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Published on: September 19, 2011
Unmarried parents in college
Sara Goldrick-Rab1, Kia Sorensen
1University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA.
The Future of Children
|October 23, 2010
Summary
Unmarried parents face challenges in higher education due to policy gaps and financial constraints, leading to low completion rates. Improved support systems are crucial for their academic success and family well-being.
Area of Science:
- Sociology of Education
- Higher Education Policy
- Family Studies
Background:
- Higher education access has expanded, yet unmarried parents experience low college completion rates.
- Existing policies and financial aid structures present barriers for student parents.
- Inadequate academic preparation and financial constraints hinder educational progress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the challenges faced by unmarried parents in higher education.
- To analyze the impact of current policies on student parents' educational outcomes.
- To identify effective support strategies for improving college completion rates among unmarried parents.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on higher education access and student parents.
- Analysis of policy deficiencies and financial aid trends (loans vs. grants).
- Examination of experimental evidence on support programs for vulnerable community college students.
Main Results:
- College attendance by unmarried parents does not consistently promote family stability or economic security due to policy shortcomings.
- Low completion rates are linked to insufficient academic preparation and financial pressures.
- Current public support programs are often uncoordinated and difficult to access, with loans increasingly replacing grants.
Conclusions:
- Policy deficiencies create adverse consequences for families headed by unmarried parents attending college.
- Targeted social, financial, and academic support can significantly improve student achievement and attainment.
- Enhanced support systems are essential to enable unmarried students to complete college degree and certificate programs.
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