Navigating the college admissions process with a baby on the way? Let's dive into your concerns and answer some important questions. Facing an unplanned pregnancy is nerve-wracking, and so is starting college. Going through both of these challenges at the same time can cause some unique worries.
If you've been anticipating college and now find yourself unexpectedly pregnant, you're likely grappling with a bunch of questions. If you haven’t applied yet, you might wonder if you still should. Do colleges accept applications from pregnant students? And if you have already applied, you might wonder whether colleges can reject your application because of your pregnancy. Luckily, there are protections in place for pregnant students (and students-to-be) that prevent discrimination based on sex. Title IX is a US federal law that states: “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance[.]” Discrimination based on pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions would be discrimination based on sex. Can schools reject me because I’m pregnant? In most cases, it’s illegal to reject an application due to pregnancy, and it’s not something that students need to worry about. However, some private schools do not accept federal funding, and in those cases, they may not have to abide by Title IX. Some private schools are also affiliated with religious organizations and may have policies regarding pregnancy. If I already have an offer can they rescind it? Yes, colleges can revoke their offer. However, generally they cannot revoke their offers on the basis of pregnancy, as this would be a violation of Title IX law. Common reasons why schools may reject a student include:
Can I lose my scholarships because I got pregnant? We have good news! Pregnancy may qualify you for additional scholarships. There are many people and organizations who want to see moms pursue their educational dreams and build amazing careers, and they’re here to support you financially while you do it. In addition to qualifying you for scholarships specifically for mothers, pregnancy may also increase the amount of financial aid you’re eligible for. Be sure to reach out to your financial aid office to learn more. Can I live in dorms if I’m pregnant? Yes, you can live in dorms while you’re pregnant. Title IX protects your right to housing, and you cannot be discriminated against on the basis of sex. However, most students will be asked to find family-friendly housing after the birth of a child. If you attend a college that requires on-campus housing, you have some options. Your college may offer family-friendly housing on campus, or they may provide you with a waiver to allow you to live off-campus. What if I applied, but changed my mind about going to college? Can I defer? If you’re not ready to go to college yet, you can request a deferral. Becoming unexpectedly pregnant and starting college are both life-changing events. It’s ok if you want to handle one thing at a time. Usually students defer for a year or less, but there are exceptions for longer deferrals. The college can accept or deny a deferral request, and eligibility rules vary. They will ask about why you want to defer, so consider how best to answer the question. Can I go to college if I’m pregnant? Yes you can! You have many legal protections, and there are many opportunities for pregnant students to excel. Ultimately the decision is up to you. If you’re not sure what to do next, we might be able to help you make your college dreams come true! We don’t think that any woman facing an unplanned pregnancy should give up her hope for higher education. If you’re a student facing an unplanned pregnancy, please call or text us at (720) 386-6009 to learn more about your options and all of the support that’s available to you.
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