Mothers: Earn a Degree at a 2-Year College

Mothers: Earn a Degree at a 2-Year College
Junior colleges frequently get a bad rap. If you’re a hard-working mom, however, the junior college environment may be exactly what you’re looking for. Both academically and personally junior colleges present a wealth of options. Chances for financial assistance increase the potential for community colleges to attract quality students. For a long time 2-year colleges have seemed like schools to go to in order to waste time and money. The truth is that junior colleges are a welcoming environment that is usually close to home, relatively inexpensive and full of challenging course offerings. 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. Started in 2009, the Scholarships for Moms program helps to enroll moms in colleges and universities of all kinds. There are few better financial aid opportunities than a $ 5,000 grant. One of the biggest attractions to junior colleges is the financial savings. Even with a $ 5,000 Pell Grant for a mother, saving money is always important. Usually the tuition and fees at a junior college are more than 50% less expensive than many colleges and universities. Having high SAT scores and GPA could result in a 2-year college paying through scholarships for that bright student to come to that school. A young mom could greatly benefit from being rewarded for her efforts in high school. Whether you receive a school scholarship or not, the Pell Grant can be used to pay for most school-related expenses. 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. According to a 2002 New York Times article, 168 community colleges maintain honors programs. Certain community college are beginning to mirror the syllabi at big-name colleges and universities. One 2-year school in the Times article encouraged and provided opportunity to study abroad in various places. All of these diverse courses and study opportunities expand students’ knowledge and help them enroll in 4-year colleges. Attending a community college is made even more accessible for mothers who have earned a Pell Grant. Even as they benefit from a $ 5,000 grant, mothers can reap the financial savings benefits of going to a small local college. Whether you want to eventually earn an advanced degree or want to go into a business or industry, junior college can help you achieve that goal. A quality associate degree could lead to great career development.