subject: Know Your Junior College Financial Aid Options [print this page] Junior colleges frequently get a bad rapJunior colleges frequently get a bad rap. Trying to attend school as a mother, however, means seriously looking into junior college options. Both academically and personally junior colleges present a wealth of options. With financial opportunity you could get the education you want and need.
In the past the dominating perception has been that community colleges are for slackers or students who cant get admitted to real colleges. There are actually some very enticing benefits to go to these schools, including the lower tuition costs. This is perfect for young moms who are recently out of high school as well as older working or stay-at-home moms who want to return to school. Started in 2009, the Scholarships for Moms program helps to enroll moms in colleges and universities of all kinds. 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. The cost of attendance at junior colleges is often half that of 4-year schools. 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 scholarship based on achievement is a huge incentive for many ambitious teenage mothers. 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. According to a 2002 New York Times article, 168 community colleges maintain honors programs. 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. The benefit is that students gain a broader perspective of the world, and colleges are able to attract more students.
Attending a community college is made even more accessible for mothers who have earned a Pell Grant. The local college scene is a great place to make use of the $5,000 Pell Grant for moms. These schools also allow a mom to prepare for a productive career in two years or a transfer to a 4-year college. Two years of study and training at a community college has many career benefits.
