Balancing education and parenthood presents unique challenges, but numerous colleges across the US are rising to meet the needs of student parents. Recognizing the increasing number of students raising children while pursuing higher education, these institutions offer comprehensive support systems, notably Colleges With Child Care Programs, designed to foster academic success and family well-being.
It’s encouraging to know that you’re not alone if you’re considering college as a parent. Approximately one in five undergraduates in the United States are parents, navigating the demands of coursework alongside raising their families. Colleges with robust support systems, especially colleges with child care programs, play a crucial role in enabling these students to thrive both academically and personally. These support systems encompass a range of resources, from flexible class schedules and family-friendly housing to financial aid and, crucially, accessible and affordable child care facilities.
For student parents seeking institutions that truly understand and accommodate their needs, we’ve compiled a list of 13 exceptional colleges with child care programs and other significant resources. These colleges stand out for their commitment to empowering student parents to achieve their educational goals without compromising their family responsibilities.
Top Colleges with Child Care Programs and Family Support
This curated list highlights 13 colleges distinguished by their dedication to student parents. They offer a variety of programs, resource guidance, family housing options, and, most importantly, child care assistance, making them stand out as top colleges with child care programs.
1. Champlain College, Vermont
Champlain College in Vermont has been a pioneer in supporting student parents since 1987 through its dedicated Single Parents Program. This program offers a tuition scholarship to alleviate financial burdens, a “Rainy Day” fund for unforeseen expenses, and valuable networking opportunities. Beyond financial aid, Champlain actively connects student parents with resources to combat food insecurity and provides guidance on financial assistance programs. Adding to its family-friendly approach, Champlain partners with ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, a local museum, offering student parents a free annual membership, perfect for family outings and enriching experiences.
2. College of Saint Mary, Nebraska
For student mothers seeking an immersive campus living experience with their children, the all-women’s College of Saint Mary in Nebraska is an exceptional choice. Their Mothers Living & Learning program offers on-campus suite-style dorms in Madonna Hall, specifically designed for student mothers and their children (ages 6 weeks to 12 years). These dorms foster a supportive community with shared lounges, kitchens, and complimentary laundry facilities. Crucially, the College of Saint Mary boasts the Spellman Child Development Center, a high-quality on-campus child care facility catering to children aged 6 weeks to 5 years, allowing mothers to attend classes with peace of mind knowing their children are nearby in a nurturing environment. Furthermore, the college provides a unique one-credit-hour course, “The Single Successful Mother,” which addresses the specific challenges and triumphs of single motherhood, fostering peer connections and providing a supportive space for student mothers. The College of Saint Mary extends its support beyond academics and child care, offering guidance on accessing essential resources such as child support services, pediatricians, and broader child care resources in the community.
3. Endicott College, Massachusetts
Endicott College in Massachusetts provides a streamlined support system for student parents through its Single Parent Services. This comprehensive program acts as a central hub, offering access to crucial resources like career and academic coaching to guide student parents in their educational and professional journeys. Financial aid assistance specifically for tuition and textbooks helps ease financial strain, while mentorship programs connect student parents with experienced individuals for guidance and support. Workshops further equip student parents with essential skills and knowledge. Endicott fosters a sense of community and recognition through its annual Parent Scholar Recognition Ceremony, celebrating the achievements of student parents, and dedicated Parent Cafes, creating spaces for connection and peer support among parenting students.
4. Ferris State University, Michigan
Ferris State University in Michigan offers on-campus living options tailored for student parents through their West Campus Apartments. These apartments provide the convenience of campus living while maintaining independent family space and are ideally located within walking distance of classes, parking, and the university’s Early Learning Center. The Early Learning Center provides on-campus child care for children ranging from 1 month to 12 years old, offering a convenient and accessible option for student parents attending classes or studying on campus. For those new to the Ferris State area, the university website serves as a valuable resource, providing information on local children’s sports leagues, family-oriented activities, after-school programs, parent recreation opportunities, and local school information, aiding student parents in integrating into the community.
