Going Back to School During or After Divorce
Divorce forces you to rebuild your life — and sometimes that means rebuilding your career from the ground up. Whether you need a degree to become financially independent, want to switch careers entirely, or are returning to the workforce after years at home, going back to school might be the single most powerful move you can make right now. And it is more affordable and accessible than you probably think.
Why Now Might Be the Best Time
It sounds counterintuitive. You are in the middle of the hardest thing you have ever done — why would you add school on top of it? But for many people going through divorce, education is not an extra burden. It is the path out.
Financial independence
Alimony does not last forever. Child support ends when kids turn 18. A degree or certification gives you earning power that no one can take away — not a judge, not an ex-spouse, not a changing economy.
Career reinvention
If you left the workforce to raise children or supported your spouse's career at the expense of your own, this is your chance to pursue something that is entirely yours. Many divorced adults report that going back to school was the turning point in reclaiming their identity.
Better financial aid eligibility
As a single-income household, you will likely qualify for significantly more financial aid than you did as a married couple. Grants, scholarships, and need-based aid are all calculated based on your individual income — not your former household income.
A fresh start with structure
School provides routine, community, purpose, and forward momentum — all things that divorce takes away. Many divorced students say that having classes to attend and assignments to complete gave them something to focus on besides the pain.
FAFSA and Divorce: What You Need to Know
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the gateway to virtually all federal financial aid — grants, work-study, and federal student loans. Understanding how divorce affects your FAFSA filing can mean the difference between getting thousands of dollars in free aid and getting nothing.
- ✓File as an individual. If you are divorced or legally separated as of the date you file the FAFSA, you report only your income and assets. Your ex-spouse's finances are not included. This typically results in a much lower Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and higher aid eligibility.
- ✓Separated counts. You do not need a finalized divorce. If you and your spouse are living apart with the intention of being separated, you can file as separated on the FAFSA. However, if you are simply living apart due to work or military deployment (not marital separation), you must still file jointly.
- ✓Use the most recent tax year. The FAFSA uses tax information from two years prior (called the “prior-prior year”). If your divorce happened recently, your old joint tax return may not reflect your current financial situation. Contact the financial aid office to request a professional judgment review — they can adjust your aid based on your current circumstances.
- ✓Custodial parent files for dependents. If you are filing the FAFSA for a dependent child (not yourself), the custodial parent — the parent with whom the child lives more than 50% of the time — is the one who completes the FAFSA. This is true regardless of which parent claims the child on taxes.
- ✓Remarriage matters. If you have remarried, your new spouse's income and assets must be reported on the FAFSA. This is true even if your new spouse has no intention of paying for your education.
Pro tip: File the FAFSA as early as possible.
The FAFSA opens on October 1 each year for the following academic year. Many state and institutional grants are first-come, first-served. Filing early — especially as a newly single-income household — can unlock aid that runs out by spring.
Grants and Scholarships You Should Know About
Grants and scholarships are free money — you do not pay them back. As a divorced or single parent, you may qualify for more of these than you realize.
Federal Pell Grant
Up to $7,395 per year (2024–2025 academic year) for undergraduate students with financial need. You apply through the FAFSA. As a single-income filer, your eligibility increases dramatically. Pell Grants can be used at any participating college, university, or vocational school.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
An additional $100 to $4,000 per year for students with exceptional financial need. Priority goes to Pell Grant recipients. Not all schools participate, and funds are limited — another reason to file the FAFSA early.
State grants
Nearly every state offers its own need-based grant programs. California has the Cal Grant, New York has TAP, Texas has TPEG, and so on. Many of these are generous and underutilized. Check your state's higher education agency website for available programs.
Scholarships for single parents and displaced homemakers
Targeted scholarships exist specifically for people in your situation. The Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards provide up to $16,000 for women who are the primary earners for their families. The Jeannette Rankin Women's Scholarship Fund serves low-income women aged 35 and older. The Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation awards grants to low-income mothers. The Raise the Nation Foundation supports single parents pursuing education.
Institutional scholarships
Many colleges and universities have their own scholarship programs for non-traditional students, returning adults, single parents, or students who have experienced hardship. Contact the financial aid office directly and explain your situation — they often know about funds that are not widely advertised.
Workforce Development Programs (WIOA)
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is a federally funded program that provides free or heavily subsidized job training and education through local American Job Centers (formerly called One-Stop Career Centers). There are nearly 2,400 American Job Centers across the country, and their services are free.
Displaced homemakers and single parents are priority populations under WIOA, meaning you move to the front of the line for services.
WIOA services include:
- •Free vocational training and certificate programs
- •Tuition assistance for eligible training programs (Individual Training Accounts)
- •Career counseling and skills assessments
- •Resume writing, interview coaching, and job search assistance
- •Supportive services: childcare, transportation, work clothing, and tool costs during training
- •On-the-job training programs with local employers
Find your nearest American Job Center at CareerOneStop.org (sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor). Walk in, explain your situation, and ask about displaced homemaker and single parent services. You do not need an appointment.
