The importance of higher education for women on welfare, the needs of welfare women in college, and college services provided to this population are discussed, along with model college programs, and policy implications for local, state, and federal programs. It is proposed that single-parent women on welfare have access to higher education so they can escape welfare and achieve long-term self-sufficiency. The following benefits of educating welfare women are considered: increased employment opportunities, personal growth, positive effects on children, financial benefits, social productivity, and benefits to colleges which are seeking to increase enrollments. Needs of welfare women in college include: financial aid, skill development and training, and personal and psychological support. Two operational models serving welfare women are described: De Anza Community College program and the University of Minnesota HELP program. The structural relationships between federal policy and the welfare system are also addressed, along with educational and social government policies, including food, medical, child care, and housing programs. Recommendations for structural change are included, along with a bibliography. (SW)