5. Northeastern University Oakland, California
Northeastern University Oakland in California stands out for its extensive on-campus child care options. The university operates three distinct schools for children, each offering unique educational approaches, catering to diverse parenting philosophies and children’s developmental stages. Beyond childcare, Northeastern University Oakland cultivates a child-friendly campus environment. The Parenting Lounge provides a dedicated space for student parents to relax, study, and engage with their children in a comfortable setting. Recognizing the broader needs of its student community, the university’s food pantry is accessible to all Northeastern community members, regardless of financial need, providing an additional layer of support for student parents and their families.
Northeastern University Oakland boasts a child-friendly campus with multiple on-site childcare options and resources for student parents.
6. Misericordia University, Pennsylvania
Misericordia University in Pennsylvania demonstrates a deep commitment to single mothers pursuing education through its comprehensive Women With Children Program. This program provides significant support, including free on-campus housing, alleviating a major financial burden for single mothers. Additionally, children of participants benefit from free on-campus meals. The program extends beyond basic needs, offering financial assistance to cover educational expenses and enriching social, academic, and family programs designed to support the holistic development of both mothers and children. While Misericordia doesn’t have on-campus child care, they understand the critical need for it, offering eligible families a 40% child care subsidy at local, reputable child care centers, ensuring access to quality care while mothers attend classes and study. A unique requirement of the program is that participants possess a reliable car, highlighting the program’s structure around community-based childcare solutions.
7. St. Catherine University, Minnesota
St. Catherine University in Minnesota offers several on-campus resources designed for student parents. Library room 066 is designated as a parent-friendly study space, thoughtfully equipped with a playroom located conveniently next door, allowing parents to focus on their studies while keeping their children close and entertained. The St. Kate’s Food Shelf, within walking distance, provides access to fresh groceries, addressing potential food insecurity. For broader support, St. Catherine’s staff social worker provides personalized consultations to connect student parents with parenting services, affordable off-campus housing resources, and public transportation discounts, navigating the complexities of student parenthood. The university also promotes awareness and access to external resources like the need-based Postsecondary Child Care Grant and Rec Check, a free after-school program for St. Paul residents, further extending the support network available to student parents.
8. Texas Woman’s University, Texas
Texas Woman’s University (TWU) in Texas fosters a strong sense of community and advocacy for student parents through SPARK (Student Pioneers Also Raising Kids), a student-led organization. SPARK actively amplifies the voices of student parents, sharing vital financial, social, and academic resources within the TWU community. In collaboration with TWU, SPARK organizes academic and social events specifically designed for student parents, creating a supportive network and community. While TWU doesn’t offer on-campus daycare, the Campus Alliance for Resource Education (CARE) office provides invaluable assistance in locating free pre-K programs and child care centers in the surrounding community. CARE’s support extends to helping student parents apply for essential benefits programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Woman, Infants, Children (WIC) program, ensuring access to nutrition support for low-income families.
9. The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, North Carolina
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNC-Greensboro) distinguishes itself by offering free, accessible child care through its Child Care Education Program (CCEP). This program directly addresses the significant barrier of child care costs for student parents. For the foreseeable future, CCEP prioritizes enrollment for single-parent, Pell Grant-eligible students, focusing resources on those with demonstrated financial need. However, UNC-Greensboro encourages all student parents to apply, highlighting their commitment to supporting parenting students across diverse circumstances. This free child care program makes UNC-Greensboro a particularly attractive option for student parents seeking affordable and high-quality child care while pursuing their education.
10. University of Michigan, Michigan
The University of Michigan boasts one of the most comprehensive and extensive support systems for student parents nationwide. Their child care options are diverse, including on-campus children’s centers providing structured care, in-home daycare for more personalized attention, and the unique U-M Family Helper program, which connects student parents with members of the U-M community willing to provide short-term family assistance. On-campus family housing is available in the Northwood townhomes, fostering a community of student families. The University of Michigan offers scholarships and emergency funding specifically to alleviate the financial pressures of college for student parents. Beyond essential support, the university provides numerous family-friendly activities. The Wolverine Kids Club, a sports fan club for children in sixth grade and younger, offers free tickets to events and merchandise. The university campus is rich with kid-friendly attractions like museums, planetariums, observatories, and summer camps, creating a vibrant and engaging environment for student parents and their children.
