subject: Know Your Community College Financial Aid Options [print this page] To many people junior college isn't "real" school. A 2-year college education could be exactly what a single or stay-at-home mom needs. Two-year colleges present many interesting possibilities for gaining an education. Financial aid is a common concern, but taking care of that is part of the package as well.
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. Mothers who work could especially benefit from the 2-year college system. The federal education grants for mothers are helping ambitious mothers take the classes they need to earn degrees. A $5,000 award to return to school is a huge incentive.
One of the biggest attractions to junior colleges is the financial savings. Even with a $5,000 Pell Grant for a mother, saving money is always important. The tuition at a community college is tens of thousands of dollars cheaper than big 4-year 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. 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 many schools the gap is closing between the classes that 2-year colleges offer and those that are offered at big liberal arts universities. Honors programs at colleges are often a symbol of success, and a 2002 New York Times report found that many junior colleges offer these programs. One particular school in Arizona even had various overseas study opportunities. Some schools allow students to study subjects like philosophy and cultural art in places around the world. These quality academic opportunities can help students as they work toward further degrees and as they develop their careers.
With scholarships for mothers, junior colleges are even more in reach than before. Even as they benefit from a $5,000 grant, mothers can reap the financial savings benefits of going to a small local college. 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.
