what's my best college option while being a single parent?

[thovendick]

I graduated high school in 2005 but never went to college because I didn't think I would need/ want it. Stupid decision I know. Now I'm about to have a baby and know that unless I go to college I will prolly only make $9/ hr. the rest of my life and I want to be able to offer my child so much more than that. My question is should i take classes online or go to the campus? Am I too old (22) to stay in the dorms? Are there any dorms a mother and child could stay together? Is there financial aid available for single moms? Any advice would be appreciated. Thankswow. that's all i can say to TIM i think it is. you have no right to post something like that. just because i'm pregnant doesn't make me a slut. you know nothing about me or my life or why i'm in this situation. i was looking for college advice and you didn't help one bit. what's your job by the way? working at mcdonalds? i never said i wanted to make millions. i want to be able to take care of my child who i will raise. you dumb @$$. i'm new to this so once i figure out how to report you i will. if anyone knows how to help me with that please let me know.Thanks for all the advice guys!!

[MickeyMouse]

There are actually some colleges (women only) that let you stay in dorms and have free babysitting for your kids at a daycare and give you education at a reduced cost. You should look it up. Get a copy of the most recent US News. That is where I read about it. Good luck!

[KaylaG]

There is financial aid that you can get, but I would suggest doing online classes at first till your child gets a little older. I'm not sure if there are dorms where you can stay with a baby though, some colleges have family apartments or condos where they stay on or around campus, see if your college has those and go from there. Good luck!

[mrsandersen]

online classes

[norcekri]

Yes, you can get financial aid. There are specific scholarships for women returning to school and non-traditional students. Check out your local library or bookstore for one of the two-inch-thick books on scholarships and grants.Id you really want to improve yourself for the long run, I strongly recommend the full campus experience: much of your learning at this level comes from direct interactions with your schoolmates: on politics, ethics, homework interpretation, opportunities, and the like. You are nowhere near too old to live in the dorms: we regularly had people in their 30s returning to school. Many large schools have family dorms, originally geared to young couples with up to 2 small children. Very few offer child care, however. One way or another, you're likely to need outside support: grandparents to baby-sit while you study or get involved in other activities, friends with whom you can trade off meal preparation, other parents to whom you can turn with first-child questions (such as that 3am call about a 101 fever and fanny rash).You've made the right start: "I made a mistake, I want to fix it, and I could use a little help. Where do I go?" Ignorance is correctable, as long as you don't hide it. Education begins when you learn to say "I don't know ... yet."

[caledonia]

Finishing your studies is a great idea for the your future and your baby too. I also suggest for online classes so that you will still be able to take care of your baby. But, if you are also need financial help for your studies, you can search for scholarship for single mom online, you will be able to see many options on how to have a scholarship to finish your studies.

[mom05]

Wow, so many great people telling so much great advise. I am just looking about going back to school but only doing it on-line! I am ready to prove to so many people that I am better and can do it!!! Good Luck to you all!! It isnt easy being a single mom!!

[SallySue15]

That is wonderful, mom05!

Please keep us posted on how everything is going for you and how the online classes are working out for you. Many of the ladies on this site could benefit from your experience.

Best of luck!

~Sally~

[dealsoff.com]

I would tell my kids to go to a community college for two years first and stay at home. I also tell them to get a part time job and save up. In addition I tell them to apply for financial aid.

[angie828]

Try googling online for some colleges in your area that will work with you. When my fiancee went back to school, the program he went through paid for the gas to get to his classes, plus if he had kids that needed care, they gave money for that as well. Look into GAP tuitions and see if they are available in your area.