Single mother graduates college with child.

Level Up: 5 Proven Strategies for Single Moms to Ace Higher Education

Rhea Morgan in Mind & Education June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Unlock Your Potential: Expert Advice for Single Mothers Thriving in College"

Higher education can be a game-changer, opening doors to new opportunities and a brighter future. But for single mothers, the path to a college degree can feel like navigating a minefield. Balancing coursework, childcare, and financial responsibilities is no easy feat. According to a 2017 report from the Institute for Women's Policy Research, single mothers are a rapidly growing population in colleges, yet they often face unique challenges that can hinder their success and put them at risk for attrition.

However, with the right strategies and support systems in place, single mothers can not only survive but thrive in higher education. By understanding the obstacles and implementing effective solutions, colleges and universities can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for these dedicated students.

This article explores five proven strategies to help single mothers succeed in college. From building a strong support network to leveraging campus resources, these tips will empower you to overcome challenges, achieve your academic goals, and create a better future for yourself and your family. Let's dive in!

<ul> <li>Knowledge is Power: Recognize and Connect with Single Mothers</li> </ul>

Single mother graduates college with child.

The first step in supporting single mothers is recognizing that they are there. Many single mothers feel invisible on campus, unsure of where to turn for help or support. This is where knowledge becomes power. Ann Reynolds, a CCAMPIS (Child Care Access Means Parents in School) advisor and academic/disability counselor at Mount Wachusett Community College MA, emphasizes the importance of actively identifying and connecting with this population.

Colleges should proactively collect data on single mothers and other parents. Are they recognized as a valuable and important part of the campus community? Do they see themselves in your marketing materials? If the answers to those questions are “no,” it's time to make this population more visible so that they feel recognized as students who belong on your campus.

Data Collection: Implement surveys and questionnaires to gather information about the number of single mothers enrolled and their specific needs.
Marketing Materials: Feature single mothers in campus publications, websites, and social media campaigns to showcase their achievements and contributions.
Dedicated Resources: Create a dedicated webpage or resource center specifically for student-parents, providing information on childcare, financial aid, and academic support services.

By making a concerted effort to identify and connect with single mothers, colleges can create a more welcoming and inclusive environment where these students feel seen, heard, and supported.

Empowering the Future: Single Mothers as Assets

Single mothers are not a liability; they are a tremendous asset to our institutions and our country. By enacting these five strategies, schools have the power to make powerful shifts on their campuses, and beyond, to support this growing population of students. Let's work together to create a future where single mothers have the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1002/whe.20640, Alternate LINK

Title: 5 Strategies To Help Single Mothers Succeed In Higher Education

Journal: Women in Higher Education

Publisher: Wiley

Authors: Karen Costa

Published: 2018-10-31

Everything You Need To Know

Why is it important for colleges to actively identify and connect with single mothers on campus?

Actively identifying and connecting with single mothers is crucial because many feel invisible and unsure of where to turn for support. By collecting data, featuring them in marketing materials, and creating dedicated resources like webpages or resource centers, colleges can create a more welcoming and inclusive environment. This recognition helps single mothers feel seen, heard, and supported, improving their sense of belonging and increasing their likelihood of success. Proactive engagement addresses the specific challenges they face, fostering a supportive community and validating their presence as valuable members of the campus.

How can colleges use data collection to support single mothers pursuing higher education?

Colleges can implement surveys and questionnaires to gather specific data on the number of single mothers enrolled and their unique needs. This data can reveal insights into their childcare requirements, financial struggles, and academic support needs. By understanding these challenges, colleges can tailor resources and programs to better assist single mothers. For instance, data might show a high demand for on-campus childcare, prompting the expansion of such services or it may highlight financial difficulties, driving increased efforts to connect students with aid and scholarship opportunities. Furthermore, data-driven insights can inform policy changes that create a more supportive and equitable environment.

What is the significance of featuring single mothers in college marketing materials?

Featuring single mothers in campus publications, websites, and social media campaigns is essential for showcasing their achievements and contributions. This representation counters the invisibility many feel and reinforces their belonging within the campus community. Highlighting their success stories can inspire other single mothers to pursue higher education and demonstrates the college's commitment to supporting this demographic. This visibility not only fosters a sense of pride among single mothers but also helps to dismantle stereotypes and promote a more inclusive image of who a college student can be. By seeing themselves reflected in marketing materials, prospective and current single mother students are more likely to feel welcomed and supported.

What are the broader implications of supporting single mothers in higher education, beyond just individual success?

Supporting single mothers in higher education has far-reaching societal implications. When single mothers achieve their academic goals, they enhance their economic prospects, leading to increased financial stability for their families. This, in turn, reduces reliance on social welfare programs and contributes to a more skilled and productive workforce. Moreover, educated single mothers serve as role models for their children, breaking cycles of poverty and promoting the value of education across generations. By investing in the education of single mothers, colleges and universities not only empower individuals but also strengthen communities and drive broader economic and social progress. Ann Reynolds, a CCAMPIS advisor, views this support as an investment in valuable assets of the country.

What role do resources like CCAMPIS play in supporting single mothers in higher education, and how can colleges maximize their effectiveness?

CCAMPIS (Child Care Access Means Parents in School) and advisors like Ann Reynolds play a pivotal role by providing crucial childcare support and academic guidance to student-parents. Colleges can maximize the effectiveness of such programs by ensuring they are well-funded, easily accessible, and widely promoted. Additionally, colleges should integrate CCAMPIS with other support services, such as financial aid offices and academic advising centers, to create a holistic support network. Regular assessments of program effectiveness and feedback from single mother students can help tailor services to meet their evolving needs. Furthermore, colleges can advocate for policies that expand access to affordable childcare and other resources that alleviate the burdens faced by single mothers, ensuring they can fully participate in and benefit from higher education.