The University of Michigan provides extensive family support, including diverse childcare options, family housing, financial aid, and numerous kid-friendly activities on and around campus.
11. University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minnesota
The University of Minnesota Twin Cities has a long-standing commitment to student parents, boasting one of the oldest and largest student-parenting programs in the country. The Student Parent Help Center (SPHC) acts as a central resource, offering two dedicated scholarships: one for former teen parents and another for undergraduate student parents demonstrating strong academic performance. Financial assistance extends to child care through the Postsecondary Child Care Assistance Grant for eligible in-state students and the university-specific Student Fees Child Care Assistance Grant for those who may not qualify for the state grant. The university provides a dedicated undergraduate parent lounge, equipped with a computer lab and community space, fostering a sense of belonging and peer support. Family-friendly events and the Parents As Students Support (PASS) group further contribute to a supportive community network for student parents at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.
12. University of Washington, Washington
The University of Washington is a leader in child care support for student parents, most notably through its comprehensive Childcare Assistance Program. This program is exceptionally generous, covering the full cost of child care for children from newborn through age 12 for eligible student parents. The University of Washington’s commitment to removing financial barriers to child care makes it an outstanding choice for student parents seeking affordable and accessible education. Eligibility requirements are clearly outlined, ensuring that those who need assistance most can access this vital resource, allowing them to focus on their studies without the immense financial strain of child care costs.
13. Wilson College, Pennsylvania
Wilson College in Pennsylvania offers the Single Parent Scholar Program, providing year-round housing in Prentis Hall specifically for single parents with up to two children (ages 20 months to 10 years). This ensures housing stability beyond the typical academic year, a critical factor for student parents. While Wilson College does not have an on-campus child care program, they recognize the necessity of child care and subsidize off-campus child care costs, helping to make education accessible for single parents. This combination of year-round housing and child care subsidies demonstrates Wilson College’s commitment to supporting the unique needs of single-parent students.
Key Features of Parent-Friendly Colleges with Child Care Programs
What truly defines a parent-friendly college, especially those recognized as top colleges with child care programs? These institutions prioritize creating an environment where student parents can effectively balance their academic pursuits, parental responsibilities, and personal well-being. This often manifests in flexible program options, family-centric housing, accessible child care services, robust financial aid packages, and comprehensive academic support systems.
Flexible Academic Programs
Flexibility in academic program delivery is paramount for student parents juggling multiple responsibilities. Colleges with child care programs often understand this need and offer various flexible learning formats. Online programs are a popular choice, providing options for synchronous learning (real-time virtual classes), asynchronous learning (self-paced modules), or hybrid models (combining online and in-person components). Asynchronous courses, in particular, offer maximum flexibility, allowing students to complete coursework on their own schedules, accommodating the unpredictable nature of parenting. Hybrid programs can provide a balance, offering some in-person interaction while maintaining online flexibility. For those preferring traditional on-campus learning, evening classes can be a valuable option, allowing parents to attend classes outside of typical work and child care hours.
Family-Focused Housing
Family housing options on or near campus are a significant draw for student parents. These housing arrangements, often in the form of dorm suites or apartments, are designed to accommodate students with children. Suite-style dorms may offer private bathrooms, while university apartments provide more independent living spaces, often ranging from one to four bedrooms. Crucially, these family housing options often include community areas, kitchens, and laundry facilities, fostering a sense of community among student families and providing practical amenities to simplify daily life. Proximity to campus resources, including child care centers and classes, is another key advantage of family housing, minimizing commute times and maximizing convenience.