Online Degree Programs: Flexibility for Single Parents
If you are managing custody schedules, working, and trying to go to school at the same time, an online program may be your best option. Online education has matured significantly — these are not the questionable diploma mills of the early 2000s.
Accredited online universities
Schools like Western Governors University (WGU), Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), Arizona State University Online, and the University of Florida Online offer fully accredited degrees at competitive prices. WGU uses a competency-based model where you can accelerate through material you already know — ideal for returning adults with work experience.
State university online programs
Many state universities now offer online degree programs at in-state tuition rates. These carry the same accreditation and reputation as their on-campus counterparts. Check whether your state university system has an online option before paying private school prices.
Asynchronous vs. synchronous
Asynchronous programs (watch lectures and complete assignments on your own schedule) offer the most flexibility for single parents. Synchronous programs (live virtual classes at set times) provide more structure and interaction but less scheduling freedom. Know which format works for your custody and work schedule before enrolling.
Community College: The Smart Starting Point
Do not overlook community college. It is one of the most cost-effective paths to a degree or career, and it comes with advantages that are especially valuable during divorce.
- ✓Dramatically lower tuition. Average community college tuition is about $3,900 per year compared to $11,000+ at a four-year public university. Many states now offer free community college for qualifying residents.
- ✓Transfer agreements. Most community colleges have articulation agreements with four-year universities, allowing you to complete your first two years affordably and then transfer to finish your bachelor's degree.
- ✓Career-ready certificates. If you do not need a four-year degree, community colleges offer certificates in high-demand fields like healthcare (medical coding, dental hygiene, nursing), technology (cybersecurity, web development), skilled trades (HVAC, electrical, welding), and business (bookkeeping, project management).
- ✓Support services. Community colleges typically have robust support for non-traditional students: tutoring, academic advising, career counseling, and often on-campus childcare.
- ✓Flexible scheduling. Evening classes, weekend classes, hybrid formats, and accelerated terms make it easier to fit school around work and parenting.
Employer Tuition Assistance
If you are currently employed, check whether your employer offers tuition reimbursement or educational assistance. Under Section 127 of the Internal Revenue Code, employers can provide up to $5,250 per year in tax-free educational assistance. Many large employers — including Walmart, Amazon, Starbucks, UPS, and Target — now offer tuition assistance programs, some covering 100% of tuition at partner schools.
Even if your current job is temporary or not in your desired field, it may be worth staying long enough to take advantage of tuition benefits. Ask your HR department about available programs. Some employers require a minimum tenure (often 90 days to a year) before you are eligible.
Student Loans: Proceed with Caution
Before taking out student loans, exhaust every other option first: grants, scholarships, employer assistance, WIOA programs, and personal savings. Student loans are real debt that will follow you after graduation.
Prioritize federal loans over private loans.
Federal student loans offer income-driven repayment plans, loan forgiveness programs (Public Service Loan Forgiveness for government and nonprofit workers), deferment and forbearance options, and fixed interest rates. Private student loans offer none of these protections. Always take federal loans first.
If you already have student loans from a previous degree, understand how divorce affects them. For a detailed breakdown, see our guide on what happens to student loans in divorce.
Borrow only what you need. Calculate the expected salary for your target career and make sure the total loan amount does not exceed one year's starting salary. A nursing degree that costs $30,000 in loans and leads to a $65,000 starting salary is a good investment. A degree that costs $100,000 in loans and leads to a $35,000 salary is not.
Time Management as a Single Parent Student
This is the hardest part — not the academics, not the money, but finding enough hours in the day. Here is what experienced single parent students recommend:
- 1.Start part-time. There is no rule that says you have to be a full-time student. Taking two classes per semester is still forward progress, and it is much more manageable alongside work and parenting.
- 2.Use your custody schedule strategically. If you have a custody arrangement where your children are with your ex on certain days or weekends, those blocks become your dedicated study time. Plan your heaviest coursework around your child-free days.
- 3.Study while kids sleep. Early mornings before the kids wake up or evenings after bedtime are consistent, quiet study blocks. It is not glamorous, but it works.
- 4.Build a support network. Trade childcare with other single parents, ask family for help during exam weeks, and communicate with your professors about your situation. Most professors will work with you if you are honest and proactive about potential scheduling conflicts.
- 5.Leverage summer and winter terms. Accelerated summer or winter intersession courses can help you finish faster without overloading your regular semester schedule.
Childcare Resources for Student Parents
Childcare is often the biggest barrier to going back to school as a single parent. But there are more resources than most people realize.
Campus childcare
Many colleges and universities operate on-campus childcare centers, often at reduced rates for students. Some are subsidized by federal Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) grants. Ask the financial aid office or student services about availability and waitlists — apply early, as spots fill quickly.
Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)
This federal block grant program provides childcare subsidies to low-income families, including those in education and training programs. Eligibility and benefits vary by state, but single parents in school typically qualify. Apply through your state's childcare subsidy agency (often called Child Care Resource and Referral, or CCR&R).
Head Start and Early Head Start
Free comprehensive early childhood education for children from birth to age 5 in families at or below the federal poverty level. Head Start provides not just childcare but educational programming, meals, health screenings, and family support services. Many programs offer full-day options.
