Academic Orientation of College Students' Wives

Abstract

52 per cent of a selected sample of wives of Texas Technological College students responded to a questionnaire that furnished a description of their education, their employment and family status as well as indications of their attitudes toward higher education and possible college courses in which they might enroll if interested. Results show the average wife of a student is between 20 and 24 years of age, is employed, has one preschool child. A college education is more important to the majority “now” than it was when they married. 42 per cent had started college but had not completed it and were not enrolled. They wished a wider selection of courses were offered in night school. Most indicated they would also like service courses related to home and family life. Implications are discussed for those counseling women in high school and college.

Student Wives: Lives in Limbo

“…Hildebrand [9] indicated that a college education was viewed as more important to student wives during the couples' years on campus than when the wives first married.…”