subject: Moms: Earn Your Degree at a Junior College [print this page] Community colleges often get picked onCommunity colleges often get picked on. For busy moms community college can be a wonderful idea. There are a number of academic and personal benefits to attending a junior college, and these schools eagerly welcome high-achievers. With financial opportunity you could get the education you want and need. It's a big myth that junior colleges aren't for serious students. Strong course work, lower tuition and geographic nearness are three of the best characteristics of community colleges. The community college system is ideal for moms who don't have a lot of time or extra money on their hands. 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. The $5,000 grant is a huge bonus for going to college. The most important reason for many who attend a community college is the lower costs. Even having a $5,000 award doesn't take away from the wisdom of trying to save money. At a 4-year institution the cost of attendance could be 30,000 a year or more. 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. 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. Some schools with high achievement have been able to develop unique study abroad opportunities. The exciting variety of classes that a student can take will only help as he or she moves on to a 4-year school or into the working world. A community college education is well within reach for a mom who has earned an education grant. Attending a junior college allows a mom to save some money even as she has the bonus of a $5,000 mom scholarship. Going to school in a less pressurized environment can greatly affect performance and make achievement seem more attainable. Two years of study and training at a community college has many career benefits.
