Contrary to what some comedians say, having children is not the end of the world. Yes, when one is a single mom, the priorities are changed radically. Without the support—emotional, physical and financial—of a spouse, the raising and caring of a child is a lot more difficult, but a woman doesn’t have to put her life on hold…at least completely.

That’s why many single parents now consider continuing their education through an online college. Getting an online degree, especially with the number of accredited universities out there, offers a number of advantages going on campus 3-5 times a day simply can not provide.

1) An online mom can study from home. Simply register, take the course load and eventually graduate from the comfort of home with the help of grant online. You are always nearby when your child scrapes his/her knee, needs to be fed or put to bed, or even needs help with his/her homework.

* You can set your own pace – If the kids are so young that they need more supervision than their elder siblings or friends, you can decrease the workload to suit that pace. Many programs allow for part-time students. It may take a little longer before you get that online degree, but real life, aka raising your kids, still set the pace. This way you can match it.

3) Financial aid is available. Not just tuition and single mothers grants, but also things like rent, food and clothing. Sites list such aid as: Teacher Education Assistance, Pell Grant, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Academic Competitiveness Grant, National SMART Grant, Institutional Grants, Campus Based Aid (FSEOG, FWS, Perkins Loans); Stafford Loans (FEFL, Direct Loan), Plus Loans just for starters.

* Cut commuting – You save not only time, but cost, by not having to commute. By studying at home instead of going back and forth from home to work to campus, you cut the costs by approximately one third. That’s more time to both study and look after the kids.

A good way to get started, even before deciding on a school, is to consult a site like Single Moms. Sit down and learn both the advantages and obstacles that are going to come. The site will also provide excellent tips on the kind of degree you want to pursue, which schools offer them and help on getting financial aid. From there, it’s definitely a good idea to pick up the phone and call the school. Try to get in touch with registration and officers regarding online grant, if only to see what you can get.

The important point is to do some homework before you decide to study from home. Line up the ducks and the advantages of going to an online campus will then all fall in line. Before you know it, the kids will grow up and before you can say “empty nest syndrome” you are well on your way with a new, degreed, career.