Mothers: Earn Your Degree At A 2-year College

Mothers: Earn Your Degree At A 2-year College
Junior colleges frequently get a bad rap. Trying to attend school as a mother, however, means seriously looking into junior college options. Community colleges welcome bright students, and they have many benefits to offer. Add in a financial advantage or two and your education is within reach.

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. The flexibility and opportunity are great for moms who want to go 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. There are few better financial aid opportunities than a $ 5,000 grant.

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. 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. Teen mothers who performed well in high school should definitely take note of this. Travel expenses and housing are just a couple of the other necessary expenses that could be covered with the $ 5,000 grant.

Junior colleges are becoming much more diverse and challenging in the level of courses they have. According to a 2002 New York Times article, 168 community colleges maintain honors programs. Chances to study broad interests are also part of the developing community college landscape. Some schools allow students to study subjects like philosophy and cultural art in places around the world. The benefit is that students gain a broader perspective of the world, and colleges are able to attract more students.

Attending a community college is made even more accessible for mothers who have earned a Pell Grant. No matter what program she wants to study at a 2-year college, the $ 5,000 Scholarships for Moms award is a huge asset. Community colleges can be great training grounds for attendance at 4-year colleges as well as for entering the work force. On the path toward your career, a 2-year degree is a good first step.