Being a single parent and pursuing a degree isn’t easy. Studying on campus often isn’t possible, which means you need to find a college that offers an online degree. Not all colleges have a good range of online degrees, while others are expensive or don’t offer a lot of flexibility. Fortunately, there are some colleges out there that offer a diverse range of affordable courses – including courses directly aimed at single parents. What are some of these top colleges? This post lists 7 of the top rated.
Eastern Kentucky University
Eastern Kentucky University is a top choice among parents studying a degree. Here, you can choose from an impressive 31 online degree courses (more than any other US college). The college is also home to the Center for Student Parents, and therefore has many resources aimed at helping parents trying to study including tutoring, career guidance and help finding work placements. Tuition fees for student parents are meanwhile very low (currently $9844). This is thanks to extended institutional accreditation provided by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission On Colleges. EKU’s online student resources continue to grow each year, as well as the number of online courses they offer.
Front Range Community College
Front Range Community College in Colorado charges some of the most affordable tuition fees of any US college – $4126 for student parents. Applicants can choose from 27 online courses that cover subjects ranging from Accounting to Early Childhood Education. Another great perk offered by this college is its Single Parent Program which provides advocacy, career support and educational workshops for single parent students. Front Range’s online courses have become so renowned that 52% of its students are online. The college pleiades to offer all of its online students the ‘same services as on campus’.
Metropolitan Community College
Another popular online education option for single parents is Metropolitan Community College in Nebraska. This college offers 20 different online courses to choose from. It also provided a Single Parent Homemaker (SPH) services program, which entitled single parent students to a range of support services including financial aid and tutoring. The college’s fees of $3285 are meanwhile even lower than that offered by Front Range Community College, and remain one of its most attractive features. It’s an ideal college for single parents studying on a tight budget.
Texas Woman’s University
Many single moms choose to study a course at the Texas Womans’ University – a college focused on meeting the education needs of women. Those who study on campus are entitled to family housing options and a host of resources including childcare services and personal support. However, those studying online at this college can also benefit from many services aimed at single moms including career support and social networking support. There are 17 online courses provided by this university that range from English to Finance. Tuition fees are also only $8311.
Gateway Technical College
This Wisconsin college offers 16 online programs and low tuition fees for student parents ($4766). However, what really makes Gateway Technical College a top online education option for single parents is its Step Up program. This includes a single parent peer support group, instructional workshops, job placements and career development tools for student parents who are studying online. Gateway Technical College is accredited to award its degrees by the Higher Learning Commission.
Wilson College
Wilson College in Pennsylvania was historically a women’s college (it started accepting men in 2014) and has a 93% acceptance rate. Its Single Parent Scholar Program has made it a hit among single parents – single moms and dads who study on campus are eligible for free on-campus family-friendly housing and free child care. What about those who study online? Wilson College offers 13 online Bachelor’s degrees to choose from covering a range of subjects, as well as career services and counselling to all online students. Fees are priced at about $375 per hour, but there is financial support available.
Ferris State University
Ferris State University in Michigan offers a Keys To Degrees program aimed at single mothers. This includes offering financial aid, on-campus activities aimed at families and various types of support. This Keys To Degree program was originally kick-started by Endicott College in Maryland who provided a grant to Ferris State University. Endicott is an equally great college for single parents – but Ferris State University is much more affordable with tuition fees of $11628. Ferris State University offers a choice of 16 online Bachelor’s degrees ranging from Digital Media Software Engineering to Nursing.
