long does it take to get your tax refund through direct deposit?

How long it takes to get your refund through direct deposit will vary depending on whether you filed an electronic or paper return. The majority of electronic returns are processed in three weeks or less, with direct deposit happening very soon thereafter. Paper returns, however, can take several weeks or longer, with refunds taking at least that long to hit a taxpayer’s bank account.

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The SoFi Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.00% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Deposits that are not from an employer or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi members with direct deposit are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

As an alternative to direct deposit, SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant. SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits are not eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving a Direct Deposit or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 4.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until you have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Direct Deposit.

Members without either Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances.

Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 12/3/24. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

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.

Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

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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Feb
07
2024
What Is a Non-Deductible IRA?

What Is a Non-Deductible IRA?

By | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing, Preparing for Retirement | Comments Off on What Is a Non-Deductible IRA?

A non-deductible IRA is an IRA, or IRA contributions, that cannot be deducted from your income. While contributions to a traditional IRA are tax-deductible, non-deductible IRA contributions offer no immediate tax break.

In both cases, though, contributions grow tax free over time — and in the case of a non-deductible IRA, you wouldn’t owe taxes on the withdrawals in retirement.

Why would you open a non-deductible IRA? If you meet certain criteria, such as your income is too high to allow you to contribute to a traditional IRA or Roth IRA, a non-deductible IRA might help you increase your retirement savings.

It helps to understand how non-deductible contributions work, what the rules and restrictions are, as well as the potential advantages and drawbacks.

Who Is Eligible for a Non-Deductible IRA?

Several factors determine whether an individual is ineligible for a traditional IRA, and therefore if their contributions could fund a non-deductible IRA. These include an individual’s income level, tax-filing status, and access to employer-sponsored retirement plans (even if the individual or their spouse don’t participate in such a plan).

If you and your spouse do not have an employer plan like a 401(k) at work, there are no restrictions on fully funding a regular, aka deductible, IRA. You can contribute up to $7,000 in 2024; $8,000 if you’re 50 and older. In 2023, you can contribute up to $6,500; $7,500 if you’re 50 or older. And those contributions are tax deductible.

However, if you’re eligible to participate in an employer-sponsored plan, or if your spouse is, then the amount you can contribute to a deductible IRA phases out — in other words, the amount you can deduct gets smaller — based on your income:

•   For single filers/head of household: the 2024 contribution amount is reduced if you earn more than $77,000 and less than $87,000. Above $87,000 you can only contribute to a non-deductible IRA. (For 2023, the phaseout begins when you earn more than $73,000 and less than $83,000. If you earn more than $83,000, you can’t contribute to a traditional IRA.)

•   For married, filing jointly:

◦   If you have access to a workplace plan, the phaseout for 2024 is when you earn more than $123,00 and less than $143,000. (For 2023, the phaseout is when you earn more than $116,000, but less than $136,000.)

◦   If your spouse has access to a workplace plan, the 2024 phaseout is when you earn more than $230,000 and less than $240,000. (For 2023, the phaseout is when you earn more than $218,000 but less than $228,000.)

💡 Quick Tip: Before opening any investment account, consider what level of risk you are comfortable with. If you’re not sure, start with more conservative investments, and then adjust your portfolio as you learn more.

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Non-Deductible IRA Withdrawal Rules

The other big difference between an ordinary, deductible IRA and a non-deductible IRA is how withdrawals are taxed after age 59 ½. (IRA withdrawals prior to that may be subject to an early withdrawal penalty.)

•   Regular (deductible) IRA: Contributions are made pre-tax. Withdrawals after 59 ½ are taxed at the individual’s ordinary income rate.

•   Non-deductible IRA: Contributions are after tax (meaning you’ve already paid tax on the money). Withdrawals are therefore not taxed, because the IRS can’t tax you twice.

To make sure of this, you must report non-deductible IRA contributions on your tax return, and you use Form 8606 to do so. Form 8606 officially documents that some or all of the money in your IRA has already been taxed and is therefore non-deductible. Later on, when you take distributions, a portion of those withdrawals will not be subject to income tax.

