Student parents who juggle classes, work and raising children often find themselves scraping by without much cushion for unexpected expenses. Some states, including California, offer financial aid specifically to student parents to help cover housing, childcare and other basic needs. But a new analysis from The California Alliance for Student Parent Success suggests administrative hurdles are preventing many eligible student parents from accessing that aid.
The analysis, co-led by California Competes and EdTrust-West, examined access to California’s Students with Dependent Children Award, which provides eligible Cal Grant recipients with up to $6,000 in additional aid to help cover expenses beyond tuition, including housing and childcare. It found that just 29 percent of student parents who applied for financial aid ultimately received the supplemental award.
The analysis points to administrative barriers—including challenges identifying student parents and a required certification process—as key reasons many eligible students do not receive the award.
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