Colleges That Support Student-Parenting

Some colleges offer specific support programs for student-mothers and their children. Such programs might include an office to help mothers find childcare, housing, and medical care. Programs may offer financial aid that takes student-parents' living expenses into consideration, without attached work requirements.

Students should ask prospective schools' financial aid offices about the availability of such financial support. Degree-seekers should also check school websites for a resource and referral office.

Many student-parents struggle to find affordable housing near campus for themselves, their children, and possibly their partner. Fortunately, some colleges offer family friendly housing. At these schools, student-parents and their families enjoy sufficient space, privacy, and independence. Family friendly housing lets student-parents actively participate in their school's community.

The Campus Family Housing Database identifies colleges offering family friendly housing. Students can search the comprehensive database by state.

Some colleges offer inexpensive or free on-campus childcare facilities. College childcare facilities can make a huge difference for student-parents facing heavy financial and time constraints. On-campus childcare centers also allow student-parents to build community and access other resources.

Student-parents should identify themselves early in the application process to discover what childcare facilities prospective schools offer. Degree-seekers should search schools' websites for information on childcare programs and contact those programs directly.

Some colleges offer additional support services to make their campuses as family friendly as possible. These services might include a designated student-parent center that hosts events like play groups or clothing swaps. Other services could include community-building resources for student-parents, such as online discussion forums or organized social events.

Students should check colleges' websites to see what other resources for student-parents they offer.

Student-parents must consider how a school or program fits into their lives. An online program's flexibility and convenience benefits student-parents. Childcare is less of an obstacle for distance learners. They can complete coursework from home in the evenings while their children sleep. Students planning to attend school in-person should look into college childcare and family friendly housing.

Programs offering flexible schedules make going to school easier for student-parents. Traditional class times often conflict with work or childcare.

Advisors serve as advocates for students and help them map out their entire college journey. An advisor who understands specific student-parent challenges can help connect degree-seekers to valuable resources for student-parents. These include resources both on and off campus, such as financial aid, medical care, and college childcare.

Colleges often assign students an advisor based on the student's major. However, students may request a different advisor, from either inside or outside of their program.

Many scholarships exist specifically to help student-parents cover tuition, childcare, and living expenses. Financial assistance makes life much easier for student-parents who would otherwise need to balance coursework with a full-time job.

Students can search for relevant scholarships online, including the Working Parent College Scholarship Award and the Jeannette Rankin Women's Scholarship Fund. Please note that example scholarships may be closed or past their deadline for the current application cycle. All students should also apply for federal student aid by completing the FAFSA.