subject: How The Obama Grant Can Help You, Moms [print this page] Community colleges often get picked onCommunity colleges often get picked on. Trying to attend school as a mother, however, means seriously looking into junior college options. Both academically and personally junior colleges present a wealth of options. Add in a financial advantage or two and your education is within reach.
It's a big myth that junior colleges aren't for serious students. There are actually some very enticing benefits to go to these schools, including the lower tuition costs. The community college system is ideal for moms who don't have a lot of time or extra money on their hands. The federal education grants for mothers are helping ambitious mothers take the classes they need to earn degrees. Earning $5,000 to help pay for school is a very attractive offer.
The most important reason for many who attend a community college is the lower costs. Even with a $5,000 Pell Grant for a mother, saving money is always important. The tuition at a community college is tens of thousands of dollars cheaper than big 4-year universities. In fact many high school graduates with a high SAT score can get a full scholarship to go to junior college. This is good news for a teen mother who wouldnt find it feasible to attend a university even if she has the high test scores to allow it. 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. Many 2-year schools give their high-achieving students the chance to enroll in the school's honors program. 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. Since junior colleges are state- and locally-funded, it helps them as well when they offer intriguing courses and can attract top students.
Attending a community college is made even more accessible for mothers who have earned a Pell Grant. The local college scene is a great place to make use of the $5,000 Pell Grant for moms. These schools also allow a mom to prepare for a productive career in two years or a transfer to a 4-year college. A 2-year associate degree is a great start to sound career development.
