Moms, Should You Get A 2-year Degree?

Moms, Should You Get A 2-year Degree?
Community colleges often get picked on. For busy moms community college can be a wonderful idea. Two-year colleges present many interesting possibilities for gaining an education. Add in a financial advantage or two and your education is within reach.

Despite the jokes and put-downs, community colleges do have something to offer students who are ambitious. At a 2-year college, students can stay close to home to develop maturity or save money or even take basic courses to help determine their future majors. This is perfect for young moms who are recently out of high school as well as older working or stay-at-home moms who want to return to school. Initiated in 2009, President Obama’s Grants for Moms are aimed at alleviating some of the financial pressure moms have in trying to go to school. A $ 5,000 award to return to school is a huge incentive.

School costs like tuition can be extremely high, but one of the the best things about 2-year colleges is the relatively low cost of attendance. Being smart with money is a top priority for most students but especially women with children. A $ 5,000 grant doesn’t change that. At a 4-year institution the cost of attendance could be 30,000 a year or more. There is much competition at liberal arts colleges for scholarships, but at many junior colleges high SAT scores and GPA almost guarantee a significant scholarship. A young mom could greatly benefit from being rewarded for her efforts in high school. Travel expenses and housing are just a couple of the other necessary expenses that could be covered with the $ 5,000 grant.

At many schools the gap is closing between the classes that 2-year colleges offer and those that are offered at big liberal arts universities. Many 2-year schools give their high-achieving students the chance to enroll in the school’s honors program. The standard teachings at 4-year schools are increasingly becoming the templates for smaller community colleges. Some schools with high achievement have been able to develop unique study abroad opportunities. The benefit is that students gain a broader perspective of the world, and colleges are able to attract more students.

With scholarships for mothers, junior colleges are even more in reach than before. The $ 5,000 grants for moms can ensure that junior college is within reach. These schools also allow a mom to prepare for a productive career in two years or a transfer to a 4-year college. Earning an associate degree is a smart choice on the road to being a professional.