If you have one single non-deductible IRA, then the process is similar to a Roth IRA. You deposit money you’ve paid taxes on, and your withdrawals are tax free.

It gets more complicated when you mix both types of contributions — deductible and non-deductible — in a single IRA account.

Here’s an example of different IRA withdrawal rules:

Let’s say you qualified to make deductible IRA contributions for 10 years, and now you have $50,000 in a regular IRA account. Then, your situation changed — perhaps your income increased — and now only 50% of the money you deposit is deductible; the other half is non-deductible.

You contribute another $50,000 in the next 10 years, but only $25,000 is deductible; $25,000 is non-deductible. You diligently record the different types of contributions using Form 8606, so the IRS knows what’s what.

When you’re ready to retire, the total balance in the IRA is $100,000, but only $25,000 of that was non-deductible (meaning, you already paid tax on it). So when you withdraw money in retirement, you’ll owe taxes on three-quarters of that money, but you won’t owe taxes on one quarter.

Contribution Limits and RMDs

There are limits on the amount that you can contribute to an IRA each year, and deductible and non-deductible IRA account contributions have the same contribution caps. People under 50 years old can contribute up to $7,000 for 2024, and those over 50 can contribute $8,000 per year. People under 50 years old can contribute up to $6,500 for 2023, and those over 50 can contribute $7,500 per year.

IRA account owners are required to start taking required minimum distributions (RMDs), similar to a 401(k), from their account once they turn 73 years old. Prior to that, account holders can take money out of their account between ages 59 ½ and 73 without any early withdrawal penalty.

Individuals can continue to contribute to their IRA at any age as long as they still meet the requirements.

Benefits and Risks of Non-Deductible IRA

While there are benefits to putting money into a non-deductible IRA, there are some risks that individuals should be aware of as well.

Benefits

There are several reasons you might choose to open a non-deductible IRA. In some cases, you can’t make tax-deductible contributions to a traditional IRA, so you need another retirement savings account option. Though your contributions aren’t deductible in the tax year you make them, funds in the IRA that earn dividends or capital gains are not taxed, because the government doesn’t tax retirement savings twice.

Another reason people use non-deductible IRAs is as a stepping stone to a Roth IRA. Roth IRAs also have income limits, but they come with additional choices. High income earners can start by contributing funds to a non-deductible IRA, then convert that IRA into a Roth IRA. This is called a backdoor Roth IRA.

One thing to keep in mind with a backdoor Roth is that the conversion may not be entirely tax free. If an IRA account is made up of a combination of deductible and non-deductible contributions, when it gets converted into a Roth account some of those funds would be taxable.

Risks

The primary benefits of non-deductible IRAs come when used to later convert into a Roth IRA. It can be risky to keep a non-deductible IRA ongoing, especially if it’s made up of both deductible and non-deductible contributions, which can be tricky to keep track of for tax purposes. You can keep a blended IRA, it just takes more work to keep track of the amounts that are taxable.

As noted above, it requires dividing non-deductible contributions by the total contributions made to all IRAs one has in order to figure out the amount of after-tax contributions that have been made.

Non-Deductible IRA vs Roth IRA

With a non-deductible IRA, you contribute funds after you’ve paid taxes on that money, and therefore you’re not able to deduct the contributions from your income tax. The contributions that you make to the non-deductible IRA earn non-taxable interest while they are in the account. The money isn’t taxed when it is withdrawn later.

Roth IRA contributions are similarly made with after-tax money and one can’t get a tax deduction on them. Also, a Roth IRA allows an individual to take out tax-free distributions during retirement.

Unlike other types of retirement accounts, a Roth IRA doesn’t require the account holder to take out a minimum distribution amount.

There are income limits on Roth IRAs, so some high-income earners may not be able to open this type of account. The non-deductible IRA is one way to get around this rule, because an individual can start out with a non-deductible IRA and convert it into a Roth IRA.

How Can I Tell If a Non-Deductible IRA Is the Right Choice?

Non-deductible IRAs can be a way for high-income savers to make their way into a backdoor Roth account. This strategy can help them reduce the amount of taxes they owe on their savings. However, they may not be the best type of account for long-term savings or lower-income savers.

