Journal of Education and Learning (EduLearn)
Vol 20, No 4: November 2026

Academic life and struggles of student mothers

Nancy Marie M. Arimang (North Eastern Mindanao State University-Cantilan Campus)
Liziel T. Latoja (North Eastern Mindanao State University-Cantilan Campus)
Vivian C. Gruyal (North Eastern Mindanao State University-Cantilan Campus)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 Nov 2026

Abstract

Student mothers in higher education manage academic obligations alongside childcare, household work, and financial pressures. Despite growing interest in student-parent experiences, evidence from the Philippines, particularly from the Caraga Region where early childbearing remains a continuing concern, is still limited. This convergent mixed-methods study examined the academic conditions and adaptive responses of 22 student mothers enrolled in a state university in Caraga. Survey responses were summarized through descriptive statistics, while interview narratives were analyzed thematically. The findings show that the most persistent pressures involve academic workload, childcare constraints, and limited income. To remain enrolled, participants relied mainly on careful scheduling, support from family members, peer assistance, and deliberate budgeting. Even with these adaptive practices, the respondents described limited institutional support, particularly in relation to flexible academic arrangements, affordable childcare options, and focused financial assistance. The study highlights the need for Philippine state universities to adopt more responsive measures that can improve the retention, well-being, and academic progress of student mothers.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

EduLearn

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Education Library & Information Science Social Sciences Other

Description

Journal of Education and Learning (EduLearn) ISSN: 2089-9823, e-ISSN 2302-9277 is a multi-disciplinary, peer-refereed open-access international journal which has been established for the dissemination of state-of-the-art knowledge in the field of education, teaching, development, instruction, ...