subject: Mothers, Should You Earn A 2-year Degree? [print this page] To many people junior college isn't "real" school. For women with children, 2-year colleges actually have some tremendous advantages. Both academically and personally junior colleges present a wealth of options. With financial opportunity you could get the education you want and need.
In the past the dominating perception has been that community colleges are for slackers or students who cant get admitted to real colleges. In reality many community colleges offer stimulating classes and often are right in your back yard. The flexibility and opportunity are great for moms who want to go to school. Started in 2009, the Scholarships for Moms program helps to enroll moms in colleges and universities of all kinds. Getting $5,000 can go a long way toward earning a professional degree.
The most important reason for many who attend a community college is the lower costs. A $5,000 Pell Grant doesn't remove financial burdens, but it can certainly alleviate them. The tuition at a community college is tens of thousands of dollars cheaper than big 4-year universities. Furthermore, community colleges frequently offer full-ride scholarships to high school students with high standardized test scores and GPA. 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.
At junior colleges many students will find that they have study opportunities that are similar to 4-year schools. A 2002 New York Times article found that 168 junior colleges have an honors program. 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. All of these diverse courses and study opportunities expand students knowledge and help them enroll in 4-year colleges.
Grants for ambitious moms will certainly make junior colleges even more attainable. Attending a junior college allows a mom to save some money even as she has the bonus of a $5,000 mom scholarship. Community colleges can be great training grounds for attendance at 4-year colleges as well as for entering the work force. A 2-year associate degree is a great start to sound career development.
