Going Back to School?

S.,

After a divorce, I was a single mother of 3 young children like you. I chose to live poorly on child support and financial aid. There were no online degrees at that time. I qualified for "displaced homemaker" status and took all loans and grants offered. It took 5 years but at age 30, I got my degree and teacher certification. I have a huge student loan debt, but I don't regret it one bit.

I have been a public school teacher for 18 years and love it. I am a few weeks away from getting my phd in education. My youngest child is 19 now, but I have always been a single parent going to school. Of course, I worked full time after my bachelor's, but now that there's so many excellent online schools to choose from, you could probably work full time and go to school full time, since your kids are in school.

I recommend University of Phoenix online and Walden University online, but there are so many more now to choose from. Just make sure they are properly accredited, and it would be good if you know someone with personal experience. There are some disreputable online univs out there to watch out for.

Do you have an area of interest yet?

I think that big question is what degree are you going for and how long will it take. Yes you can take out extra loan money to live on - but those payements will kick in 6 months after graduation.

If the degree you are going for will land you a job that can sustain you and your family - great. But be careful of what degree you are chosing. Elementary ed is hard to get a job in. Computer stuff is difficult. Graphic design is not a great choice. So be carefull.

When I was in school full time as a single mom - I was able to work on-campus in between classes - thus still having a small income while going to school full time.

Good luck in your decision

Well i know when i went back i didn't get a lot of money for going, i to had 3 kiddos and was a full time student, so i'm not sure that is teh best option, i got about 250 a quarter after all my books and classes were paid for so while it helped out to get something it sure wouldnt' have supported us, a good option if yu do wnat to go full time but not have to stop working or juggle so much time away is to find a school that offers some of the classes online, most schools you need to take about 3 classes at a time to be considered a full time student and that is the bare minimum, but by taking the minimum number of credit hous to be a full time student you get the maximum amount of finacial aid and the biggest return because you are spending as little as allowed on classes. this is true to if you are going part time, if part time is 6 credit hours the more credits hurs you take the less finacial aid you will recieve back for books and supplies or whatever, but they do cut you a check at the end of each quater or semester of anything left over. whatever you decide good luck, i loved going back, i took two callses online and one on campus every quarter and worked full time, after i left my husband and it was tough but very rewarding, i'm now engaged and quit both the job and the schooling to be a SAHM and well yeah i really want to go back to school and finish up.

I'm a little confused by "only living on the money I get from school". Yes, you might get financial aid/loans for the courses you take but that will be money that you spend on tuition, books, and fees. I'm not sure where the extra money will be coming from.

I applaud you for taking the initiative to further educate yourself - you will not be disappointed that you did. The route you take depends on what it is you are wanting to accomplish. In my honest opinion, you should continue to keep your job and be a part-time student. You will still have income from your job plus any benefits/insurance you may receive. At the same time, if you've not been in school for a while, taking a few classes at a time won't be so overwhelming. Also, what type of degree are you wanting to receive - associates or bachelors? You might want to start at a community college with an associates first (less expensive, easier, typically have more flexible schedules with evening/weekend courses, more nontraditional students resulting in a really good peer environment for you rather than 18 year olds) then transfer your credits to an institution that would award a bachelors. In the meantime, with the associates degree you could gain an entry-level or even higher job in the career field of your interest and then work your way up. Your employer might even have fringe benefits that cover some of your tuition or continuing education costs.

Good luck to you - although it may be tough at times, focus on how rewarding (better salary and advancement opportunities not to mention how empowering it is to take charge of your education!) it will be when all is said and done.

Hi S.! Going back to school will not only help you further your career, it will also help to set a great example for your children. I got my Bachelor Degree from Franklin University in Columbus. I took online courses and classes onsite. The professors are very helpful and I had a great experience there. They go by trimesters so you have several different options. You can focus on one class for six weeks and then start another class. The six week classes are alot of work but you only have to focus on one class at a time. You can also take classes that are 18 weeks long. You would have three classes at one time but the work wouldn't be as heavy. I took the six week classes but I was only working full time and didn't have my son yet so I don't know what the best option would be for you, but I had a great experience there. The only thing is that it is a private college and alittle expensive. But I would think that you would be able to get assistance. They website is www.franklin.edu.
Good luck :)

Hi S.!

