Are you the first in your family to attend college? If so, congratulations! You are in for an exhilarating, fulfilling, and rewarding experience. You should be extremely proud of achieving this monumental accomplishment, both for yourself and your family.

First-generation college students are a source of pride for their families. Still, they also encounter several unique economic and social challenges throughout their journey in higher education.

This comprehensive guide will provide information, recommendations, and resources first-generation college students can use to prepare themselves for university and explore some of the specific challenges that first-generation college students may encounter.

What is a First-Generation College Student?

A first-generation college student, or first-generation student, is the first in their immediate family to graduate from a four-year college or university. Meaning that the student’s parents, grandparents, and siblings have not completed a Bachelor’s degree. This student will become the first in their family to attend and graduate from college.

This definition helps specific grants and programs, like the federal TRIO programs and Pell Grants, determine eligibility. Furthermore, colleges and universities also offer programs and resources to first-generation students.

However, individual educational institutions may have broader or more specific definitions of a first-generation college student, so be sure to research the school’s you’re interested in to understand if you meet the terms provided by your chosen institution. Generally speaking, parents’ academic qualifications will determine a student’s status as a first-generation college student.

What are the Common Challenges of First-Generation College Students?

Students whose parents did not attend or complete college face some unique economic and social challenges, since they are likely the first people in their immediate family to navigate college admissions, financial aid, student housing, and career planning processes.

Challenge #1: Colleges Admissions

Navigating the college admissions process can be overwhelming for anyone, but especially for first-generation college students, since they can’t count on first-hand experience and support from parents who went to college and can offer advice.

Fortunately, this does not mean first-generation college students are alone, although it will take looking outside the home to find support and guidance. Many find help, support, and valuable information from high school guidance counselors, teachers, and college fairs. Not to mention that college-bound programs and organizations are designed to provide mentoring services and assistance with admissions and financial aid applications.

 

Are you a first-generation student looking for guidance in the admissions process? Check out our Prospective Student online hub to learn more about the application process, financial aid, on-campus events, and more!

 

Challenge #2: Paying For College and Financial Aid

While not universally true, many first-generation college students come from low- or middle-income families. Students may also be immigrants or the first in their families to be born in the United States. They also may juggle the additional responsibilities of children of their own or full-time employment.

Any and all of these factors can cause students to struggle to find ways to pay for college and often lead first-generation students to incur more college debt or quit prematurely as they try to attend school and work full-time to make ends meet.

The first thing students should do is fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which reveals what federal grants, work-study programs, and loans they qualify for. Then, students should speak with their high school counselors and research to find additional scholarships that can help fund their education, including many scholarships offered exclusively to first-generation students.

Furthermore, if students do not feel like they are receiving enough financial aid from a college or university, they may be able to submit an appeal of financial assistance to increase their funding.

Students should consider the entire cost of an education, not just tuition, to make sure they are looking at the whole picture, including:

• Tuition
• Fees
• Books
• Food
• Housing
• Transportation costs
• Federal loan fees
• Miscellaneous expenses

Students can use their school’s net price calculator to determine the approximate cost they expect to pay for each year of school.

Challenge #3: Social and Familial Pressure

While a fantastic achievement, being the first in your family to attend college can cause students to feel lonely as no one in their family understands the pressures and challenges of going to college.

This loneliness can also lead to guilt and imposter syndrome as students may think they do not deserve to be at college or live up to their family’s or society’s expectations. In turn, students may further isolate themselves from their families, peers, teachers, and campus resources that can help.

For these very reasons, colleges and universities offer comprehensive student support services, including personal advising and counseling, to ensure students get through college successfully and into a great career.

What are the Resources or Programs Available to First-Generation College Students?

In addition to federal financial aid and specific first-generation college student scholarships, first-generation students have access to many resources and first-generation college student programs.

These include non-profit organizations like College Greenlight, America Needs You, First Graduate, and The Center for First-Generation Student Success, as well as college-specific programs and organizations.

Students may also find their school or university has a summer bridge program that invites students for a two-to-four-week in-depth orientation and noncredit summer courses to help ease their transition from high school to college. Additionally, many schools, like University of Bridgeport, will provide peer mentor programs where students are paired with upper-level students who provide support and guidance for social and academic success.

What Should First-Generation College Students Look For In A University?

The best thing first-generation college students can do to set themselves up for academic and personal success at a college or university is to look for and connect to opportunities that specifically serve first-generation students. Students should look for financial aid opportunities like scholarships, mentorships, special events, student organizations, and clubs.

Additionally, students should research to see if their chosen college or university is part of the First-Gen Forward Institutions Cohort. The cohort is an elite community of professionals prepared to share evidence-based practices and resources, troubleshoot challenges, and generate knowledge.

Here at University of Bridgeport, we are proud to be a First Gen Forward university and are committed to advancing the success of first-generation college students. Contact us today to learn more about this program and our efforts.

We can’t wait to help you succeed in college as a first-generation college student and in your future career!