Support For First Generation College Students

The National Center for Education Statistics defines a first generation college student as an undergraduate enrollee whose parents do not have a bachelor's degree. Many first gen college students come from low-income families and belong to underrepresented ethnic or racial groups.

First generation college students often attend community college, live at home, enroll part time, and receive little to no financial support from their parents. Often academically underprepared for the demands of postsecondary education, these students are more likely to perform poorly or drop out.

Schools offer a variety of support programs for first gen students, including financial aid options, mentoring opportunities, and academic counseling. Several nonprofits address the unique needs and challenges of first generation college enrollees by offering networking opportunities, financial aid for study-abroad programs, and career development guidance.

Addressing Challenges Faced by First Generation College Students

Nearly one-third of first generation college students drop out of their program within three years. Students with college-educated parents have a drop-out rate of just 14%. The section below addresses some of the reasons behind this reality, including difficulties first gen enrollees often encounter.

Eight Common Obstacles for First Generation Students

1. Navigating freshman orientation
2. Feeling alone or unknown by peers
3. Maintaining balance or achieving good emotional and mental health
4. Feeling the absence of an older adult providing guidance
5. Falling behind in academics
6. Feeling depleted from so many new and unknown experiences
7. Not knowing where to receive proper healthcare on campus
8. Worrying about finding like-minded people
9. Not knowing where on campus to find a particular service

Meeting the Challenges

• Guilt About Having More Opportunities Than Parents

  First gen students may feel guilty about being more privileged than their parents. Counselors can guide them to regard the opportunity to attend college as a source of family pride. Getting a college education does not make first generation students better than their parents. Rather, a college degree is a testimony to their parents' ability to give their children a promising future.

• Inability to Tour College Campuses

  Financial constraints or work schedules can prevent first generation students from visiting campuses. Fortunately, many colleges and universities offer virtual campus tours that students can take any time. Admissions personnel can answer questions unique to first gen applicants.

• Trouble Completing Financial Aid Documents

  Many colleges employ admissions specialists to help incoming freshmen, including first generation college students, complete financial aid requirements. Admissions counselors update students on financial aid application deadlines and required information.

• Overwhelmed by the Cost of Education

  Many students allow high education costs to deter them from pursuing a degree. First generation college students can apply for a variety of scholarships and grants to help fund their education. Most schools have a financial aid office where students can direct any financial aid-related inquiries.

• Fear of Falling Through the Cracks

  Many first generation college students are not familiar with the many academic and financial resources available to them. These learners can often fall through the cracks, especially in large universities. Reaching out to peers, teachers, counselors, and other school personnel builds a support network that can help first gen students stay on track to graduation.

How School Officials and Counselors Can Help

First generation college students need a safe space to address issues that are particular to their situation. Counselors and school administrators can help create this space through social gatherings exclusively for first gen students and their parents. One-on-one counseling sessions throughout the academic year can also help first gen students.

Additionally, school officials can tap alumni who were first gen college students themselves to form or join a mentoring program.

First Generation College Student Guide to Paying for College

See below for scholarships that specifically aim to ease the financial cost of a college education for first gen students. These programs comprise only a small portion of financial aid opportunities for first generation enrollees.

Colleges and universities often administer their own financial aid packages, as do several local, state, and federal agencies. Students should always apply for scholarships and grants first, since these funds do not require repayment.

Scholarships for First Generation College Students

See below for scholarships that specifically aim to ease the financial cost of a college education for first gen students. These programs comprise only a small portion of financial aid opportunities for first generation enrollees.

Colleges and universities often administer their own financial aid packages, as do several local, state, and federal agencies. Students should always apply for scholarships and grants first, since these funds do not require repayment.

Other Types of Financial Aid

Getting Ready for College: A First Generation Students Guide

Being college-ready requires preparation, perseverance, and patience. The following sections show how the road to college begins well in advance of submitting an application.

• Months Leading into Senior Year

  High school students in their senior year are focused on finishing strong while also looking ahead to college. First generation students may have additional responsibilities relating to family and work. Students can use the summer to research schools, take virtual tours, and visit campuses when possible. Learners can also take career quizzes to get a sense of possible majors.

