College is difficult enough to get through, but when you have a baby to look after at the same time, it brings along with it a whole set of further challenges. According to research, approximately one in every four undergraduate students has a child of their own. For students who are also single parents, both the academic and economic challenges of returning to college can be hugely overwhelming. However, there are plenty of resources available which single parents who’re planning on returning to college can use. Here’s how single parents planning to head back to college can gain support.

Study Online

Whether you’re thinking of going to college as an undergraduate or are planning to return to study for a master’s degree such as the online MPH programs from USC, studying online is often the best option for single parents as it offers a much larger degree of flexibility when it comes to creating your own study schedule and fitting your education in around your family commitments. With a wide range of degree courses to choose from online whether you’re looking for either undergraduate or postgraduate courses such as an online public health degree, there is definitely a course out there which will suit you.

Speak to Your College

With the number of single parents who are going back to school increasing, it’s no surprise that more and more colleges are beginning to understand the importance of accommodating for those of their students who have dependents. When you apply to college, letting them know about your situation as a single parent and asking whether there is anything that they can offer you as a means of helping is essential. Some colleges will offer family-friendly accommodation or childcare options which you will be able to take advantage of in order to help you best get through your degree.

Financial Support

As a single parent, your first priority will of course be looking after your little one, even when you are in college. Because of this, many single parents will need to find some sort of financial aid and support. There are many different options available when it comes to getting financial aid when you are a single parent in college, and you should try to get arrangements in place as soon as possible so that things run smoothly once your first semester starts.

Planning Ahead

As a single parent, planning ahead carefully when you go to college will be the key to your success. Having a good plan in place for your lessons, studying, and revision that fits well around your young family is absolutely vital to make sure that you stay on top of everything during your time as a student. When you’re both a student and a single parent, it’s difficult for you to do things last-minute so careful planning is essential.

Going to college as a single parent is definitely not the easiest of situations, but with the right support, resources, and planning, it can be easier than you might realize.