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It’s easy to go back to school when you don’t have any obligations, but when you add a job and kids into the mix that’s a different ballgame. There is less time and energy to devote to physically driving to school and paying attention in a class of 20 other students (who may not have a clue what you’re going through on a daily basis just to get to class).
For many mothers, the smartest move they ever made for their future happened online. They made an investment in their education that would benefit them more than they ever imagined. Earning a degree online changed the game for many mothers who simply couldn’t take time off from raising children or holding down a full-time job, and yet needed to make that career transition in order to have a better life. It was a practical and financial decision that helped them to build a more successful future for their children as well.
What the Statistics Say About Women in College
Did you know that the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that women college graduates age 25 or older earned 82 percent more than women who just held a high school diploma? The College Board has also conducted surveys on the effects of a college degree on single mothers, finding that it dramatically reduces the chance of a family going into poverty or unemployment.
Going back to school usually isn’t a choice that mothers take lightly. They have to take into consideration how it’s going to affect the most important people in their lives, and for many, school just isn’t a possibility. That was until more colleges started noticing the incredible amount of women who took online courses while in degree programs, allowing them to graduate usually ahead of the predicted graduation rate. With that kind of information, colleges began to really turn to Internet education technology, developing intelligent interfaces and sleek online school systems to really address the issues of online education that students face. Now more than ever, online degrees are the easiest way for adult learners to earn an education.
Empowering Mothers through Education
If you know you can do the work but someone just keeps passing you over because you lack the qualifications, then the strength of a degree can truly benefit your situation. Mothers are incredibly hard working individuals who have a lot of insight but without a college degree, the know-how is not going to change their circumstances.
Looking past the economic benefits of a college degree, mothers also gain more confidence and self-esteem, empowering them to be better leaders and forging their own paths. There is a sense of accomplishment that can only come with earning a degree and knowing that you are now more qualified and can pursue the career of your dreams.
In fact, researchers found that gaining a personal sense of accomplishment was the number one reason that adult students went back to school. Earning a better income ranked in at third place. A degree can change more than your salary, it can actually give you more conviction, and you know what they say, knowledge is power.
Challenging the Naysayers
It’s often intimidating for adult learners to go back to college. The class sizes are too large, there are too many young people, and class meeting times often conflict with a daily work schedule or bringing the kids home from school.
However, with an online degree , you don’t have to worry about any of these issues. You receive individualized attention, and you can work independently, focusing solely on your own assignments and studying. You never have to feel self-conscious about your age, since like you, other students in the class will also be behind a computer. There isn’t any commute or scheduling conflicts as you can pick and choose your time to schedule and complete the work. Teachers also will have more time to talk with you, and you can reach out more easily than in a traditional school setting.
Not every online degree program is created equal. If you are a mother looking for online programs, check out the program first and look for an accreditation. You should also check with your employer to see about tuition reimbursement programs. There are also specific scholarships and grants that are made for single moms and women who are headed back to school. Earning a degree online can be the key for you to get ahead in the rat race. Don’t wait until later to make a better living for you and your family. Do you have a college degree or do you want one? Do you think it has benefited you or will?
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