Single parents may not be able to meet their families’ needs without a college degree, new research suggests. However, online college offers a perfect solution for busy parents who have little time to spend traveling to campus schools but want to get education in order to increase their salaries. Plus, grants for single parents make going to school much more affordable.
According to Boston-based news channel ABC 7, a recent study from the Crittendon Women’s Union suggests that a single parent with two children needs to make an annual income of $62,000 in order to survive without public assistance in Massachusetts.
Furthermore, the report indicated that there are only 11 jobs that require no more than two years of college that can enable workers to achieve this income. These positions included jobs in the computer and data systems, healthcare, office and administrative support, protective services as well as sales sectors.
As a result, individuals who wish to provide for their families while launching a fulfilling career may want to consider taking free online classes or enrolling in online degree programs that can help them pursue higher education without neglecting their existing responsibilities.
Single parents who worry that entering similar programs may jeopardize their ability to cover the bills may be able to receive financial aid through single mothers grants or other scholarship programs.
April 15, 2010
would like to start a carrer in nursing. provide a good future for my child. single mother looking for an opportunity to better my career and my future.
April 19, 2010
Hi Perla! There are schools out there that provide the training you need to become a nurse. Check out this page on nursing schools to learn more.
April 21, 2010
I have been thinking about going back to school to get a degree as a medical coding and billing specialist. My hesitation is that I am a single mother and have a good job that I don’t want to loose. It is realistic to think I can do it online? Also, as an adult, can I get financial aid?
April 27, 2010
Going to class online takes so much of the stress out of college when you are working and taking care of children. No one wants to go to class after working all day. It’s so much less stressful, going home, changing into pj’s and taking you class in your own home.
April 27, 2010
I am a single parent struggling to raise my child and work. I would like to get my degree in teaching and going to school online will allow me to be home with my child after work and still get my degree. Is it possible to do your entire degree online?
May 7, 2010
Susan: Going to school online is the best option for single moms who are working. And there are many ways to get money for college including financial aid, which is also available to adults. You can find a medical coding and billing school using our college matching service.
May 7, 2010
Yes, there are many teaching degrees that are offered completely online. You can find them though our college matching service by clicking the link in this comment.
May 11, 2010
I am a working mother and am interested in getting a college degree. I have not been in school for 10 years and was not very successful at studying when I was. I feel that maybe I will be more successful at online school. Is there any study help for online students?
July 2, 2010
I have been working for the same company for 7 years and have gotten promotions. However, I know if I get my masters degree, I will go into a higher salary bracket. It is so great to realize that I can do this online in my own time. Thank you for this info.
July 14, 2010
I have always wanted to be a nurse. Unfortunately, I had to go to work right after high school and have not been able to get the money or the time to achieve my dream. Do you think it is possible to get financial aid and get my nursing degree onlline?
July 18, 2010
Working moms have so much on their plate already. Do most single working moms do well in online college?
July 27, 2010
I am a single working mother of two. I work during the day and have to pay for child care. I also get child support. All of this adds up to about $45,000. Would I be eligible for this financial aid?
January 9, 2011
As soon as I get my degree I will get an instant pay increase and will be eligible to move up to a higher level at work. As a single mom I can say that going to school online is making a huge improvement in my families life.
January 20, 2011
Hey terry. The nursing field is always in demand. You can find out more information about online nursing degrees here.
January 20, 2011
Hey Jackson. Online programs are a great alternative for single moms. They can work around their own schedule to get their degree and take courses when they have time to rather than follow a restricted campus schedule.
February 19, 2011
I recently completed my bachelors degree online and did very well. I now have a job that has enabled me to take good care of my children.
February 19, 2011
Getting my degree online was easy. Now I need to find a job. I dont know where to start.
February 19, 2011
I really am doing well at online classes. I know they are just as difficult as on campus, but it is so much more convenient.
February 21, 2011
Am I eligible to earn other forms of financial aid along with these grants for single mothers? Or is it conditional on how much my income is?
February 21, 2011
Hey Sally. Along with the grant you can file your FAFSA (fafsa.ed.gov) to see if you’re eligible for the Pell grant or student loans. You can also apply for scholarships to fund your education.
February 21, 2011
Hey Martha. You can definitely try your hand at finding some financial aid for your future either by filing a FAFSA to see if you’re eligible for grants or applying for scholarships, many of which are merit or need-based.