The Takeaway

For many people, contributing to an ordinary IRA is a clearcut proposition: You deposit pre-tax money, and the amount can be deducted from your income for that year. Things get more complicated, however, for higher earners who also have access (or their spouse has access) to an employer-sponsored plan like a 401(k) or 403(b). In that case, you may no longer qualify to deduct all your IRA contributions; some or all of that money may become non-deductible. That means you deposit funds post tax and you can’t deduct it from your income tax that year.

In either case, though, all the money in the IRA would grow tax free. And the upside, of course, is that with a non-deductible IRA the withdrawals are also tax free. With a regular IRA, because you haven’t paid taxes on your contributions, you owe tax when you withdraw money in retirement.

Ready to invest for your retirement? It’s easy to get started when you open a traditional or Roth IRA with SoFi. SoFi doesn’t charge commissions, but other fees apply (full fee disclosure here).

Help grow your nest egg with a SoFi IRA.

Photo credit: iStock/Drazen Zigic

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.

Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

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.

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Jan
30
2024
31 Facts About FAFSA

31 Facts About FAFSA for Parents

By | Going to College, Student Loans, student_loan | Comments Off on 31 Facts About FAFSA for Parents
Editor’s Note: The new, simplified FAFSA form for the 2024-2025 academic year is available, although applicants are reporting a number of glitches. Try not to worry, take your time, and aim to submit your application as soon as possible.

Applying for federal aid is a crucial step most high school students take while transitioning to college life. Parents going through the college admissions process for the first time, though, may not realize that they also play a huge role in helping their children apply for grants and scholarships through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA®.

Applications for the 2023-2024 round of FAFSA opened on Oct. 1 and will remain open until June 30, 2024. If you’re looking for facts about FAFSA that will help your child apply for college aid during the 2023-2024 academic year, we’ve compiled some of the most important information on how you can help your child during the FAFSA process.

Recommended: FAFSA Guide

FAFSA Facts and Tips

Filling out FAFSA for the first time? These facts and FAFSA tips can help you prepare for the application process and offer suggestions for getting the most aid.

1. FAFSA Is Required to Receive Government Student Loans

For those who may be new to the financial aid process, FAFSA is the form students fill out to apply for federal financial aid. Just over 18 million students fill out the FAFSA each year. Your child won’t be eligible for government-funded college aid, such as federal loans or grants if they don’t apply.

Recommended: 12 Steps to Filling Out the FAFSA Form for School Year 2023-2024

2. Your Child Could Qualify for Grants by Filling Out FAFSA

While you can get subsidized or unsubsidized loans through FAFSA, your child may also be eligible for grants. One common federal grant is the Pell grant, which is awarded to first-time undergraduate students who show exceptional financial need, such as coming from a low-income family.

Recommended: Types of Federal Student Loans

3. It Determines Work-Study Eligibility

Federal work-study is a way for students to earn income at a part-time job while in college. These jobs can be on or off-campus and vary by school, although not all schools participate in the program. You have to fill out FAFSA to determine if you’re eligible for work-study programs.

4. Some Schools Use FAFSA to Determine What Aid They Offer

If the schools your child applies to offer their own aid, such as need-based scholarships, they may use FAFSA to determine eligibility. You may want to check with the schools your child is applying to and ask if they have a separate application for internal scholarships and grants.

5. Most Applicants Under Age 22 Are Considered Dependents

Most students under the age of 22 who are neither married nor parents themselves won’t be able to apply as an independent student . As a result, for most incoming freshmen, their parents’ income is counted in the determination of financial need.

Recommended: Independent vs Dependent Student: Which One Are You?

6. Your Child Needs Your Information to Apply

If your child is filing as a dependent, then they’ll need some basic information about your finances, such as your income and paid taxes. You may also elect to apply for a Parent PLUS loan, which can help cover your child’s educational expenses if they don’t receive enough in loans and grants to cover costs. Note that you may need additional information to apply for a Parent Plus loan.

7. High-Income Families May Want to Still Apply

If your family is middle- or upper-class, you may wonder if your child will receive any FAFSA aid. However, applying is free, and family income is just one of many factors considered during the application process. Additionally, your child’s school still may require FAFSA to be eligible for institutional aid, so it may be worth applying for even if you don’t think your child will need or receive aid.

