subject: Moms, Should You Get a Junior College Degree? [print this page] Moms, Should You Get a Junior College Degree?
Junior colleges frequently get a bad rap. A 2-year college education could be exactly what a single or stay-at-home mom needs. Personal benefits and academic challenges are part of the package for smart students who want to earn a degree. 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. There are actually some very enticing benefits to go to these schools, including the lower tuition costs. 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. For moms who want to gain knowledge and degrees, the Obama scholarships for mothers are a strong financial benefit. 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. Usually the tuition and fees at a junior college are more than 50% less expensive than many colleges and universities. 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. 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 many schools the gap is closing between the classes that 2-year colleges offer and those that are offered at big liberal arts universities. In 2002, the New York Times reported that more than 150 junior colleges have an honors section. Chances to study broad interests are also part of the developing community college landscape. 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. 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. Junior colleges are fully capable of producing capable professionals who move into work or go on to get an advanced degree. A 2-year associate degree is a great start to sound career development.
