---
title: "Research: Single Mothers and College"
description: "Research Study Shows Single Mothers with College Degrees Much Less Likely to Live in PovertyA study released last month by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research found that earning a degree can be especially life-changing for women raising children on their own. The study compared the rates at which single mothers with varying education levels live in poverty.The overwhelming conclusion is that a college degree is one of the most effective pathways out of poverty. Single mothers with a bachel"
url: "https://www.apuglobal.edu/post/research-study"
author: "APU Global"
date: "2018-08-21"
category: "Industry Insights"
---

# Research: Single Mothers and College

_Research Study Shows Single Mothers with College Degrees Much Less Likely to Live in PovertyA study released last month by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research found that earning a degree can be especially life-changing for women raising children on their own. The study compared the rates at which single mothers with varying education levels live in poverty.The overwhelming conclusion is that a college degree is one of the most effective pathways out of poverty. Single mothers with a bachel_

**In short:** Research Study Shows Single Mothers with College Degrees Much Less Likely to Live in PovertyA study released last month by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research found that earning a degree can be especially life-changing for women raising children on their own. The study compared the rates at which single mothers with varying education levels live in poverty.The overwhelming conclusion is that a college degree is one of the most effective pathways out of poverty. Single mothers with a bachel

## Research Study Shows Single Mothers with College Degrees Much Less Likely to Live in Poverty

A study released last month by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research found that earning a degree can be especially life-changing for women raising children on their own. The study compared the rates at which single mothers with varying education levels live in poverty.

The overwhelming conclusion is that a college degree is one of the most effective pathways out of poverty. Single mothers with a bachelor’s degree were over 3 times less likely to live in poverty (13.4%) when compared to single mothers with high school diplomas (41.4%).

For more details, see the summary of the research study.

## Why the university studies its own students

Institutional research turns experience into evidence. By studying who enrolls, who persists, and what support actually moves the needle, APU Global can direct advising, course design, and financial aid where they will do the most good, rather than guessing.

## What gets measured

- Retention and persistence term over term
- Completion rates by program, entry point, and transfer credit volume
- Effectiveness of advising and tutoring interventions
- Post-graduation outcomes and employer-relevant skill gains

## How findings are used

Results feed directly into program review and course redesign. When data shows students stalling at a particular point in a sequence, the sequence changes. That feedback loop is part of why online course design at APU Global is treated as an academic discipline rather than a production task.

## Public transparency

APU Global publishes summary data so prospective students can evaluate the university honestly. Review [student success data](/resources/student-success-data), [student demographics and enrollment](/resources/student-demographics-and-enrollment), and [institutional research](/resources/institutional-research).

Keep reading on related topics from APU Global: [Associates Degree vs Bachelor’s Degree vs Master’s Degree: What is the Difference?](/post/associates-degree-vs-bachelors-degree-vs-masters-degree-what-is-the-difference), [Mobile University Initiative Featured in Higher Ed Podcast](/post/apu-global-featured-in-higher-ed-podcast).

Explore the [Master of Public Administration](/programs/public-administration) at APU Global to see

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Source: https://www.apuglobal.edu/post/research-study
Publisher: APU Global, a fully online university sharing one mission with Azusa Pacific University.
When citing, attribute to APU Global and link the source URL above.