8. Grades Don’t Affect FAFSA Eligibility

FAFSA does not have a GPA requirement to apply. However, your child may want to keep in mind that they could lose any aid given to them through FAFSA if they have poor grades for multiple semesters after they receive the aid.

9. Deadlines May Differ by State and School

While the FAFSA doesn’t close until June 30, 2024 for the 2023-24 academic year, FAFSA application deadlines may vary by state and school. State and school deadlines may close prior to the federal deadlines. If you’re not sure what deadlines apply to your student, consider checking with the financial aid office of each school your child applies to and ask what their FAFSA deadlines are.

10. Having Multiple Kids in College No Longer Affects Financial Aid Awards

Since 2021, the number of children in a family who are in college or applying to college no longer affects aid eligibility. Before, families with multiple children in college may have qualified to receive more aid. This is one of many changes throughout the FAFSA Simplification Act, which aims to simplify the FAFSA form and therefore hopefully encourage more families to fill out FAFSA.

11. Expected Family Contribution Is Also Changing

Expected family contribution (EFC) is an estimate of how much FAFSA believes families can contribute to the cost of a student’s education. However, as part of the FAFSA Simplification Act, EFC will be replaced with the Student Aid Index, or SAI, starting on July 1, 2024 (for the 2024-2025 academic year). While that may sound far off, a freshman during the 2023-2024 academic year will be a sophomore when SAI is put into effect.

12. FAFSA Is Changing the Process for Children of Divorce

Before the new simplified FAFSA, in the case when a child’s parents are separated, the custodial parent’s information was included on the form. However, with the new changes, the parent who provides the most financial support to the student is responsible for filling out the FAFSA.

Recommended: How much FAFSA Money Can I Expect?

13. Your Child Will Need Their Social Security or Alien Registration Number

As your child prepares to fill out the FAFSA, they’ll need their Social Security or Alien Registration number.

14. Have Nontaxable Income at the Ready

One question that may trip up parents is what FAFSA considers nontaxable income. For FAFSA, that generally includes (but is not limited to):

•   Workers compensation

•   Disability benefits

•   Welfare benefits

•   Social Security income

•   Veteran’s benefits

•   Military or clergy allowances (if applicable)

•   Foreign income not taxed by any government

15. Your Child May Need to Report Grants and Scholarships

Most first-time college students won’t need to report any grants or scholarships they received. However, they may if they had to report them on their taxes, such as:

•   AmeriCorps benefits, such as living allowances or awards

•   Taxable work-studies, assistantships or fellowships

•   Combat pay, special combat pay, or cooperative education program earnings

•   Other grants or scholarships reported to the IRS

If you have any doubts about what types of grants may be taxable, consider consulting a tax professional.

16. Have Bank Statements Available

To fill out FAFSA, you’ll need bank statements for both you and your child. This information helps determine how much aid your child will be eligible for.

17. You Don’t Have to Have a Social Security Number to Sign the Form

If you’re filing for FAFSA online, you can create a federal student aid (FSA) ID . This is simply your login and password. Your child can create one here . But if you don’t have a Social Security number, you can print out the signature page of the form, sign it, and mail it in.

18. You Don’t Need to File Taxes Before Submitting FAFSA

If you filed for an extension for your tax return, you can use your W-2 or 1099 statements. But you will need to update FAFSA once you file. This is because which tax bracket you’re in can impact how much aid your child is eligible for.

Recommended: What Tax Bracket Am I In?

19. You’ll Need to Have a List of Assets Ready

FAFSA uses parental assets to help determine aid eligibility. You’ll need to know how much in assets you have, which include (but are not limited to):

•   Money in cash, savings, and checking accounts

•   Non-retirement investments (such as stocks and mutual funds)

•   Businesses that have more than 100 full-time equivalent employees and you and your family have minority stakes in

•   Investment farms (in other words, you don’t live on and operate the farm)

•   Other investments, such as real estate and stock options

20. 529 Plans Are Also Considered Assets

When filling out information about assets, you’ll also need to provide the value of all 529 College Savings Plans you own — including the accounts for siblings. Also, if your child owns a 529 plan (often called an UGMA or UTMA 529 plan), you will need to report it as a parental asset – and not as the student’s asset. (Please note, however, that if your child owns a UGMA or UTMA account that is not a 529 plan, you don’t list it as an asset — your child does as their asset.)

