Combining Family and Studies: Most Kid-Friendly Colleges?

Hey, I'm a parent and looking to return to college. Could you recommend some colleges that are well-equipped to accommodate students with children? Is there some sort of ranking for the most child-friendly colleges?

Sure, it's great to hear you're considering returning to college. There isn't exactly a ranking for "child-friendly" colleges, however, there are indeed many colleges and universities that offer supportive services for students with children. Some of these services may include on-campus childcare, family housing, and parent support groups. Here are a few notable ones:

1. The University of Wisconsin-Madison: Their Office of Child Care and Family Resources offers extensive support and resources to student parents. They have a range of child care tuition assistance programs, and family-friendly study rooms on campus.

2. Michigan State University: They have the Family Resource Center that provides services to student parents including workshops, support groups, and resource referral. The university also operates several child care centers.

3. University of California, Irvine: They have the Verano Place Child Care center on campus that offers child care services at a discounted rate to student parents. They also offer family housing.

4. The University of Massachusetts Amherst: They offer both the UMass Amherst Center for Early Education and Care for younger children and after-school programs for older kids.

5. Stanford University: Stanford stands out for its efforts to support student parents with Munger Graduate Residences set aside for students with children, while also providing financial assistance to low-income parents who need help covering the costs of child care.

These are just a few examples, but keep in mind that every university will offer different resources. Always check with each prospective school you’re interested in to understand what specific services they offer to support student parents. Additionally, consider universities with flexible scheduling options, such as online or night classes, that might better accommodate your family's schedule. Good luck in your college search and eventual studies, it's a brave and commendable path you're on!