Amanda Lapierre, 21, and Meghann Martino, 22, are good friends and college roommates. But that’s not all; they’re both single parents of toddlers.

The young women are part of the Keys to Degrees Program at Endicott College in Beverly, which allows academically qualified single parents ages 18 to 24 to be full-time students and live on campus with their children.

The program, which started in 1993, is designed for a maximum of 10 students, men or women. This year it is serving eight mothers and their children, ages 10 1/2 months to 4 years.

The program provides financial aid, scholarships, and grants. It also offers workshops on parenting issues and life skills such as managing money. And there is a baby-sitting cooperative among the parents.

The big plus: The parents have the opportunity to attend college for four years and earn a bachelor’s degree.