21. Your Primary Home Doesn’t Need to Be Listed as an Asset

One common FAFSA mistake is listing your primary home as an asset. However, FAFSA does not require you to do so. In fact, listing it as an asset can decrease the amount of aid your child receives.

22. You Don’t Need Your Retirement or Insurance Information

FAFSA also doesn’t count retirement or insurance accounts as assets. Again, including them can inflate the number of assets you have and therefore may decrease the amount of aid your child is offered.

23. You’ll Need to Include Each School Your Child Is Applying To

When you and your child fill out the FAFSA, you’ll want to have a list of all the schools your child may be interested in applying to. You’ll need each school’s federal school code to add them to the list of schools you want your FAFSA information sent to, although you can also search for this information on the form itself if you can’t find it on the school’s website. It may be wise to include schools your child isn’t sure they want to apply to yet since it’s easier to simply add the school to the list now than having to send the school your FAFSA information later.

24. Schools, Not the Government, Will Give You Financial Aid Updates

Part of the reason you’ll need to send your FAFSA to schools your child is considering applying to is because schools, not the government, send out financial aid packages. As such, each school your child applies to may offer a different financial aid package.

25. Skipping Information Can Be Costly

Before hitting submit, you might want to double check that every section of the FAFSA is filled out (and accurate). Skipping FAFSA sections may result in delays in your application being processed, errors that prevent you from submitting, or even a decrease in the amount of aid offered.

26. Your Child Will Need to Take Student Loan Exit Counseling

While filing FAFSA or talking to your school’s financial aid office, you may hear about something called student loan exit counseling. This is mandatory for anyone who gets federal student loan aid. Counseling is simply an online module that will help your child navigate how the student loan repayment process works. A reminder will be sent to your child’s email in their last year of school about when this exit counseling is due. However, you and your child may want to consider reviewing student loan exit repayment options before the counseling is due to ensure they pick the best option based on their financial situation.

27. File Early to Get the Most Aid

While it may seem like you have a ton of time to fill out the FAFSA, it may be best to complete it sooner rather than later. Delaying can mean financial aid for your state or school dries up before your child can even be considered for it. Additionally, knowing how much aid each school is offering your child may help them when deciding on which school to attend.

28. You Could Be Selected for FAFSA Verification

After your child receives their student aid report, they may get a message saying they were selected for verification. FAFSA verification is used by some schools to simply verify that students’ FAFSA information is accurate. Some schools randomly select people to be verified, some verify all students, and some may elect not to verify any students.

Recommended: 14 Must-Know College Financial Aid Terms for Parents

29. You Can Appeal Your Aid Package

Once your child has their financial aid packages, they may find that they were offered less than they expected or hoped for. If your child’s dream college didn’t offer enough aid (or perhaps even didn’t offer them any aid), they may be able to appeal for more financial aid. This process may be especially important if your financial situation has changed since you and your child first applied for FAFSA. While schools may deny the request, it doesn’t cost you or your child anything but time to ask for more aid.

30. You Can List Unusual Circumstances That Affect Your Finances

Another way to try and increase your financial aid package is by listing unusual financial circumstances both on your FAFSA and in an appeal letter to schools you’re applying to. Some common unusual circumstances include (but are not limited to):

•   Having tuition expenses in elementary and/or secondary schools

•   Experiencing unusual medical or dental expenses not covered by insurance

•   Having a family member become unemployed recently

•   Experiencing changes in income and/or assets that could affect aid eligibility

31. You’ll Have to Reapply Every Year

Once you’ve filed your FAFSA, you may want to keep your login information in a safe place. You’ll need that information to file for FAFSA every year your child is in school, and losing your FSA login information may delay your ability to apply next year. You may also want to set a reminder on your phone or calendar to apply next year, although FAFSA will send you an email reminder when next year’s FAFSA is open.

