College Students with Children

Most students fail to complete postsecondary education because they need to work to support themselves and their families. According to a recent study, 23 percent of college students have dependent children and 53 percent of those who drop out cite "family responsibilities" as a reason that they cannot return to school. In addition, 13 percent of students are single parents, who are more likely to have low incomes than married parents.

Sources: Johnson, Jean et al. With their Whole Lives Ahead of them: Myths and Realities about why so many Students Fail to Finish College. Public Agenda for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, December 2009.

Yesterday’s Nontraditional Student is Today’s Traditional Student. Center for Law and Social Policy, June 2011.