subject: Mothers: Know Your Junior College Financial Aid Options [print this page] To many people junior college isn't "real" school. For women with children, 2-year colleges actually have some tremendous advantages. Community colleges welcome bright students, and they have many benefits to offer. Chances for financial assistance increase the potential for community colleges to attract quality students.
For a long time 2-year colleges have seemed like schools to go to in order to waste time and money. In reality many community colleges offer stimulating classes and often are right in your back yard. Mothers who work could especially benefit from the 2-year college system. For moms who want to gain knowledge and degrees, the Obama scholarships for mothers are a strong financial benefit. 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 with a $5,000 Pell Grant for a mother, saving money is always important. Consider that most college and university educations cost tens of thousands of dollars, but that isn't so at junior colleges. 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. A student can use the mom grant to pay for any school or school-related costs.
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. The standard teachings at 4-year schools are increasingly becoming the templates for smaller community colleges. Some schools with high achievement have been able to develop unique study abroad opportunities. 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. Two years of study and training at a community college has many career benefits.