The Takeaway

Filing for FAFSA is an important first step in helping your child pay for college. Knowing how FAFSA works and how to optimize the amount of aid your child receives can help increase the amount of federal aid they’re offered.

However, if their financial aid package isn’t enough to cover college costs, they may want to consider private student loans. Private student loans aren’t required to offer the same borrower protections as federal student loans, and are, therefore, generally considered as an option only after all other sources of funding have been exhausted.

If you’re considering private loans to pay for college, you may want to review the differences between private and federal student loans to ensure that you and your child choose the best options for them to pay for college. SoFi offers private student loans that have no hidden fees and allow borrowers to choose between four repayment options.

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

Photo credit: iStock/wagnerokasaki

SoFi Loan Products
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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. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs. SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.

Checking Your Rates: To check the rates and terms you may qualify for, SoFi conducts a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. However, if you choose a product and continue your application, we will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull and may affect your credit.

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.

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.

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.

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Jan
25
2024
6 Scholarships for Moms: How Can Moms Pay for College?

6 Scholarships for Moms: How Can Moms Pay for College?

By | Family Finances, Student Loans, student_loan | Comments Off on 6 Scholarships for Moms: How Can Moms Pay for College?

When you want to improve your income potential or change your career to offer your kids more opportunities, you’ll have to manage a myriad of responsibilities — possibly with a full course load to boot. Going back to college can demand a lot from moms physically, mentally, and financially.

The financial impact of going back to school as a mom can seem staggering, so consider scholarships for moms as one way to make an impact.

Keep reading to learn more on scholarships for moms, scholarships for single moms, and scholarships for working moms. We’ll also walk through how to find these scholarships and look into other ways of paying for college.

Key Points

•   Scholarships are available specifically for moms, including single and working mothers, to help alleviate the financial burden of returning to school.

•   Eligibility for scholarships often includes being an independent student, which may require meeting specific criteria such as age, marital status, and having dependents.

•   Various scholarships exist, such as the Soroptimist’s Live Your Dream Award and the Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation, targeting low-income mothers pursuing education.

•   Companies may offer educational benefits such as scholarships or reimbursement for employees, making it worthwhile for working moms to inquire about available opportunities.

•   In addition to scholarships, completing the FAFSA can open doors to federal grants, loans, and work-study options to further assist in funding education.

Who Is Eligible for Scholarships?

Almost anyone can get a scholarship, but you must meet the eligibility requirements set forth by the scholarship guidelines. Some scholarships will require students to be independent students. Independent students are defined by the U.S. Department of Education as those who are:

•   At least 24 years old

•   Married

•   Graduate or professional students

•   Veterans of the U.S. armed forces

•   Active duty members of the armed forces

•   Orphans, those in foster care, or wards of the court

•   People who have legal dependents other than a spouse

•   Emancipated minors

•   Homeless or at risk of becoming homeless

However, non-governmental organizations may have other requirements. Therefore, it’s important to take a look at the qualifications for each individual scholarship.

Recommended: A Guide to Unclaimed Scholarships and Grants

Types of Scholarships for Moms

Nontraditional students interested in receiving financial aid should first submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). Colleges and universities will receive the results of the FAFSA and use that information to inform their aid decisions. The FAFSA is the first step in applying for federal financial aid, including grants, federal student loans, work-study, and other institutional aid. These could help you offset the cost of tuition and other education-related expenses. The FAFSA must be filled out each year the student is enrolled in school.

Other scholarships may require you to apply independent of the FAFSA — that is, the results of the FAFSA may not matter. However, many mom scholarships may require you to prove that you earn a low income. (Low-income thresholds depend on the size of your family and number of children, according to the United States Census Bureau.)

You can tap into many types of scholarships for moms, including single mom scholarships, scholarships for working moms, and other types of scholarships for women going back to college, as outlined below.

Single Mom Scholarships

Yes, organizations offer scholarships for single moms! Take a look:

Soroptimist’s Live Your Dream Award

If you provide the primary financial support for yourself and your dependents, you can qualify for the Soroptimist’s Live Your Dream Award, as long as you show evidence of financial need. You must also enroll or be accepted into a vocational/vocational skills training program or undergraduate degree program and be motivated to achieve your education and career goals.

