April

One in five U.S. college students are raising children, yet they receive far less financial help from their parents compared to childless students. Instead, student parents rely heavily on Pell Grants, loans, jobs, and support from partners to cover tuition and living costs. Despite having similar GPAs to their peers, student parents are more likely to leave college without a degree due to financial strain and childcare challenges. Completing a degree has life-changing benefits for student parents, especially single mothers, boosting lifetime earnings and reducing poverty. Expanding Pell Grants, reforming aid programs, and providing on-campus childcare and housing could greatly improve student parents’ chances of success.