Human Services News

NCCP | Parents' Low Education Leads to Low Income, Despite Full-Time Employment

This fact sheet includes children who live apart from both parents, such as foster children or children being raised by grandparents.

Higher education is one of the most effective ways that parents can raise their families' incomes.

There is clear evidence that higher educational attainment is associated with higher earnings.

Policies that support education for low-income parents and children offer them the potential for lasting economic security.

26% of children in low-income families---over 7.6 million---have parents with less than a high school diploma.

35%---almost 10.3 million---have parents with a high school diploma, but no college education.

84% of children whose parents have less than a high school diploma live in low-income families.

If parents have low education levels, full-time employment does not protect their families from low earnings.

Over the past two decades, children with parents employed full-time are increasingly likely to be low income if their parents do not have at least a college education.

Increasing funds for child care subsidies and expanding eligibility criteria helps parents who need affordable, stable arrangements for their children while they are in school.

Parental education is defined as the education level of the most highly educated parent who lives with the child.