Nearly one in five undergraduate students in the United States is raising a child while pursuing a degree, but many colleges still lack resources to help student parents balance education and family responsibilities, per new research.
A study evaluated 553 public colleges and universities nationwide. The assessment examined campus housing, childcare, financial assistance, medical services and policies for pregnant and parenting students.
U.S. Colleges Received an Average of 3.1 Stars for Student Parent Support
The study assessed 553 public colleges and universities across the United States. Institutions received an average rating of 3.1 out of five stars, with 98.6 percent missing at least two of the 12 recommended accommodations.
The assessment examined five areas: housing policies, on-campus resources, financial assistance, medical attention and accommodations and policy transparency.
The study also found that 84.8 percent of institutions did not offer dedicated scholarships for pregnant or parenting students, while 46.1 percent lacked on-campus childcare.
The study also highlighted gaps in practical support for student parents, including access to family housing, childcare services and pregnancy-related accommodations.
Its findings pointed to differences in the resources colleges made available to students balancing higher education with pregnancy or parenting responsibilities.
Childcare and Financial Assistance Were Among the Missing Resources
Across the 553 public colleges and universities assessed in the study, 46.1 percent did not offer on-campus childcare, while 72.7 percent lacked family housing for students with children.
Financial assistance was also limited. About 84.8 percent of institutions did not offer scholarships specifically for pregnant or parenting students. Maternity parking was available at just 8.9 percent of campuses, making it the least common accommodation assessed.
Other resources were more widely available. The study found that 80.1 percent of colleges had lactation rooms, 81.2 percent offered pregnancy testing and 89.9 percent listed a pregnancy and parenting student policy on their website or in their student handbook.
The findings showed that while many colleges provided basic pregnancy-related services, practical support such as childcare, family housing and dedicated financial assistance remained less common.
National Findings Highlighted Gaps in Campus Support
The study was carried out by a pro-life advocacy group called Students for Life of America. This isn’t a federal study to determine how well universities are following the rules.
The study found a lack of support. 85 percent of the 553 institutions didn’t provide scholarships or grants for pregnant and parenting students.
Title IX means that no one can be discriminated against due to their sex. This includes discrimination against pregnant students, those who are giving birth and those who are parenting.
Colleges that receive government funding must make reasonable accommodations to ensure pregnant students have equal access to opportunities.
The study recommended that colleges provide reasonable accommodations based on their size, resources and student population. If they cannot provide certain accommodations, they should partner with local organizations and refer students to available resources.
Researchers Called for Colleges to Expand Support for Parenting Students
The findings showed a need for more accessible childcare, family housing and financial support.
The report recommended increasing funding for childcare, implementing policies to improve eligibility and forming partnerships between colleges and local childcare providers.
