Mothers: Junior College and You

To many people junior college isn't "real" school. 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. Financial aid is a common concern, but taking care of that is part of the package as well.

In the past the dominating perception has been that community colleges are for slackers or students who can’t get admitted to “real” colleges. There are actually some very enticing benefits to go to these schools, including the lower tuition costs. The flexibility and opportunity are great for moms who want to go to school. Championed by President Obama in 2009, the Grants for Moms incentive is an effort to help more moms enroll in junior colleges and other schools of their choice. The $5,000 grant is a huge bonus for going to college.

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 cost of attendance at junior colleges is often half that of 4-year schools. Furthermore, community colleges frequently offer full-ride scholarships to high school students with high standardized test scores and GPA. 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.

Increasingly, the curriculums at 2-year colleges are becoming more rigorous and offering more academic opportunities. According to a 2002 New York Times article, 168 community colleges maintain honors programs. Certain community college are beginning to mirror the syllabi at big-name colleges and universities. For example, many junior colleges now offer study abroad courses in places like China and Mexico. 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. 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. A quality associate degree could lead to great career development.


 By: Fred Jackson