First-Gen Facts

According to the Department of Education, a first-generation student is "A student whose parent(s) or legal guardian did not complete a bachelor's degree."

This also includes students who:

Are first-generation American

Have a parent that went to college in adulthood

Have a parent that started college but did not finish

Have a parent that went to college, but is not involved in the student's life

WHAT IS A

FIRST-GENERATION STUDENT?

FIRST-GEN STATS.

In 2018,

nearly

one-third of the nation's undergraduate population identified as first- generation.

36% of

all first-generation students are required to take remedial classes

46% of

all first-generation students are African

American.

50% of

first-generation

students come from low-income households.

Less than

50% of

first-

generation students are

likely to

graduate on time.

ARTICLES & RESEARCH.

Serving First Generation Students in Higher Education

Dr. Tomás D. Morales, president of California State University, San Bernardino discusses first-generation students and what institutions can do to help.

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First-generation college student statistics in 2022

Dr. Sarah E. Whitley unpacks key statistics related to the first-gen student identity that inform recommendations for promoting student success.

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Focusing on Well-Being: Inquiry with Black, First-Generation, HBCU Students

HGSE Graduate, Kayla Waysome uses radical imagining to uncover the needs of Black, HBCU, First-gen students.

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18 Memorable First Generation College Student Statistics

18 Memorable First Generation College Student Statistics Compiled form multiple credible articles.

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7 fast facts about your first generation students

Three minute read on student demographics, falling engagement and retention and more as it relates to first-generation college students.

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First-Gen College Graduates Lag Behind Their Peers on Key Economic Outcomes

Research conducted by Pew Research Center to understand the correlation between educational background of parents and their children’s economic outcomes.

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