Parents in College: By the Numbers (2019)

The report by Ascend at the Aspen Institute and the Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR) provides a comprehensive analysis of the demographics, challenges, and successes of student parents in higher education. The data highlights the significant presence of student parents and underscores the need for targeted support to help them succeed in their educational pursuits.

Main Takeaways:

• Prevalence of Student Parents: More than one in five college students, or 22% of all undergraduates, are parents. This includes 2.7 million mothers and 1.1 million fathers, with a significant proportion of these student parents attending community colleges.

• Demographic and Enrollment Patterns:

  • Gender and Marital Status: The majority of student mothers (62%) are single, while most student fathers (61%) are married.
  • Institution Types: The largest share of student parents (42%) attend community colleges. Private for-profit institutions enroll the highest percentage of student parents relative to their total student body (45%), followed by community colleges (26%).
  • Racial and Ethnic Diversity: Student parents are more likely to be students of color compared to their non-parent peers. Black college students are the most likely to be parents, with 33% being parents, and Black women are more likely than women from other backgrounds to be raising children while in college.

• Financial and Academic Challenges:

  • High Levels of Debt: Student parents tend to borrow more than other students, with median debt among student parents significantly higher. Black student parents, in particular, carry the highest debt levels.
  • Non-Tuition Expenses: The high cost of non-tuition expenses such as childcare, housing, and transportation disproportionately affects student parents, contributing to financial instability and influencing their ability to remain enrolled.
  • Academic Performance: Despite these challenges, student parents generally achieve higher GPAs than non-parent students, driven by their strong motivation to improve their children's lives.

• Impact of Parenthood on College Participation:

  • Age and Life Stage: Student parents are typically older than their peers without children, with a median age of 32. The responsibilities of parenthood often lead to complex scheduling and financial pressures that can hinder academic progress.
  • Childcare Needs: Access to affordable, quality childcare is critical. The availability of such resources significantly increases the likelihood of on-time graduation for student parents.

• Policy and Institutional Recommendations:

  • Support Services: Enhancing support services, including childcare, financial aid, and mental health resources, is essential for helping student parents succeed.
  • Two-Generation Approach: Implementing programs that benefit both parents and their children can lead to improved educational and economic outcomes for entire families. This approach includes policies that ensure access to affordable education and high-quality early childhood education.
  • Financial Aid Adjustments: Adjustments to financial aid policies to better address the needs of student parents, including more generous aid packages and flexible payment plans, are recommended.