Applicants must live in one of the following Soroptomist territory countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guam, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Taiwan, United States of America, or Venezuela.

Award amount: $1,000 to $10,000
Deadline: Application open from August 1 to November 15

Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation for Low-Income Women and Children Education Support Awards

The Patsy Takemoto Mink Educational Foundation for Low-Income Women and Children
Education Support awards offer college scholarships for single moms to low-income women with children who are pursuing education or training.
​
The criteria for the award state that you must:

•   Be a woman at least 17 years of age.

•   Be a mother with minor children.

•   Pursue your first degree at a post-secondary education level (vocational, associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree) — this degree must add to the level of education accomplished (such as a bachelor’s degree after an associate’s degree or an advanced degree after a bachelor’s degree).

•   Pursue a degree or credential at an institution that does not discriminate on the basis of sex/gender, LGBTQ+ status or identity, race or ethnicity, religion, disability, or immigration status.

•   Enrolled in a nonprofit, accredited institution or program in the U.S.

•   Be low-income (earn less than $20,000 total in family income for a family of 2, less than $24,000 for a family of 3, or less than $28,000 for a family of 4).
​
​​Awardees are selected based on financial need, personal circumstances, educational path, vocational and occupational goals, service/activist, and/or civic goals.

Award amount: $5,000
Deadline: Information about the 2024-25 application will appear in May 2024.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC Single Mother Scholarship

Rosenfield Injury Lawyers LLC offers two scholarships to single mothers returning to school, one for a single mother who will attend an undergraduate or community college program and another for a single mother who will attend accredited law school.

To qualify, you must write a 500+-word essay about the advantages of returning to school while raising children and how motherhood has prepared you for the challenges of becoming a student. You must also:

•   Submit a copy of your transcript that displays your grade point average (GPA) — unofficial transcripts are accepted.

•   Authorize Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC to post the material on its website and social media channels.

You may use the scholarship money for education-related expenses, including tuition and registration, textbooks, and other fees and supplies.

Award amount: $1,000
Deadline: TBD for the 2024-25 academic year


💡 Quick Tip: Fund your education with a low-rate, no-fee SoFi private student loan that covers all school-certified costs.

Scholarships for Working Moms

If you’re a working mom, you may want to first consider your current job’s scholarship opportunities. Some companies offer scholarships and/or education reimbursement for their employees.

Company foundations usually create scholarship programs for employees, employees’ children or relatives, or the children of deceased or retired employees. While not necessarily just geared toward working moms, they can still provide a major financial benefit of working and going to school. Visit your company’s human resources for more information about scholarships or other educational assistance you can qualify for. Note that some companies allow employees to take advantage of their education benefits right away, but yours may require you to work at your company for a specified length of time.

Take a look at the scholarship below, geared specifically for working moms.

Job-Applications.com Working Parent College Scholarship Award

Working parents currently in college or another accredited postsecondary educational institution can qualify for the Job-Applications.com scholarship by meeting specific criteria. You must:

•   Be enrolled as a part-time student who is in an accredited U.S. post-secondary educational institution (college, university, or trade school, or a similarly accredited program).

•   Have a current cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher at that institution.

•   Have worked an average of at least 12 hours for each of the previous four weeks during the application process.

•   Be a residential parent of at least one minor child.

•   Be a legal U.S. resident.

•   Be at least 18 years of age or older.

You must also submit a 600- to 1,000-word essay about the keys for balancing parenthood, working, and succeeding in college.

Award amount: $1,000
Deadline: TBD for the 2024-25 academic year

Scholarships for Moms Going Back to College

Moms pursuing graduate work may also need help finding grad school scholarships.

Society of Women Engineers Scholarship Program

Those who identify as a female/woman and who study at a community college, bachelor’s or graduate degree program with the intention of preparing for a career in engineering, engineering technology, or computer science may qualify for the Society of Women Engineers Scholarship Program .

To qualify, you must:

•   Plan to study at an undergraduate/community college or plan to get your master’s or Ph.D. at an ABET-accredited program.

•   Major in engineering, technology, or computing.

•   Must attend full time (though exceptions are made for reentry and nontraditional applicants).

