If not welfare, then what?: How single mothers finance college post-welfare reform

Abstract

The article follows previous work on TANF and AFDC by asking if not welfare, then what social programs and financial aid programs are low-income women using to support their college attendance, and what is the impact of these programs on the college-going decisions of low-income women? The study is based on case studies of 10 low-income women attending a community college. Results indicated that EITC, food stamps, and subsidized housing are stable sources of funding. However, each of these programs requires different application processes and compliance regulations. Only the Pell Grant was viewed as a dependable source of funding for college costs. Participants expressed confusion and frustration over the many varying regulations amongst programs. © Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare, 2011.