College and a baby?

Every school usually offers something. You should contact your school's Child & Family Services. Often times they offer free or reduced child care. I'm sure other people will post who have more info than I do. Good luck!

Alana, I also wanted to add that by having a dependent you may qualify for financial aid that may not be required to be paid back. If you are really thinking about keeping the baby and do not have insurance please check with your state agencies who provide free medical insurance so that yo won't get stuck with a huge bill. These agencies often have resources such as the WIC (Women, Infant and Children) program in many states WIC may help you cover food for you and your baby. You may also want to set up time with a school counselor to look at the resources available to you. You owe NO ONE an explanation if parenting is the route that you choose. Many people have been wonderful single parents. Take care, M

Every school is different but it's important to note that students are not automatically considered independent (i.e. eligible for aid independent of their parents) just because they have children. Most schools require students to be over 24 or have children (and be the child's primary source of support) or be married (and self-supporting). That primary support thing can trip many people up. If you're still relying on your parents for food, housing, medical care, etc. and they will/do/plan to provide that support for you AND your child, you may not be considered independent. Check with your financial aid office about these things. You may be able to have your financial aid status/award adjusted mid-year (post-birth) to make you eligible for additional aid. That said, regardless of financial aid, many four year colleges have family housing units (sometimes furnished) available on or near campus. Talk to your housing office about that. Larger schools often have low-cost health insurance that students can buy (as an alternative to medicaid) with on campus clinics and affiliated teaching hospitals (e.g. County-USC in LA). Many schools offer free or reduced-price child care too. Your campus student services office should be able to help you identify these resources. There are significant advantages to attending a large four-year university when it comes to being a single parent or facing an unplanned pregnancy. Two-year community and technical colleges don't usually have these services available (except for the childcare and finaid). Schools will do what they can to help meet your needs. You just have to ask. Good luck!