Widely regarded as the most challenging and demanding job there is, motherhood is all-consuming yet incredibly rewarding. Modern moms may find themselves caring for their children, managing a household and balancing work, making it difficult to prioritize their own educational goals.
With Mother’s Day approaching, it’s the perfect opportunity for moms to take a moment and consider themselves for a change. It’s never too late to pursue your dreams and focus on personal and professional growth. Flexible college programs for adults allow moms to advance their education while balancing the needs of their families.
Why More Mothers Are Returning to College
Online learning models have made higher education more accessible and attainable, appealing particularly to working moms who are trying to earn a degree. Adult learners returning to college are often hoping to build new skills, advance their careers and achieve their personal goals.
The number of student parents is on the rise, with the Institute for Women’s Policy Research reporting that 18% of undergraduate students in the United States are raising children while pursuing their degrees. Of the 3.14 million student parents, more than 74% of them are women.
For mothers, returning to college is about more than personal fulfillment and career growth. It’s an opportunity to set a powerful example for their children about the importance of education. In fact, research published in the Research in Social Stratification and Mobility journal reveals that the children of degree-holding mothers have higher expectations of themselves, and are more likely to believe that they can and should earn a bachelor’s degree.
By working to earn their degree and by prioritizing their own personal goals, moms can show their children that hard work and dedicated effort benefit themselves and those around them.
What Going Back to School Actually Looks Like as a Mom
Knowing that you can go back to school is one thing, but fitting coursework into your life is entirely different. Online college for moms needs to go beyond flexibility and offer the support that modern mothers need. Many mothers will fit their education into their lives by studying after they finish the final bedtime story, writing an essay after school drop-off or spending a few hours on the weekend in their bedroom completing their assignments.
Before enrolling in a degree program, you will want to carefully consider its format and how it will fit into your current schedule. A fully online degree program may give you the flexibility needed to balance the needs of your family alongside your education.
When and How Will I Actually Get My Schoolwork Done?
The first thing to consider is your current availability. Your schedule will look different depending on your children’s ages, your current work responsibilities and your role in the home. Online college programs for mothers provide you with the opportunity to study early in the morning before the kids wake up, while they are in school or in the evenings when another parent or caregiver can step in.
As you look into online programs, consider the following:
- Your daily routine and pockets of time that you have available.
- Your personal learning style.
- The support systems that you have in place.
Reflecting on your availability can help you decide what course load is manageable and sustainable at this stage of your life.
What Type of Schedule Will Work for My Life Right Now?
There is no single definition of motherhood, and every mom works tirelessly to ensure that she is doing the best for her own family. So, naturally, there is not a single format type that works well for all mothers. You need to carefully evaluate and consider the degree program structure that is best for you.
You may find that taking one course at a time at a slow and steady pace allows you to achieve that delicate sense of balance without feeling overwhelmed, or you may find that an accelerated pace lets you streamline your path toward your professional goals.
There are a variety of online degrees for working parents available, including full-time, part-time and accelerated programs, giving you the ability to find a format that accommodates your lifestyle.
What Kind of Support Will I Need to Stay on Track?
It’s important to know that you do not have to begin your academic journey alone. As moms are always saying, it takes a village to raise a family, but it also takes a village to support a mom. With structured support systems in place, such as help from family, a flexible work schedule or accessible student services, your education becomes more attainable.
Choosing an online degree program that offers access to wellness services is essential when going back to school as a parent. Holistic support can help you manage the physical, emotional and mental load of balancing your education and motherhood.
The Career Benefits of Continuing Your Education
The evidence that earning a degree benefits you both professionally and personally is undeniable. The College Board notes that higher levels of education are linked to increased earning potential and better employment outcomes, though outcomes vary significantly based on a student’s preferred area of study, location and career goals.
Beginning a degree program is a great start, with college-level coursework introducing moms to advanced topics that can help them develop crucial skills for career advancement. However, completion matters. Students who finish their programs and earn their degrees will see the highest returns on their investment.
Making an informed choice when returning to college as a mom lets you enroll in a program that appeals to your interests and strengths as well as aligns with your personal and professional goals. By selecting a degree program that correlates to a growing sector, such as healthcare, business, education or technology, you may be able to pursue positions that offer advancement opportunities and long-term stability.
How Going Back to School Can Influence Your Family and Future
If you are feeling like an investment in yourself is selfish, then think again. Returning to college as a mom benefits not only you, but also your children and your family as well. Your degree program may open up new career opportunities for you, which could lead to higher earnings or improved stability over time. This creates a home environment that is solid and secure, which can impact the physical and emotional well-being of everyone in your family.
Scholars Strategy Network notes that moms who earn a degree can not only improve their current circumstances, but shape the future of their children as well. Findings indicate that there may be a correlation between educational attainment of mothers and the earning potential of their children as adults.
In addition, college programs for mothers can foster a lasting, deep sense of fulfillment that can make you a happier, more present mom at home.
Being able to go to school online has helped me tremendously. I am a mommy, wife and a full-time worker. There was no time for me to attend in person these past few years, so having the option to attend online has helped me to meet deadlines more efficiently and have the flexibility to learn and become more successful.”
Shannon C., Rowan Online psychology graduate
No matter where you are at in your motherhood journey, continuing your education can be a meaningful step forward in your life. It’s an experience that shapes who you are, not only as a mother but as a person who wants to contribute to their community.
Take the Next Step Toward Your Goals
Mother’s Day is a celebration of the strength and resilience of moms everywhere, and it can also be a moment of reflection. As you enjoy your breakfast in bed and contemplate the sweet cards and gifts that you are given, take some time to consider your personal goals and hopes for the future. Now may be the perfect time to consider returning to college as a mom.
Rowan Online is the fastest-growing public research institution in the Northeast, and it is known for its flexible degree programs for parents. The online degree programs and supportive learning environments at Rowan Online ensure that working parents have access to the tools and resources they need to thrive.
Your education can fit into your life, no matter how busy it is right now. Taking the next step and returning to college as a mom can be the best investment that you make in yourself and in the lives of your children.
About Rowan Online
Rowan Online empowers learners throughout the region with high-quality, accessible and affordable online education backed by the innovation and forward-thinking of Rowan University. Rowan’s flexible online programs seamlessly connect students to award-winning faculty and industry leaders, comprehensive student support services and academic resources—no matter where they are. In collaboration with Rowan’s nationally ranked colleges and schools, Rowan Online delivers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs in high-demand, future-focused fields. Guided by employer insight and industry-driven curriculum, Rowan Online prepares students to excel in a rapidly evolving workforce and lead in their professions and communities.