Perceived factors influencing post-secondary enrollment and economic stability of single and married mothers in Utah

This research explored the perceived factors that influenced the decisions of single and married mothers to enroll or not enroll in post-secondary education. The study then investigated the relationship between educational level and income for single mothers in Utah. From a survey of 1197 Utah mothers, this study concluded that mothers enroll in post-secondary education out of desire and necessity, and there is a relationship between an educational attainment level of a Bachelor\u27s degree of higher and the ability of a single mother to gain economic stability. Specifically, single mothers enroll in post-secondary education for financial reasons while married mothers enroll more often for personal improvement. Family and friends are important supports for mothers who decide to enroll in post-secondary education. Time is a perceived barrier for single and married mothers who decide not to enroll in post-secondary education, and money is a barrier for single mothers who decide not to enroll in post-secondary education. Married mothers in this research would enroll in post-secondary education if a life event required them to become the financial provider for the family. Strategies for dealing with insufficient income sometimes vary by educational level of the single mothers in this research. However, assets, sufficient income and money left over at the end of the month are significantly different depending on educational level, most often the Bachelor\u27s degree or higher. Lastly, while to no significant difference was found between the employment rate and educational level of single mothers in this research, significance was found between the educational level and income of single mothers