Traits for moms to look for in colleges
July 11, 2012
When applying to colleges, it's important to examine the programs for parents. While some schools may not offer much assistance for moms like you, others can provide support that will help you succeed when you return to university. Here are some characteristics to look for:
Places for children
If you're considering living on campus, see if any colleges provide family housing options. For example, Wilson College in Pennsylvania has family-friendly on-campus housing to help enrolled moms pursue higher education more easily. Moms staying at home can consider colleges with campuses that include areas for children. Daycare centers may help when you're in class, and parks and playgrounds mean you could make a visit to mom's school a family adventure.
Activities and events
Orientations can give you a feel for the program and allow you to meet other moms in the same situation. Scroll through a list of activities and organizations the college offers to check if your family could be involved with your education. For online courses, maybe there's a study group to join or an information session to attend.
Financial aid
Universities that offer financial aid for moms are an option worth considering. Be sure to look into the awards each college supplies and determine the best choice for your current economic circumstances. If you have trouble finding a school that has scholarships for parents, apply for the Federal Pell Grants and search online for other opportunities like awards offered by the Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation.
Support system
No matter where you go, it's nice to have a community of support. That could include a college that offers weekly gatherings of moms or, for online courses, a forum or blog on the web that lets you listen to and share advice. Many schools have counselors for parents who have returned to school. Simply knowing you can email your concerns to a trusted professor or fellow mom can help as you pursue your degree.
Programs providing support like Champlain College's Single Parents Program have proven successful. According to USA Today, in 2012, over 500 students had earned a degree through this Vermont university's program geared toward moms and dads.
Applying to college does require the schools to choose you as a student, but it also means moms have to select the university that works best for them.
