subject: Moms: Get A Degree At A 2-year College [print this page] Community college is often the punchline to jokes about college. For women with children, 2-year colleges actually have some tremendous advantages. Both academically and personally junior colleges present a wealth of options. Add in a financial advantage or two and your education is within reach.
A common falsehood is that only people who don't want to earn a "real" degree attend junior college. Strong course work, lower tuition and geographic nearness are three of the best characteristics of community colleges. 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. 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. A $5,000 Pell Grant doesn't remove financial burdens, but it can certainly alleviate them. Usually the tuition and fees at a junior college are more than 50% less expensive than many colleges and universities. At a 2-year college, an exceptional SAT score and GPA could earn a full scholarship. A scholarship based on achievement is a huge incentive for many ambitious teenage mothers. 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. In 2002, the New York Times reported that more than 150 junior colleges have an honors section. The standard teachings at 4-year schools are increasingly becoming the templates for smaller community colleges. 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.
With scholarships for mothers, junior colleges are even more in reach than before. The $5,000 grants for moms can ensure that junior college is within reach. These schools also allow a mom to prepare for a productive career in two years or a transfer to a 4-year college. On the path toward your career, a 2-year degree is a good first step.