•   Not be fully funded for tuition, fees, books, or the equivalent.

Award amount: $1,000 to $10,000
Deadline: TBD for the 2024-25 academic year

Chrysalis Scholarship

The Chrysalis Scholarship , funded by the Association for Women Geoscientists, helps women who experienced an interruption in their education due to raising children or other life circumstances and need financial help to obtain their graduate degrees in a geoscience-related field thesis or dissertation. The scholarship may cover drafting expenses, child care, defense travel, late-stage research and analyses, and more.

To qualify, you must:

•   Be a graduate student who has had an educational interruption due to life circumstances.

•   Approach the completion of your geoscience degree.

•   Plan to contribute to the geosciences and the larger world community.

Application materials include a letter of application in which you describe your background, career goals, and objectives, how you plan to use the scholarship, and the nature and length of the education interruption. You must provide letters of reference from your thesis/dissertation advisor and another scientist of your choice.

Award amount: $2,000
Deadline: TBD for the 2024-25 academic year


💡 Quick Tip: Even if you don’t think you qualify for financial aid, you should fill out the FAFSA form. Many schools require it for merit-based scholarships, too.

Applying for Scholarships for Moms

When you’re applying for scholarships, it’s important to get organized. Make a list of due dates on your calendar and estimate how much time it’ll take you to complete each application. Research scholarships early so you don’t miss out on scholarship opportunities.

Read the eligibility guidelines carefully. Contact the organization sponsoring the scholarship if you have specific questions related to eligibility. Some scholarships may not get many applicants, so if you meet almost all the requirements, ask if you can apply anyway. You might be pleasantly surprised to find that the committee or organization will allow you to apply.

Finally, follow all the instructions. Stick to the word limit for the essay and send supporting materials as requested.

Recommended: What a Merit Scholarship Is and How to Get One

Finding Other College Scholarships for Moms

Put your feelers out for every type of scholarship that might apply to you — they don’t even need to be strictly “mom-related.” If you qualify in another way, such as for your interest in zoology or criminology, keep those options open. Look into the following sources for scholarships, as well:

•   Colleges and universities: Colleges and universities offer many different types of scholarships and grants. Make an appointment with an admission counselor and/or the financial aid office to learn more about scholarships you can apply for at each institution you’re interested in attending.

•   Charity organizations: Look into organizations in your community, such as the local Rotary Club. You just might scoop up a few scholarships based on the organizations you know. Ask around!

•   Professional organizations: What do you plan to major in? Check to see if professional organizations of your chosen industry offer scholarships and grants. It’s also possible to get internships and careers from these professional organizations right out of the gate after graduation.

Recommended: How to Pay for College

Other College Financing Methods

You might need other sources of financial aid to close the cost gap after scholarships for college are factored in. Generally, the first step, as mentioned, is filling out the FAFSA. The FAFSA is completely free and offers other financial aid beyond scholarships, including need-based and non-need-based federal financial aid.

Other options for paying for college include:

•   Federal grants: Students who demonstrate financial need may qualify for federal grants. You do not need to pay these back. For example, you could qualify for a Federal Pell Grant or the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant. Take a look at the eligibility requirements to determine whether you qualify.

•   Federal student loans: You may qualify for federal student loans through the U.S. Department of Education and through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. Direct Unsubsidized Loans are non-need-based, while Direct Subsidized Loans are awarded to students who demonstrate financial need.

•   Private student loans: Federal student loans, scholarships, and other funding sources may not fully cover the cost of attendance for students. In that case, students may tap into private student loans. However, private student loans do not have the same benefits or borrower protections as federal student loans (like deferment options or the ability to pursue certain federal loan forgiveness programs). For this reason, private student loans are generally pursued only after all other options have been thoroughly considered.

Recommended: Types of Federal Student Loans

The Takeaway

Scholarships for moms going back to college is one way to help fund your degree. You can find scholarships by asking your college or university about their options, looking into your local community, asking professional organizations in your field, and using an online scholarship search tool. Other options for paying for college include federal student loans, grants, and work-study.

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.

Photo credit: iStock/Portra

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs. SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.

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.

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.

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

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