The Enduring Benefits of Mothers Returning to College
The decision for mothers to return to college is a multifaceted one, laden with considerations of time, finances, and family responsibilities. However, the benefits of pursuing higher education as a mother extend beyond personal fulfillment, creating a ripple effect that positively impacts children, families, and communities. This article explores the various advantages of mothers going back to college, offering insights and guidance for those considering this transformative journey.
Balancing Act: Addressing the Challenges
Mothers contemplating a return to education often face significant hurdles. The high costs of tuition and childcare, coupled with existing work responsibilities, can make the prospect seem daunting. Studies indicate that single mothers in college, who represent a substantial portion of student-parents, face unique financial challenges. A large majority of single mothers are unable to contribute to college costs: 81 percent report an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $0-twice the share of married mothers-meaning they have no income of their own or from their families to cover college-related expenses. Single mothers also spend a significant amount of time caring for children, which can compromise their academic success.
However, these challenges are not insurmountable. Millions of people have student loans. They’re an accessible way to pay for college if you can’t pay for your tuition upfront. Student parents can reduce college costs by applying for scholarships, attending school part-time, and taking out student loans. You don’t have to choose between financial stability and an education.
Financial Strategies for Moms in College
Moms interested in going back to college shouldn’t stop themselves because of the cost. Explore your options to offset tuition and childcare costs. Several avenues exist to alleviate the financial burden of higher education for mothers:
Scholarships and Grants
Scholarships are loans you don’t need to pay back - so they’re free money. They can range from just $100 to thousands of dollars. Applying for scholarships tailored for moms or single parents can increase your likelihood of winning because fewer people apply. Grants, like scholarships, give you money you don’t need to pay back in most circumstances. The difference between them is grants are usually need-based, and scholarships are usually merit-based.
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- Scholarships for Moms: These awards, specifically designed for mothers, can significantly reduce tuition expenses. Examples include the Beatrice F. Kroesche Memorial Scholarship, the "Mom to Scholar" Scholarship for Mothers, and The Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation Scholarship. The university you’re attending may also offer scholarships or grants exclusively available to moms - so contact your financial aid office to find out. The office can also connect you with state-specific grants for moms or single parents.
- Need-Based Grants: Grants, often need-based, provide financial assistance that does not require repayment. Federal grant programs like the Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) can provide substantial aid. The maximum amount for the 2024-2025 school year is $7,395. The amount can vary between $100 to $4,000 per year.
Student Loans
Student loans, while requiring repayment, offer an accessible way to finance education when upfront payment is not feasible. Federal student loans are generally preferable due to their lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options compared to private loans.
Employer Assistance
If you already have a job, your employer may offer benefits to help employees pay for college. Employers aren’t required to offer any educational benefits. But when they do, it usually comes in the form of student loan repayment programs. Employers may also offer student loan financing or matching contributions. They can provide employees up to $5,250 in tax-exempt student loan repayment and tuition assistance. Some companies, such as Starbucks, offer comprehensive tuition coverage for employees pursuing undergraduate degrees online.
Part-Time Studies
You don’t have to attend school full time to earn a degree. You can take as few as one class a semester and still reach your goals. Spacing out your classes can make it easier to balance school and other responsibilities as a parent. A lighter course load can also allow you to spend less on childcare and spread out your tuition payments. By taking just a few classes at a time, you can also focus more on your studies instead of jamming a full-time course load into your busy schedule.
Community Colleges
The first two years at a community college and a university usually look similar. General education courses, or gen-eds, consist of introductory English, science, and math courses. If you take those classes at a community college rather than at a four-year institution, you can save a lot of money. After you take your gen-eds at a community college, you can transfer to a four-year university if you’d like. Just be sure to contact the university you want to transfer to and see if they’ll take your transfer credits for those courses. If they don’t, you may need to take them again and spend more money. Another benefit of taking gen-eds at a community college is that they often offer night classes. This flexibility can help moms and busy parents create schedules that best suit their needs.
Bootcamps and Certificate Programs
Depending on your goals, you may not need a college degree. Bootcamps and certificate programs may be a good alternative for you. Courses in these programs are usually condensed to a few weeks. They may offer hands-on experience, self-paced classes, and sometimes job opportunities. Bootcamps and certificate programs are also a lot less expensive than college. People don’t usually go into years-long debt because of these programs. They’re not free, but there are financial assistance options available for bootcamps and certificate programs, too. These courses of study are also becoming increasingly valuable to employers. Some employers would rather you have hands-on experience in your field with no college degree than a college degree with no experience or credentials.
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Childcare Assistance
Federal assistance: ChildCare.gov is home to a database of resources sorted by state. These programs are primarily geared toward low-income families, but other demographics like military families may also qualify for assistance.Your employer: Employers may offer a dependent care flexible spending account, which lets you put part of your paycheck into a special, pre-tax account intended for childcare expenses. Some employers also offer on-site childcare assistance.Local resources: Some nonprofits and childcare providers in your area may offer free or discounted childcare for students.
