College can be one of the best ways for individuals to improve their professional qualifications and reach higher level jobs. Many parents can increase their earning potential by completing a traditional or online degree program, but many fathers and mothers may worry that the time commitment could interfere with raising their child.
The City Wire of Fort Smith, Arizona recently reported on a group of parents who went back to school after years away from education. One mother said that she struggled through a string of dead-end jobs for years without ever finding satisfactory work or pay.
She told the news source it was difficult to balance her school work and family responsibilities, as well as pay tuition on top of regular bills. However, her decision to go back to school has made a positive impact on her earning potential that will offset these costs.
You could be earning more money, too. All it takes is to make the decision to earn a degree, like this mother did. Plus, if you choose an online school you may have an easier time balancing your course load and time with your family.
This is because online courses can be taken at home on your time. Many online colleges even offer courses that are asynchronous, which means that you don’t have to sign in at a particular time. You can even go to class at two in the morning if you need to!
September 13, 2010
Ultimately, going back to college is beneficial when earning a degree that pays a higher salary. For those who cannot afford the money or juggle the responsibilities of a family and college, online school makes it easier by being less costly and letting the parent learn from home while caring for their family. Are there any statistics on the graduation rate of parent’s who attend online school?
October 4, 2010
Online courses sound convenient, but how long do the courses run?
October 8, 2010
Online courses are often between 5-16 weeks, depending on your school’s online course program.
October 18, 2010
If I decided to get my degree online would I be able to communicate with other students or instructors for help?
October 18, 2010
I’m sending this article to my best friend. She would love to get a better job than waitressing but I don’t think she believes there is really a way to do it with 2 kids. I hope this will inspire her!
October 26, 2010
Hi Fran. Yes you would, most online courses use discussion boards and online chat tools to stay connected with classmates and professors.
November 20, 2010
This is a really good idea. My sister is a single mom who really needs to be able to earn a better income. Right now she is working really hard in a retail store and is exhausted when she gets home. She really does not earn enought to take care of her kids. I am going to send her this article. Would she be eligible for financial help?
November 28, 2010
For single moms, there is no doubt that getting a degree and having a career is the only way to go. The biggest problem, in my opioion is paying for school when you have kids to support. Is there financial aid for single moms?
November 28, 2010
Getting my degree was my priority when I found myself divorced with two kids. My ex was not able to even pay child support. Taking my classes online was the answer to my prayers. Now I teach school and can be home when my kids get home.
November 28, 2010
Online education has opened a whole new spectrum to the world of a single mom! What kind of scholarships or grants are available for moms? If there are any! lol
December 11, 2010
After finding myself divorced with two children, I was forced to work in a hair salon behind the desk. It was the worst experience of my life, but I need to support my kids. There was no such thing as online classes at the time, so I went to school at night after working all day. Then I go a great job and my life changed. Wish there had been online classes at the time.
December 11, 2010
Single mothers can improve their lives and the lives of their children if they go back to school and get an online degree.
December 11, 2010
Not online is it a great improvement in the lives of single moms, but it sets a great example for the kids.
December 20, 2010
I recently finished my associates degree at an on campus school and want to go back online to get my bachelors. Can I get financial aid, even though my grades were not that good.
December 20, 2010
I had a really bad experience with online classes. I tried taking a class and got really sick in the middle of it. I was in the hospital for two months and now I have lost my payment and did not get credit for the class. Is there anything I can do?
January 5, 2011
Hi Ford: Depending on the school, if you have the documentation to back up the fact that you were ill for two months they might be able to work with you. I would speak to an advisor at the school or perhaps someone from student services. If anything, they may let you take the course again for credit.
January 12, 2011
Having been a single mother myself I have to say that going back to school to get my degree is the wisest choice I ever made. I was then able to take care of my kids, buy a house, and become independent. I would advise this for all single moms.
February 19, 2011
I am a single mother who struggled for many years to put food on the table. Then I got a job working for a company that pays for tuition and got my degree in technology. Now I have a great job and am making enought to support myself and my children. I went to school at night, if only they had online school, what a difference it would have made.
February 19, 2011
I am a single mom and as thinking about getting my college degree, but cannot afford babysitters for my kids. I am thinking that online school may be the perfect solution. Can I take the classes at my own convenience?
February 19, 2011
Online school sounds like a perfect solution for a single working mother. How difficult is it to get financial aid for online school?
March 11, 2011
Hi Ellen. Yes you can. That is what is great about online courses, they fit around your scheduling needs.
March 16, 2011
Hi Martha. Financial aid is based most often on the needs of the student rather than merit (their grades). Make sure you find need-based scholarships and grants instead of ones that require a high GPA, test scores etc. Good luck!
March 16, 2011
Hi MaryJane. Eligibility and your chances at obtaining financial can vary widely on your current income, the type of aid you’re applying for, your current status in school and more. Financial aid applications can take time to file, but in the long run they are worth it. Financial aid applications can take time to file, but in the long run they are worth it.
June 23, 2011
Hi Carrie! there are tons of scholarships and grants available for moms. Check out our free guide to grants and scholarships to see what you may be eligible for. Also, check out scholarship websites like Fastweb to find other scholarships you may be able to apply for.
July 19, 2011
Hey Brad, there is a possibility your sister will be eligible for a scholarship, grant or student loan to help her pay for school. Check out our financial aid page to learn more about all the options your sister could take advantage of. Good luck!
August 9, 2011
Hi Wilson. Unfortunately we don’t know of any data that looks into how many parents attend online schools and graduate. I’d recommend talking to someone at the school you may plan on attending to see if they have information and graduation rates there.
January 31, 2012
Hi Eddie. There are many factors that go into determining whether or not you would be eligible for financial aid. Scholarships and grants may look at age, financial need, merit, and other determining factors. I’d suggest speaking with a financial advisor at the institute you are considering to see what forms of financial aid you may be eligible for. Good luck!