Defining the First-Generation College Student
The term "first-generation college student" carries significant weight in the landscape of higher education. While seemingly straightforward, its definition and implications are multifaceted, evolving over time and varying across institutions. Understanding the nuances of this term is crucial for students, educators, and institutions alike to provide adequate support and promote equitable access to education.
Traditional and Evolving Definitions
Typically, a first-generation college student is defined as a student whose parents or guardians did not complete a four-year college degree. In other words, they are the first in their immediate family to pursue a bachelor's degree. However, this definition can change from person to person and across institutions. Some colleges may have slightly different definitions of what it means to be a first-gen student. For example, some institutions may consider a student first-generation even if a parent earned an associate's degree or attended some college but did not graduate. Others may focus on whether the parents attended a traditional college campus.
The definition of “first-generation college student” has broadened over time to be more inclusive. Some institutions define first-generation students as those whose parents did not attend college at all. In contrast, others use a more broadly inclusive definition based on whether a parent obtained a four-year degree. Still, others may have no formal definition at all or inconsistently apply definitions across programs.
The Significance of Being First-Generation
Being a first-gen student can be a source of pride and motivation. "Being a first-generation college student means the world to me,” Hazen said. “I hope to show my family that everything that I did through this SNHU program was for them.” For Yasmine Molinari ’22, who earned a bachelor’s in psychology from SNHU, the accomplishment was a tribute to her mother. “I had to grab this first-generation stole today because I am very proud to be able to accomplish this,” she said after walking at Commencement. Molinari said she plans to use her degree to give back to others.
“It feels good to be first generation,” said Jerron Trice ‘24, who graduated from SNHU with a bachelor’s in business administration. “I believe I'm breaking a cycle in my family and my lineage and starting a new cycle of college graduates from starting with me on going forward.” When you do something that no one's done before, you're setting a precedent. You're the blueprint - the start of a new legacy.
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Unique Challenges Faced by First-Generation Students
First-generation students often face unique challenges in the college admissions process and throughout their college experience. Being a first-gen student can come with challenges, from navigating unfamiliar systems to lacking access to college-related guidance at home. Because of a lack of experience, first-generation college students' parents do not always understand what the academic requirements are to attend a four-year college; therefore they cannot prepare their children for admission to such universities or the stress of the college experience.
Certain challenges are common among first-gen students. "What can be difficult is that they are missing the practical support necessary to navigate the campus and our various written and unwritten rules," Zlotkowski said. She noted parents and guardians of first-gen students might not be able to offer as much help with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and paying for college, understanding expectations and figuring out how to prepare for post-college life.
These challenges can include:
- Navigating Unfamiliar Systems: First-generation students may find it difficult to navigate the complexities of college life, from understanding academic requirements to accessing support services.
- Lack of Guidance: They may lack access to college-related guidance at home, as their parents may not have personal experience with higher education.
- Financial Constraints: First-generation students often face financial challenges, including limited resources for tuition, fees, and living expenses. A problem that first-generation students face, more frequently than other students is lack of finance with the constant growing cost of college.
- Imposter Syndrome: Research has found that first-generation college students experience imposter syndrome (IP) at higher rates than their continuing-generation peers. First-generation college students who struggle with impostor syndrome often cite feeling that their classes are highly competitive and that their continuing-generation peers may "find out" that they are not as capable, as skilled, or as intelligent as they may be perceived.
- Cultural Mismatch: The "cultural mismatch" between the college environment and first-generation college students' working-class backgrounds can be a source of academic disadvantage. Middle class students are typically socialized to value independence, and they are encouraged to approach college with the intention to "separate and distinguish themselves from their parents…, to find themselves, to develop their voices, to follow their passions, and to influence the world". On the other hand, working class students are often socialized to value interdependence, such as by "adjusting and responding to others' needs" and "being a part of a community", and may view college through a lens of interdependence as well.
College Admissions and Support
Applying to college as a first-generation student can be both exciting and overwhelming. Understanding what perks and challenges can come with the process is the best way to stay on the right track. Starting the process early gives students more time to build their academic portfolios, consider college options, explore financial aid opportunities, and more. Starting early also gives students and their parents and guardians enough time to ask questions and seek support from professionals.
Some colleges make an active effort to prioritize the admission of first-generation students. They make up a significant portion of many incoming classes across the country. Although the percentage of first-generation applicants varies from institution to institution as well as the year, studies have shown that at least 20% of incoming students on a national level identify as first-generation. Not every college offers the same level of support. Some schools have built robust programs to uplift first-generation students, offering dedicated advising, first-year seminars, and mentorship networks.
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Available Resources and Support Systems
There are a handful of online resources dedicated to supporting first-generation college students. The list of colleges offering support to first-generation students is extensive.
Some examples of institutional support include:
- Penn State’s Student Success Centre: dedicated to supporting first-generation students.
- UCLA’s First to Go program: Starting in 2026, UCLA’s First to Go program promotes campus involvement and engagement opportunities for first-generation students.
- Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU): "On SNHU's campus, we have wonderful support available for first-gen students," Zlotkowski said.
Other resources include:
- Academic Advisors: Your academic advisor is your advocate and can support you through any challenges you face while earning your degree.
- Faculty Mentors: Making an introduction allows your faculty to learn more about you, will make it easier to ask questions, and may result in exciting research/internship opportunities.
- Financial Aid Office: You need to complete the FAFSA every year if you want to receive financial aid.
- On-Campus Jobs: Many on-campus jobs will require you to submit a resume and/or cover letter and complete an interview.
- The Undocumented, First-Generation College, and Low-Income (U-FLi) Student Center is the main hub for members of the Brown community who identify with the undocumented, first-generation college, and/or low-income student experience to meet other students, staff, and faculty that share these aspects of their background.
- Collegewise: With more than 26 years of experience, Collegewise counselors and tutors are at the forefront of the ever-evolving admissions landscape.
Dispelling Misconceptions
It is important to avoid conflating the term "first-generation" with other identities such as low-income or racially minoritized students. “We need to stop conflating every identity together,” says Whitley. “People assume first gen means low income or first gen means Black, and then all the data is a mess. Similarly, an Advising Success Network report on affirming student identities in higher education says, “First-generation college students have complex, intersectional identities, but it is a common misconception to equate being a first-generation college student with being low income . . .
Emphasizing the need for intersectional approaches to work with first-generation students, Whitley adds, “some students feel when they get to college, ‘I don’t get this place. I don’t understand the complexities of the bureaucracy.’ They often blame that on other identities besides being first gen and then have to learn there are supports and resources. It’s not a negative part of who you are.
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Advice for First-Generation Students
Here is some advice for first-generation students:
- Acknowledge that you are on an exciting and unique journey," Winfield said.
- Connect with your instructors and other first-gen students.
- Take advantage of available resources.
- Stay motivated.
- Seek support from professionals. Whether it’s from a school counselor, peers, or a private counseling service (like Collegewise!), asking for mentorship is not a sign of weakness.
- Never attempt to falsify or misrepresent information in hopes of manipulating an outcome. Colleges can (and will) verify information.
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