Have you thought about or looked into taking online courses? I did this through Univesity of Phoenix because I wanted to be able to stay home with my kids...there are so many advantages to doing this because you can go to class anytime, make your own schedule, and most importantly, still spend time with your kids when they are home. You never have to drive anywhere either. it's just a thought and I will say from experience that it requires a lot of dedication and there is a lot of reading.

Anyway thought this would help because you can still work, spend time with your kids and go to class 24 hours a day!

I had my son while I was still in school, only took 2 weeks off and returned. I changed my degree after having him so just graduated last fall and he turned 5 this month. I lived with my parents to help make ends meet, along with working a part time job on the weekends. I found working 2nd and 3rd shifts were better b/c I could still spend SOME time with my son. My second program had mostly adult students, many had children. Many of them married but still very difficult. Their words of advice to each other accept the mess, it's going to be there when your done with school, clean it then. Quality over quantity when it comes to time with the children. Your girls are older, doing homework while they are and such will be helpful. Other great words of wisdom I heard from people is that school is like a 9-5 job. You start at 9a, every single day during the week, wheter you have class or not. Study, do homework, prepare for the rest of the week, review a test. Over breaks throughout the day, you do the same thing. You eat lunch over school work. At 5p you leave school, as long as classes are over, and if you used your time wisely through the day, you still have all evening to spend with the kids. I personally used the time in between classes as a mental break, often working out in the schools gym because working out helps me to relaxe and regain my grasp. It can be done. It's not an easy road. But I couldnt be better off without making it through school. I absolutely love my job, and I have more time with my son now than ever before.

Go for it! I am a 35 year old single mother of 2. I resigned my full time job an began going to college full time and only working part time about 2 1/2 years ago. I don't regret it a bit. I have less free time than before yet a lot of my copurses can be done through the school online. This allows me to be home more. Yes I'm sitting at the computer a lot between work and school and I am always tired! I know this will eventually pay off.

You can do it!

S.,
I only know what it is like to be a single mother in the Geographic sence. My husband travels full time with his job and it is very difficult to juggle work and kids let alone anytime to do anything for yourself. Have you looked into online classes? My husband is currently getting his degree online. He has a very hectic work schedule so the flexibility of online classes works for him. It means alot of late nights and takes a little longer but in the end it will pay off. Good Luck!

I am a single mom of 2 boys, 8 and 10. I also just finished my B.S. in Health Information Management. I had decided to go to college before my sons had started school, but with the costs of daycare and time limits, I decided to wait until they were both in school all day. I think the ages of your daughters will help you in pursuing your education. I was very fortunate to be able to move in with my mother while I attended school full time. I would give her my student loan checks and let her claim the kids on her taxes in exchange for room/board. Having children does make going to college/studying a little more difficult, but you will find it's well worth it in the end! I'm not sure if the amount you would get from grants/loans would be enough to live on. I couldn't count on child support (still can't) but I don't know what your personal situation is. I think if you work out a budget and find something that works, go for it. Don't try to do too much, it will just stress out you and your kids. If it works out that you can go full time, then I would definately do it. If you can only afford to take a class here and there and work, then do it. Anything is better than nothing and it will only get you closer to your goal. Even if you have to start out part-time, then maybe change to full time, or vice versa. Taking at least one class every semester can only help you. But I would try to go full time, it will make it go by much faster!

I went to college right out of high school. My son was 18 months when I did this. I worked part time while going to school full time. There are plenty of programs out there to help you go to school while being a single parent. I used section 8, which is a rent assistance program. One downside to this though is that the waiting list is often over a year long in some larger cities. You could move in to income based housing, but pesonally I don't find those to be a safe environment for the kids. I also used foodstamps to make sure we had something to eat. Since your kids are all under 12, you would also be able to get daycare assistance. I would look for a daycare that transports the kids to and from their current elementary school.

One problem you may encounter with quitting work and returning to school is the time you will have to wait between when you quit your job and when you first get assistance. It's been about five years since I've been on any assistance so the laws may have changed, but I remember that volunteeringly quitting a full time job made it more difficult to get assistance and the wait was longer.

Also one side note no one may tell you about - don't get married while you're in school and getting a "full ride". I made that mistake and lost all of my grants and ended up having to pay for my final two years myself. I stuck with it though and now have a masters degree in middle childhood education. Good luck.