• August: Create a Map

  First generation college students often only apply to one school. However, online resources allow students to tour many schools and find multiple options that suit their needs. Many first gen students can receive a college application fee waiver. Learners can create a calendar listing application deadlines. They can also begin thinking about writing essays, requesting transcripts, and asking teachers to write recommendations.

• September: Write and Compile Essays

  First generation students can use essays to tell their story. Applicants can stand out by discussing the struggles they have overcome and the hard work they have invested to be the first in their family to attend college. Students should review prompts early and spend a few weeks crafting a thoughtful outline before completing essays.

• October: Submit the FAFSA

  The FAFSA determines students' eligibility for financial aid. Learners can complete the FAFSA any time after October 1. Students include financial information about their family or themselves if they qualify as an independent adult. Many first generation students qualify for both Pell Grants and work-study funding.

  Students should complete the FAFSA as early as possible since many schools award federal aid on a first-come, first-served basis.

• October: Take Entrance Exams

  Most schools require college entrance exams like the SAT or ACT. Many first generation students may qualify for fee waivers for both of these exams. Students with strong vocabulary and writing typically take the SAT, while those who favor analytical and scientific reasoning take the ACT.

  Students can usually take the exams up to three times before raising any concerns with admissions panels. Learners should consider taking entrance exams once in their junior year to get a sense of improvement areas.

• November: Request and Gather Recommendations

  First generation students can ask for recommendations from teachers or coaches that speak to their strength and character. Students should provide their recommenders with the recommendation form at least one month before the deadline, as many teachers and coaches write letters for multiple students.

• December: Submit Applications

  Students must submit early-decision applications by December. The regular application period typically runs from January through March. Students should pay attention to any rolling admissions schools. These schools make decisions as they receive applications, and spots may fill up quickly.

• February: Entrance Interviews

  Not all schools require interviews. However, first generation college students should take advantage of this step when possible as it allows them to demonstrate their unique qualities. Some schools conduct entrance interviews on campus, although students in other locations may interview with a nearby alumnus.

• March: Choose a School

  Most schools send all acceptance letters by April, save for those with rolling admissions. As students begin receiving acceptance letters, they should consider factors such as location, alumni success rates, and program cost versus awarded aid.

• April: Review and Accept Financial Aid

  All students, not just first-gen college students, should learn how much funding is available to them. Students' acceptance letters provide information on available federal aid and internal scholarships. Learners should then add any external scholarships or grants to this amount to see how much money they must pay each academic year. Some students may decide to take out loans, while others may consider a more affordable school.

• May: Final Steps

  After submitting formal acceptance, students can complete a few more steps. For example, they may need to find a job, take AP exams, determine where they will live, or send final transcripts.

Advice From First Generation College Grads

Bruce Harpham

BA in history and political science from University of Toronto, MA in history from Western University, MIS from University of Toronto.

[pullquote slot="contentRight"]"Seek out supportive peers who share your goals. I had an excellent experience as a student journalist working on several campus newspapers and leading the History Student Association. If you are concerned about papers or academic performance, take advantage of office hours to ask questions. Most students fail to ask questions and seek assistance to improve their studies."[/pullquote]

Amanda Basse

BS in international business from University of Rhode Island

[pullquote slot="contentRight"]"The road was long and hard, but worth it. I completed the entire process alone, from SAT sign-ups to moving myself in. It was overwhelming and stressful, and at the time, I did not know of any programs to help with the process. My high school guidance counselor discouraged me from aiming too high.

My tip is to find a college access program like Higher Edge to guide you through the process and to believe in you along the way. The biggest surprise about the application process was searching and applying for financial aid opportunities. I feel the process was designed for people who had all their ducks in a row, for families who have financial statements, and for applicants whose parents are involved."[/pullquote]

Resources for First Generation College Students

Emma Yenko

With an undergraduate degree in communications and a master's in education, Emma finds writing for the education vertical to be the perfect niche.