U.S. Census data shows that there are more than 8.3 million single moms in the country, and only 15% of them have college degrees.  Due to the low percentage of college degrees among single moms, only 28 percent of working single moms earn more than $40,000 per year.  If you consider the schedule of a single mom – and really, any mom for that matter, it’s no wonder why they haven’t been able to find time to earn a degree.

Thankfully, there are more options for working moms today then there ever was.  Online universities and online degree programs through traditional universities makes it possible for people who are confined by too-hectic schedules to take courses and eventually, earn their degree.  Most courses allow students to access course work, instructor lectures and notes at any time it’s convenient for them; evenings after the children are tucked away into bed, during their work lunch hour,  or on weekends.  Instead of meeting a study group, online students often meet in online chat rooms or converse through email.

Online enrollment in colleges has shown an increase annually by about 10%, while traditional enrollment in higher education has only increased 1.5% annually according to a report by Sloan Consortium in 2007.  Also, according to a Zogby study, four out of five employers/business leaders look favorably on online degrees – considering them as valuable as a traditional degree, if not more so.  Top companies are recognizing that to obtain a degree online, it takes more self direction and discipline than a traditional degree.

Online degree programs are perfect for the busy, working mother (single or otherwise!)  As a group, they tend to be more motivated and can handle the discipline necessary to succeed in their programs because they realize having a degree will open the door to benefits and opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have.  Raises, promotions, leaving a dead-end, low-income job behind and moving into higher paying industries becomes more possible with a degree to back you up.

A large concern for many moms is the inability to come up with the money to pay for education.  Most work to pay their bills and put food on the table, and provide for their children’s needs and there just isn’t enough left over to pay for college.  That’s where eLearners.com comes in.  They’ve partnered with five online schools and together they provide more than $2 million in full scholarships to both single and married working moms through the Project Working Mom: Putting Education to Work campaign.  You can apply for a scholarship on the website, www.projectworkingmom.com, and while you are there – take the time to apply to a number of other scholarship programs and financial aid options.



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