subject: Moms, Should You Earn A Junior College Degree? [print this page] Community colleges often get picked onCommunity colleges often get picked on. A 2-year college education could be exactly what a single or stay-at-home mom needs. Both academically and personally junior colleges present a wealth of options. With financial opportunity you could get the education you want and need.
Despite the jokes and put-downs, community colleges do have something to offer students who are ambitious. At a 2-year college, students can stay close to home to develop maturity or save money or even take basic courses to help determine their future majors. 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. 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. 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. A young mom could greatly benefit from being rewarded for her efforts in high school. Even with some expenses paid, the scholarship for moms can be used to pay for travel expenses, childcare and other school-related expenses.
The course offerings at many community colleges now more closely resemble those at traditional 4-year institutions. Many 2-year schools give their high-achieving students the chance to enroll in the school's honors program. The standard teachings at 4-year schools are increasingly becoming the templates for smaller community colleges. A good example is the junior college that offers study credits in places such as London and French Polynesia. Since junior colleges are state- and locally-funded, it helps them as well when they offer intriguing courses and can attract top students.
The federal grant money for mothers will give an important boost to the women who want to go to school. 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 quality associate degree could lead to great career development.
