Motherhood is a blessing, but with every blessing comes its challenges. One such challenge is the pursuit of higher education. Attending college campus courses can prove very difficult for mothers, especially those with young children. However, there is a way to further your education at home while juggling your other responsibilities: online education!
Advantages of Online Education
Online education is on the rise as more and more colleges offer full degree programs entirely online. There are many advantages to online education, especially for multitasking moms. Courses are completed entirely online and therefore, are more accommodating to busy schedules. This flexibility allows mothers to work at their own pace and on their own time.
Online schooling is also less expensive than most on-campus education. Courses are typically paid per credit hour and tuition does not include any on-campus costs such as housing, meal plans, and course fees.
A Few Online Programs to Explore
There are many online programs that are well-organized and offer a variety of degree options worth looking into. To help you get started on the search for the right option for you, here are a few affordable schools with excellent online degrees programs.
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
SNHU is NEASC accredited and is considered one of the top ten best online colleges. It has over two hundred online degree programs and offers Associate’s through Masters degrees. Some examples of their programs include:
- Accounting and Finance
• Creative Writing and English
• Education
• Healthcare
• Marketing
• Nursing
• Psychology and Counseling
• Public Administration and Political Science
In terms of affordability, they allow transferrable credits, have accelerated degree programs that allow you to finish your degree faster (saving you money), and offer financial aid for qualifying students. For a more exact estimate of costs, you can request information through their website.
The University of Central Florida (UCF)
UCF is rated the number one online school of 2017 by Best Colleges. This school has an extensive online program with over eighty online degrees and certificates. Their courses are taught by the same faculty found on campus, which ensures consistency and quality in your degree. They also offer a small selection of doctorate programs in Nursing and over twenty certificates. If a full degree program doesn’t appeal or apply to you, consider exploring certifications from a variety of subjects. At UCF, some of their certifications include:
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Event Management
• Fundraising
• Nonprofit Management
• Nursing Education
• Professional Writing
The average tuition cost for UCF depends on the program you select, and can be found here. Many of their programs can be completed within one year, keeping tuition costs low and your degree more attainable.
Western Governors University
WGU is an innovative, fully accredited, and affordable online university. They offer half the cost of many other online universities and their average bachelor’s degree completion is estimated as less than three years. They offer flexible, individualized pacing and personalized one-on-one faculty support. They offer degree programs in:
- Teaching
- T.
- Business
- Health
Arizona State University (ASU)
Another school to consider is ASU, offering over one hundred fully online degree programs. Their online programs are adapted from their on-campus courses and encourage student collaboration and interaction with on-campus faculty, all from the comfort of your own home. Tuition depends on your program, is charged per credit hour, and does not consider state residency. This means that no matter where you live, the cost is the same. They also don’t charge any additional program fees. Their program offers undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as certificates. Some examples of programs are:
- Business-Tourism
• Communication
• Community Advocacy and Social Policy
• Family and Human Development
• Nursing
• Nutrition
• Teaching ESL
Whether it is one of the programs listed above or another, there are hundreds of accredited and substantial online programs to choose from when pursuing your higher education. Motherhood does not mean the end to lifelong learning. Through online programs, you can continue to pursue your educational goals from the comfort of your own home.
