Are you a mom thinking about going back to school but feeling unsure if you can pull it off? The short answer is: Yes, you can! Whether your classroom is a university campus, a community center, or online from the comfort of your home, learning is possible at any stage of life. You might find yourself asking: “How can I do this?” “Do I even have the time?” “Will I be able to afford it?” “Why should I?” “What if I fail?” In this article, I will share some answers to those questions and my personal experience, to encourage you to take that leap.
A few months ago, I graduated with a master’s degree in religious studies from Chicago Theological Seminary and Bayan Islamic Graduate School at the age of 45. I did so while raising six children, including a breastfeeding infant when I first began the program (that “infant” is now a busy four-year-old!). I share this not to boast, but to encourage because, like you, I had plenty of doubts. You do not have to pursue a graduate degree like I did. Your educational journey could be a single class at your local mosque, a workshop at the community college, or even a pottery class you have always dreamed of taking. The field of study does not matter as much as the fact that you are investing in yourself, growing your skills, and following your curiosity. The truth is, you can do it despite the worries, the frustrations, and the busy schedules. You might be surprised at how much joy, confidence, and energy learning can bring into your life.
As intimidating as the idea of going back to school may seem to some mothers, the data tells a different story. According to Forbes magazine, women have been outpacing men in college enrollment and graduation for decades. In a recent article, they reported that women made up 58% of all college students in 2020, up from 56.6% just six years earlier, with the number continuing to rise1. Women are not only going to school but also returning to graduate programs at higher rates than men. Studies from the National Institute of Health (NIH) also show that about 17% of women continue their education after becoming mothers, and those pursuing college or advanced degrees are more likely to do so once their children are older2. That was the case for me.
When I got married, I was in my final semester of undergrad and fully intended to continue straight into graduate school at the same university. But life had other plans. My husband’s job transfer was delayed, and we ended up moving out of state. To avoid taking on debt and to start our married life on stable footing, I decided to work full-time and put my studies on hold. Once I became pregnant with my first child, health issues forced me to stop working, and I stayed home after his birth. Our small family later traveled overseas to study Arabic, and I took on tutoring jobs to help support us financially. During that time, I became pregnant with my second child and transitioned into being a stay-at-home mother, even though my original plan had been to continue working and studying.
In hindsight, I see how those unexpected turns directed me toward my true path, despite feeling completely off course at the time. While raising my children, I worked remotely as a translator, writer, and editor for various Islamic nonprofit organizations. I also had the opportunity to organize community events and speak publicly on issues close to my heart. In the process, I discovered my niche. Writing about current events and exploring modern trends in the Muslim community rekindled my interest in religious studies and academic life. Perhaps you, too, have been using your time as a mother to develop new skills, perfect your talents, or explore what truly interests you. These seasons of learning and self-discovery are not wasted because they are investments in the person you are becoming. When the time comes to take the next step, those insights will serve as a compass to guide your choice of what to study and how to grow.
Balancing Faith and Learning
The question should never be whether we should be learning because the pursuit of knowledge is incumbent upon us as Muslims. The Islamic tradition places great value on this lifelong pursuit. Allah reminds us in the Qur’an: “Say, ‘My Lord, increase me in knowledge’” (20:114). The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, encouraged all of us to pursue education when he said:
“Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, 224)
With that foundation in mind, let us now turn to some of the common questions you may be grappling with as you consider going back to school:
1. “How can I do this?”
If you are worried about juggling all the hats you wear as a mother, like caregiver, worker, nurse, cook, driver, and more, know that with some planning, you can make it work. It starts with organizing your schedule and managing your time effectively. Choose a program that fits your life. Today, there are countless options: fully online degrees, part-time classes, and hybrid or bimodal programs that require minimal in-person attendance.
2. “Do I even have the time?”
You do. Even if you can set aside just 5–10 hours a week, you have enough time to take a class and make progress. Consistency matters more than speed, so worry about showing up more than about when you will finish. I know of mothers who took many years to complete their degrees, but they would not have it any other way.
3. “Will I be able to afford it?”
Yes! There are undergraduate, graduate, and even doctoral programs that can be completed at little to no cost. Scholarships, fellowships, work-study opportunities, and other forms of financial aid are available, many specifically for mothers. You might also consider crowdfunding or asking your local mosque for support. And remember, as a student, you may qualify for certain financial benefits. Avoid riba (interest-based loans) and instead explore taking one class at a time or working for a company that offers tuition assistance or reimbursement.
4. “Why should I?”
This is a deeply personal question that only you can fully answer. Still, I can tell you that achieving this goal can be rewarding in countless ways. If your intention is to please Allah through what you gain, whether by helping your family financially, setting a powerful example for your children, or using your skills to benefit others, then you have everything to gain. Make dua, find your why, and commit to it. Remember, your efforts set the bar for your children. They will see your dedication and carry that inspiration into their own lives.
5. “What if I fail?”
The only absolute failure is never trying. I hate to sound cliché, but if I could do it, so can you. When I started graduate school, my youngest was a baby and my oldest was a teenager. Alhamdulillah, I pushed through. There were tears, worries, and emotional breakdowns along the way, but also growth, joy, and accomplishment. Difficulties are part of the journey, but as Allah promises, “With hardship comes ease” (Qur’an 94:6). Ask Allah for help, take one step at a time, and you may just surprise yourself with what you can achieve.
Motherhood has been one of the most transformative chapters of my spiritual and educational growth. After choosing to step away from school and work to be fully present during my children’s early years, I found that raising them deepened my understanding of responsibility, patience, and purpose. Though my focus shifted to the home, I never set aside my other dreams and aspirations. Working remotely allowed me to contribute meaningfully while staying close to my family. For years, I tried to return to school—applying and preparing, only to face delays and setbacks. But finally, I found the opportunity to complete my graduate studies. It took me twenty years to reach this point, yet alhamdulillah, Allah’s timing is always perfect. Never doubt that. Being a mother does not mean giving up parts of yourself; it means embracing your children while staying true to your goals. You can do both, and you can do them well! May Allah grant you success. Ameen.
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaeltnietzel/2024/08/07/women-continue-to-outpace-men-in-college-enrollment-and-graduation/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5198907/
Bio: Wendy Díaz is a Puerto Rican Muslim writer, award-winning poet, translator, former educator, and mother of six (ages ranging from toddler to teen). She is the co-founder of Hablamos Islam, a non-profit organization that produces educational resources about Islam in Spanish (hablamosislam.org). She has written, illustrated, and published over a dozen children’s books and currently lives with her family in Maryland. Follow Wendy Díaz on social media @authorwendydiaz and @hablamosislam.
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