Could you possibly take on line classes , keep your job and still be there for your children.My friend got her Masters in counceling this way as she is physically disabled and wanted to further her education.She is a minister also.With the price of gasoline to and from and the time lost watching your children develope into young adults, I would try to find on line courses.Your Children are only young once and you don't get a second chance to watch them grow up and learn about our wonderful world.

Hi S.,

Good for you!!! Listen, my boys were about your kids' age when I worked full time at a very high-demand job, and decided to go back and get my master's degree.

There are so many options now for people wanting to get their higher education. MANY schools offer on-line education where you don't have to leave the home! Others have Saturday classes (where you can take a full-day on Saturday and get 3 or 4 classes in during that time.) Indiana Business College is a great school that works with many women in your same situation. It doesn't hurt to look at all the options, but I personally know that IBC is a great resource for helping you out.

Investigate what is in your area before you quit.

I worked full-time, was a single mom....and my boys were in TONS of activities....and then I decided I needed to get my Master's Degree. For 4 years I was gone 2 nights a week and DO NOT REGRET IT. My kids were FINE with it....I had very competent and steady help.

Find your resources and make it work! But check out all your options first before you quit your job!

GOOD LUCK!!!

S.,

I have to agree with Amy who said Franklin. I took Franklin classes to get my four year degree. They were great and if you wanted you could take 1 class every six weeks. I loved them and thought their class work was fairly easy and not only that you did from the comfort of your own home.

Please feel free to contact me about Franklin if you would like

Hi S.!

I was in the same situation a little over a year ago, I didn't have the option to quit my job, so I looked into alternative degree programs. I am not sure where you live, but I chose Indiana Wesleyan University. They have campuses all over. It is an accelerated degree program so you can take just one class at a time and still complete your degree in a timely manner. I go to class one night a week from 6-10pm, and each class lasts about 5 weeks. It has been truly a blessing for me, and I am really glad I made the decision to go back. As far as the cost goes, it is more expensive since it is a private university, but as a single mom, I was approved for different grants and loans so I didn't have to pay anything out of pocket. I also got quite a bit back for school when I filed my taxes this year, so make sure you claim it!

If you have any other questions just let me know!

A.

Been there, done that. Worked, gone to school and kept my family functioning. Difficult. Suggest because of financial stresses you do the work and school both part time - contact women's study dept at college you are considering and try to find a job placement through them. I spent 32 years working with adult students (mostly women) in your situation and know you need support. There should be advisors in some dept at the college who will put you on the right track for a both a degree and part time position. During my career had a number of interns and graduate student assistants, most of whom went on to better jobs than I had (but I liked where I was). The education is worth it, just for you and the children. Another suggestion I would make is to contact women's groups who may offer some support and network assistance. American Association of University Women, League of Women Voters, Planned Parenthood, Civic Clubs, etc. all offer some internships, scholarships, and work opportunities. Your University Student Center should have a list. R. McGaha, Ph.D.

Personally I think you should do whatever you can to go back to school. I don't think you would ever regret it. After having my daughter I was working full time and went back to school full time. I only had one to care for, and help from my husband, but it was still tough. We made it work. I did have a few women in my class that were single mom's and were so happy and proud of the decision they made. Look into different options. The school we went to was aimed at working adults. We finished a 2 year program to become Occupational Therapy Assistants. A great career with so many venues (psychology, geriatrics, pediatrics, rehab, etc.) to chose from. We had class only Monday through Thursday 8-12. So most everyone was still able to work and be with their children. I'm not saying it will be easy; but go for it. There are many schools like the one I went to with many different career options from medical assistants to therapy and legal assistants. Good Luck!

S.,
It sounds like you are really juggling a lot, as we all do! What I'd recommend is finding an online school. They are becoming much more accepted, and it allows you flexibility to do things on your time and pace. Capella has a lot of options. I heard that U of Phoenix requires daily sign ons, which may or may not work for you. US News does an annual review of online universities. It's likely that if you do a search, it will show up. Good luck!

P.

