Attending college and earning a degree is one of the best ways to give yourself a leg-up in today’s economy. But for single moms, going to a traditional college is often an unattainable goal.
Between tight finances, childcare, and finding time for family, work, and classes, getting a degree can be impossible without a lot of support. But, thankfully, schools are starting to realize the value of helping out single parents.
If you need help finding a college for single mothers, read on to learn about five of the most accommodating ones in the United States.
1. Wilson College (Chambersburg, PA)
Wilson College understands that the cost of single parenthood is high. Add that to college book rentals, tuition, and childcare, and it can quickly become too much for a single mom to take on.
To make things easier, Wilson provides scholarships, on-campus housing, and childcare so you can go to school full-time. The campus boasts 300 acres of land with a playground, creek, farm, and horse stables, so your child always has something new to explore. They also host parenting workshops and fun excursions for people in the Single Parent Scholar Program.
2. Endicott College (Beverly, MA)
Endicott College’s Keys to Degrees program seeks to educate two generations at once. The college provides single parents with tuition assistance, year-round housing for parents and children, childcare, and other types of support.
To be accepted into the program, you first have to apply for acceptance into Endicott and then mention your interest in Keys to Degrees. If accepted, you’ll be able to take classes while your child participates in early education programs.
3. Misericordia University (Dallas, PA)
Misericordia is a Catholic university that’s serious about caring for women and children. Single moms can apply for the Ruth Matthews Bourger Women with Children Program to receive all the support they need to graduate.
The program offers financial aid, childcare, family programming, academic support, and free 2-bedroom housing for four years. But be aware that only single mothers with up to two young children (2-8 years old) are eligible.
4. Berea College (Berea, KY)
Berea College provides support to single moms in a very creative way. Unlike other colleges with family housing, Berea uses its Ecovillage family living quarters to educate tenants.
With features like garden plots, solar tubes, and low-flow toilets, the Ecovillage expects all of its residents to actively participate in sustainability initiatives. You and your children will learn about living in a community while working together to protect the environment.
5. University of California, San Diego (La Jolla, CA)
Aside from the financial strain, one of the most difficult parts of attending college as a parent is scheduling classes around your other obligations. At UC San Diego, undergraduate students with children are given priority enrollment for classes, so you have the first pick of slots that best fit your schedule.
The campus also provides more support for single parents with family-centered activity areas and by welcoming children into study rooms.
Choosing the Best College for Single Mothers
Everyone, regardless of their marital or parental status, deserves a chance to get an education. And while finding a college for single mothers can be a challenge, the ones on this list are doing their part to make it easier.
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