WIOA supportive services
If you are enrolled in a WIOA-funded training program, childcare costs during training hours may be covered as a “supportive service.” Ask your American Job Center case manager about this benefit when you enroll.
Rehabilitative Alimony: Court-Ordered Support for Education
If your divorce is not yet finalized, or if you are negotiating a settlement, rehabilitative alimony (also called rehabilitative spousal support) may be available to you. This is a specific type of spousal support designed to help a lower-earning or non-working spouse become self-supporting through education or job training.
- •Available in most states, and it is one of the most commonly awarded types of alimony
- •Typically awarded for a set period — usually 2 to 5 years — tied to the time needed to complete a degree or certification
- •Can cover tuition, books, living expenses, and childcare during school
- •Requires a specific rehabilitative plan submitted to the court (what degree, where, how long, expected career outcome)
- •Courts are more likely to award it when there is a clear connection between the education and increased earning capacity
Talk to your divorce attorney about requesting rehabilitative alimony as part of your settlement or court order. If you do not have an attorney, see our guide on free divorce lawyers and legal aid.
Tax Benefits for Going Back to School
The federal government offers two major education tax credits that can significantly reduce your tax bill:
American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC)
Worth up to $2,500 per year for the first four years of undergraduate education. Covers tuition, fees, and course materials. 40% of the credit is refundable, meaning you can get up to $1,000 back even if you owe no taxes. Income limit: $80,000 for single filers ($90,000 for partial credit). Available for students enrolled at least half-time.
Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC)
Worth up to $2,000 per year for any level of education — undergraduate, graduate, or professional courses. No limit on the number of years you can claim it. Covers tuition and fees. Income limit: $80,000 for single filers. Does not require half-time enrollment, so it works for part-time students.
You cannot claim both credits for the same student in the same year. Generally, the AOTC is more valuable if you qualify for it. Also remember that filing as Head of Household after divorce (if you have a qualifying dependent) can give you a higher standard deduction and more favorable tax brackets — stretching your education budget further.
Vocational Training and Certifications: Faster Than a Degree
A four-year degree is not the only path to a good career. Many high-paying, in-demand careers require only a certificate or associate degree — and you can complete them in months, not years.
High-demand certificates (6–18 months):
- •Medical coding and billing — median salary ~$47,000, mostly remote-friendly
- •Dental hygiene — median salary ~$81,000, associate degree required
- •Web development / UX design — bootcamp programs in 12–24 weeks, salaries from $55,000–$90,000+
- •Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) — 12–18 month program, median salary ~$55,000
- •HVAC technician — 6–12 month certification, median salary ~$52,000
- •Cybersecurity (CompTIA Security+) — certification in 3–6 months, entry-level salaries $55,000–$75,000
- •Commercial truck driving (CDL) — 4–8 week program, median salary ~$49,000
- •Paralegal certificate — 6–12 months, median salary ~$59,000
Many of these programs are eligible for Pell Grants, WIOA funding, and employer tuition assistance. A well-chosen certificate can get you into a stable, well-paying career within a year — while a bachelor's degree is still four years away.
Career Counseling: Choosing the Right Path
Before enrolling in any program, invest time in understanding what career is right for you. Going back to school for the wrong degree is expensive and demoralizing.
- •American Job Centers offer free career assessments and counseling through WIOA. They can help you identify your skills, interests, and local labor market demand.
- •College career services are available even before you enroll at many schools. Schedule an appointment and discuss your goals, timeline, and constraints.
- •Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (bls.gov/ooh) provides salary data, growth projections, and education requirements for every career. Use it to validate that the career you are considering will actually pay what you need to support yourself and your family.
- •Informational interviews. Reach out to people working in your target field. Ask what they wish they had known, what their day looks like, and whether the field is growing or shrinking. LinkedIn is an excellent resource for finding people willing to share their experience.
You Can Do This
Going back to school as a divorced parent is hard. There is no sugarcoating that. You will be juggling more than most of your classmates. You will have days when you wonder if it is worth it.
Non-traditional students graduate at higher rates than you might think.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, students aged 25 and older now make up nearly 40% of all college enrollment. Adult students tend to be more motivated, more focused, and more likely to complete their programs than their 18-year-old peers — because they know exactly why they are there.
Two years from now, you can be in the same place you are now — or you can have a degree, a new career, and the financial independence to never depend on anyone else again. The resources exist. The financial aid is there. The only question is whether you are ready to take the first step.
Thinking about going back to school after divorce?
Talk through your options with our AI assistant. Get help identifying programs, financial aid, and a plan that fits your life. Free, anonymous, available 24/7.
Get Personalized Guidance →Was this helpful? Help us keep it free.
divorce911.ai is funded entirely by donations. Every dollar keeps the AI assistant and 1,700+ guides free for people in crisis.
Know someone going through a divorce? This could help them.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or educational advice. Financial aid eligibility, scholarship availability, tax credits, and program details change frequently and vary by state and institution.
Always verify current information with the relevant institution, agency, or a qualified professional. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. For crisis support, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.