The Ripple Effect: Benefits for Children and Families
The advantages of a mother's education extend far beyond her personal achievements, positively influencing her children and family in numerous ways:
Role Modeling and Inspiration
Children naturally emulate behaviors they see modeled by their parents. If parenting by example is an effective and proven aspect of raising kids with more responsibility and integrity, then engaging with education into the adult years can set a positive example for your little ones. Ultimately, when you invest in your own education, you are equipping your children with a model for lifelong learning. Children of educated parents are more likely to be open-minded and enthusiastic about their own pursuit of knowledge. A mother's pursuit of education demonstrates the value of lifelong learning, inspiring children to pursue their own educational goals.
Improved Academic Outcomes
Parents who remain engaged with their own education into adulthood are often more adept and helping their children complete their homework, improve their vocabularies, study for tests, and effectively “advocate for themselves," according to a study from the Scholars Strategy Network. When it comes to a child's thirst for knowledge, your education matters not only by way of example but also in your capacity to teach in your own right. You can pass on information, share wisdom and insight, and help your children grapple with abstract ideas and other tough concepts. A mother's education positively impacts a child's vocabulary, reading and math scores, and overall college attendance. Studies suggest that a mother's college attendance has a significant effect on a number of child educational outcomes, including vocabulary, reading and math scores, and college attendance. They report that the positive effects for children are large enough to mitigate any negative effects of low-income.
Economic Stability and Mobility
Parents with a college degree are more likely to find employment, thereby creating more stability for their family, thereby leading to greater economic mobility for their children. A higher level of education often translates to increased earning potential and improved financial stability for the family. Research shows that parents who earn a higher income tend to have children who earn higher incomes as well. But the correlation is not just about wealth-it's about education. This can lead to better access to healthcare, safer neighborhoods, and more opportunities for children.
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Enhanced Parenting Skills
Being a good student makes one a better teacher. Thus, parents who remain engaged with their own education into adulthood are often more adept and helping their children complete their homework, improve their vocabularies, study for tests, and effectively “advocate for themselves," according to a study from the Scholars Strategy Network. Education equips mothers with valuable skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication, which can enhance their parenting abilities.
Breaking Generational Cycles
Mothers' postsecondary attainment increases children’s likelihood of attending college themselves. A study by Attewell and Lavin (2007) shows that even when controlling for predisposing social and demographic characteristics, a mother’s college attendance has a significant effect on a number of child educational outcomes, including vocabulary, reading and math scores, and college attendance. They report that the positive effects for children are large enough to mitigate any negative effects of low-income. Education can transform not only your life, but the lives of your family, too. By pursuing higher education, mothers set a precedent for future generations, demonstrating the value and attainability of academic achievement.
The Broader Impact: Community and Society
Increasing postsecondary attainment among single mothers would have broad economic benefits beyond the benefits to families. College graduates contribute more in taxes than their peers with high school diplomas (Baum, Ma, and Payea 2013), and are less likely to access public benefit programs (London 2006). An increase in the number of single mothers with postsecondary education can also increase the supply of skilled workers to fill in-demand occupations.families and communities. The benefits of mothers returning to college extend beyond the family unit, contributing to the overall well-being of communities and society:
Economic Growth
College graduates contribute more in taxes than their peers with high school diplomas (Baum, Ma, and Payea 2013), and are less likely to access public benefit programs (London 2006). An increase in the number of single mothers with postsecondary education can also increase the supply of skilled workers to fill in-demand occupations. Higher education leads to a more skilled workforce, driving economic growth and innovation.
Reduced Reliance on Public Assistance
Individuals with higher education levels are less likely to rely on public assistance programs, reducing the burden on taxpayers.
Increased Civic Engagement
College-educated adults engage more with their communities than those without degrees (Bureau of Labor Statistics 2016; Dee 2004). Education fosters civic responsibility and encourages active participation in community affairs.
Navigating the Time Squeeze: Strategies for Success
While the benefits of mothers returning to college are undeniable, it's crucial to acknowledge the potential time constraints and develop strategies for managing them effectively:
Time Management and Prioritization
Between managing your family’s busy schedule and maybe even balancing multiple jobs, you’ll want to be sure to find a college with ample resources that can help you be successful as you pursue a degree. Effective time management is essential for balancing academic pursuits with family responsibilities. Prioritizing tasks, creating a schedule, and utilizing time-saving techniques can help alleviate the time squeeze.
Seeking Support
University of Massachusetts Global graduate Dr. Marilyn Martinez Saucedo grew up learning the importance of leaning on loved ones for support. Her parents are Cuban immigrants who were always working to build a better life for their children, and they frequently relocated. “I became the first person in my family to go to college, to graduate and to earn a master’s degree,” Dr. Martinez Saucedo says. “I credit my parents for that. Enlisting the support of family, friends, and community resources can provide valuable assistance with childcare, household chores, and emotional support.
Online and Flexible Learning Options
The rise of online degree programs makes it easier and more practical than ever before. Now, you can take university classes from anywhere, at a pace that doesn't detract from your parenting duties. Online education offers flexibility and convenience, allowing mothers to pursue their studies without disrupting their family lives.
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