When you’re the first in your family to earn a college degree, it’s a major milestone, not just for you, but for generations to come.
First-gen college students broke through the barrier to make family history.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 8.2 million undergraduate students are first-generation, and one-third of all college students in the United States are first-generation.
While the achievement is historic, the transition can be tough, and success comes with pressure.
Only about 27% of first-gen students graduate in four years. Research also shows that up to 1 in 3 leave college within their first three years.
One of the biggest hurdles is independence.
“In high school, their high school communicates frequently with their parent and their parent then reaches out to them. In college, that piece is taken away,” said Ashley Maddox, First Generation Program Coordinator at Seminole State College.
Finances are a top concern for first-gen students, with 56% coming from the lowest income quartile. Maddox advises students in this category to look for financial literacy workshops or one-on-one budgeting support.
“They’ll walk you through financial aid. FAFSA is a great resource. There’s a lot of how-to videos out there that can help,” explained Maddox.
“Imposter syndrome” is when first-gens doubt their abilities and feelings. Like they don’t belong in the academic world.
But research shows students who build connections with just one faculty member or campus group are more likely to persist and graduate.
So, what can you do?
“Ask questions when they don’t understand what’s expected of them,” said Maddox.
First-gen students may start without a roadmap, but with the right support, they can lead the way for everyone who follows.
Many first-gen students also juggle work and family responsibilities, which can make internships or campus activities harder to pursue.
Career experts suggest volunteering even once a month, joining virtual clubs, seeking micro-internships, or looking for paid research or on-campus jobs tied to your major.