subject: Mothers, Should You Earn a Junior College Degree? [print this page] Junior colleges frequently get a bad rapJunior colleges frequently get a bad rap. If you're a hard-working mom, however, the junior college environment may be exactly what you're looking for. Two-year colleges present many interesting possibilities for gaining an education. 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. Strong course work, lower tuition and geographic nearness are three of the best characteristics of community colleges. Young mothers who recently graduated high school obviously benefit from this situation, but so also do older mothers. 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. One of the biggest attractions to junior colleges is the financial savings. 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. In fact many high school graduates with a high SAT score can get a full scholarship to go to junior college. This is a significant prize for young moms who still managed to do well in 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. 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. Attending a community college is made even more accessible for mothers who have earned a Pell Grant. No matter what program she wants to study at a 2-year college, the $5,000 Scholarships for Moms award is a huge asset. Junior colleges are fully capable of producing capable professionals who move into work or go on to get an advanced degree. On the path toward your career, a 2-year degree is a good first step.