Accessible Child Care Services
Colleges with child care programs truly distinguish themselves by offering on-campus child care facilities. These centers provide a safe, nurturing, and convenient option for student parents to have their children cared for while attending classes or studying on campus. On-campus child care centers are often not just a service for student parents; they can also serve as valuable learning environments for education majors, providing practical experience and research opportunities. Many colleges with child care programs offer subsidized or even free on-campus child care, significantly reducing the financial burden for student parents. For colleges without on-campus facilities, proactive counseling services can be invaluable, guiding student parents to local child care providers, exploring child care fee assistance programs, and connecting them with other financial aid resources to offset child care expenses.
Financial Aid Opportunities
Financial aid is a critical component of support for student parents. The first step for any prospective student seeking financial assistance is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). FAFSA completion determines eligibility for federal Pell Grants, a cornerstone of federal financial aid, and unlocks access to other grant opportunities. Pell Grants are need-based grants that do not require repayment, significantly reducing the cost of college education. Beyond federal aid, many colleges and universities, including the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, offer need-based grants and merit-based scholarships specifically for student parents. Some institutions, like UNC-Greensboro, go even further by providing free on-campus child care, effectively combining child care assistance with financial aid to create a highly supportive environment.
Comprehensive Academic Support
Parent-friendly colleges, especially those with child care programs, understand that academic success for student parents requires more than just financial and child care support. They offer comprehensive academic support services designed to address the unique challenges faced by parenting students. Academic counselors play a vital role in helping student parents navigate course selection, scheduling, and program planning, ensuring that their academic path aligns with their family responsibilities and timelines. Academic support services extend beyond course advising, often encompassing assistance in accessing campus and community resources, such as food banks, family activities, and application assistance for benefits programs like SNAP and WIC. This holistic approach to academic support ensures that student parents have the resources and guidance needed to thrive academically while balancing their parenting roles.
Common Questions About College as a Parent
Is going to college as a parent feasible?
Absolutely. Many colleges are equipped to provide student parents with the necessary financial aid, on-campus child care, and support services to achieve financial stability, emotional well-being, and academic success. For students facing challenges with in-person attendance, online programs offer a flexible alternative, enabling coursework completion from home. The asynchronous nature of some online programs further reduces pressure, allowing parents to integrate studies into their own schedules without rigid time constraints.
How can student parents afford college?
The initial step is to complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal financial aid and access various college scholarships. Students meeting specific income criteria may qualify for Pell Grants, covering a substantial portion of college expenses through need-based grants that do not require repayment. Furthermore, some colleges are increasingly offering free tuition or even comprehensive free education programs to qualifying students from lower-income families, making college more financially accessible than ever before.
Are there many student parents in college?
Yes, the number of student parents is significant. Research from the Institute for Women’s Policy Research indicates that approximately 22% of all undergraduate students in the U.S. are also parents (as of 2021). Within this demographic, over half are raising children under the age of 6, highlighting the prevalence of young children in student-parent households.
Is it too late to go to college as a parent?
It is never too late to pursue higher education. For those considering in-person programs, it’s advisable to inquire about on-campus residency requirements, particularly common for first-year students. Balancing full-time college, employment, and family commitments can be demanding. However, part-time student options provide a more manageable path, allowing students to take a reduced course load and progress towards their degree at a sustainable pace, albeit over a longer timeframe. Fully online programs offer an alternative by eliminating commute stress and providing the flexibility needed to balance work, family life, and academic pursuits effectively.
Explore Additional Resources for Student Parents
4 Ways Colleges Can Support Student Parents
Discover simple yet impactful ways universities can better support the academic success of student parents, addressing their unique needs and challenges.
Childcare Costs, Low Wages Widen Affordability Gap for Student Parents: Report
Understand the growing affordability gap faced by student parents due to rising childcare costs and stagnant wages, and the implications for access to higher education.
Best Online Colleges for Nontraditional Students
Explore top online colleges catering to nontraditional students, including parents, offering flexible learning environments and support systems for successful degree completion.
