Abstract

Women are an increasingly large presence in undergraduate education, and many female students are mothers in addition to their role as college students. To compare and contrast 2 groups of student mothers (adult and traditional college-age), we administered a 39-item survey to 95 student mothers. We assessed demographic variables, reasons for college enrollment, and views of how mothers' college enrollment affects children. Results reflect both possibility and problems for student mothers of all ages. Traditional college-age mothers evidenced particular challenges in terms of maintaining grades and accessing student support services. Recommendations for institutions seeking to support student mothers in balancing school, work, and family are presented.

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