Buzz
If you're a college student and a parent, you might not know that federal grants are available to help with childcare expenses
According to MarketWatch, 22% of college students today are parents, but a new report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office shows many of them are unaware that they could be eligible for childcare assistance
The watchdog agency revealed that 40 out of 62 college websites they reviewed failed to mention that students could include a childcare allowance in their financial aid calculations.
Although schools aren't obligated to inform students about the availability of these funds, the report
emphasized the significance of this omission.
The report suggested that if student parents use childcare subsidies, they could free up additional loan money for their education.
These subsidies, offered through the U.S. Department of Education’s Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) program, allow colleges and universities to access grants for on-campus childcare services (including before/after school care) and/or provide childcare subsidies for low-income students eligible for Pell grants. The GAO report highlights that the average monthly childcare cost for student parents is around $490, while the typical CCAMPIS subsidy is $160 per month.
If a college or university hasn't applied for CCAMPIS funding, students won’t be able to request or use these benefits—although the institution might have other resources to support students juggling education and family responsibilities. The Department of Education provides a list of schools that have received CCAMPIS funding, so check to see if your current or potential school is included on the list.
If you're a student who is also a parent, or a parent planning to attend school, reach out to financial aid offices about CCAMPIS. You might be able to receive assistance with your childcare expenses, giving you more time, energy, and resources to focus on your education.