Hi S.! I am going to school online, yep thats right I take all my classes and quizes everything is done online,24/7 I can acsess my work and submit any homework I take 2-3 classes every 12 weeks I love it and I have 6 kids! They are 12,9,8,5,2,9 mos I dont work outside our home and I am currently going thru a separation with my husband, so this is orking bery good for me if you have any further question please send me a message I would be happy to answer! I was also a single mama for 8 yrs to my 4 girls(the 2 youngest I just had with my husband!) GOOD LUCK!
S.

I am a former teacher and work in the publishing field. I have talked to quite a few persons who have gotten degrees by attending an on-line school. This may work well for you since most of the work is done on-line and by meeting with a study group. Check out Pheonix University and some others.
Good luck.

I currently am a working full time mom and go to the University of Phoenix. I am considered a full time student even though I only take one class at a time. For my bachelor's program with them, I took a class every 5 weeks which kept it interesting and easy to continue, knowing that I was flying through the program. I am now back to continue my Master's program which will be a new class every 6 weeks. I have done all three ways, online (which personally is not my favorite, but works for many), flex-net (which I would prefer over online), and then on campus 1 night a week for 4 hours. This last one, I absolutely love to do. Either way works. I applaud you for wanting to go back to school. I have a 4 1/2 year old and twin 11 month olds and have been in school with all of them.

Good luck, feel free to contact me if you need support in your decision.
T.

Hello S., I think it's a great idea of thinking to go back to school. Education is always there for everyone and this is a great opportunity to take coz you never know what will happen in life. I am in the same position as you. I started early to work in different fields but never finished my studies and always think that one day i will go back to school to get a degree in something but at the end i have a family, married to a wonderful man and have also a beautiful daughter of 4 years of age but now i don;t have much time as i'm full time home mom so when my daughter will be full time in school then i will look for the opportunity to pursue a degree. So my advise is Go for it and i recon that this is great moment and dont waste it. Good luck!

It is a hard choice to decide. I know I have been there. The choice I made for my family was to go back to school. But before I made this choice, I got the rest of my family involved. I went to my parents and my sister; first I thanked them for all that they had done. I told them the problem and what the choices were. My family gave me the answer. I know I am lucky to have the support I do and not everyone has it. But the advice is still the same; go to your family and decide together. Your children will be apart of any change you do, so ask them what they think. After looking back at all the struggles, I know I made the right choice for us.

You need to think about what type of learner you are and what your schedule will allow. On-line classes can be very challenging if you are not a self-motivated learner. You may also want to look into the accelerated degree programs. The ones I am familiar with a degree completion programs. I am not sure where you are, but if you are in Central Ohio, and have never been to college before, you might consider starting at Columbus State Community College. It is the most bang for your buck ($79 per credit hour) and you can do your 1st 2 years here. They have evening, on-line, and weekend classes. Also, CSCC has agreements with some 4 year schools that you can finish your bachelor's on the CSCC campus!
I would think twice about quitting your job to go to school. The money you get from Financial Aid is not going to replace the income you get from working. You might see if you can reduce your hours or find a part time job.
Anyway you go, you have a tough choice to make.
Good luck.

I did that a few years ago, but my children were 6 and 2 at the time and it was very stressful. I went full time all year round and in the summer they cram everything in to like 8 weeks and it was way too much for me at that time, but you may be ok b/c your children are older. Weigh your options out, I was getting cs at the time and financial aide and I had a house I rented from HUD, so my rent was about $64 month plus utilities and food, but I think I got the food card at that time. It all worked out, but I never got a degree b/c going to school was too stressful and I droppped out the last semester, wish that I didn't do that, now I would have a degree. Just weigh out your options. God bless.

I'm not a single parent anymore but was for 3 years & understand the hardships that come with that role. I'm in school now fulltime & loving every tiring minute of it. I worked fulltime last quarter & did school full time. It was very full schedule & didn't leave much time to spend with my kids or husband but I don't regret it. I didn't get a whole lot of money to live on though, its a very unreliable source of income so you have to be careful of that. I filled out the form to get the leftover money I've accumulated so far about a month ago but haven't gotten it yet. My husband works so we're able to make ends meet but I know it'll be worth it in the long run. I'm at Indiana Business College Medical, I know they have online classes & they also have work study programs.

Maybe you could research online colleges. I, myself, am pursuing a business degree from AIU Online. My friend is doing the same at University of Phoenix Online (Axia College of Business). Very convenient-and they have government financing and grants, just like any other college. Check it out!