First-Generation College Success: Challenges and Strategies

Navigating Higher Education as a First-Generation College Student: Challenges and Strategies for Success

You may have heard the term “first-generation college student” in conversations about higher education without fully understanding its meaning. This population of students is often the focus of significant research and discussion, as they frequently encounter unique challenges compared to their peers. But what exactly defines a first-generation student, and what might this mean for your educational journey?

While definitions vary among institutions and organizations, first-generation college students are generally those whose parents didn’t attend college or never completed a degree. These students come from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. However, they often have less access to certain types of knowledge and support that students from college-educated families take for granted. This article explores the potential obstacles facing first-generation students and highlights strategies and resources that can help, including the value of professional mental health support.

Defining First-Generation College Students

The exact definition of a first-generation college student can be surprisingly complex. Different definitions exist depending on whether you’re consulting a government agency, academic researcher, college admissions office, or campus resource center.

For federal student aid purposes, the Department of Education typically considers a first-generation student as one without a parent in the household who has earned at least a bachelor’s degree. Some researchers employ narrower definitions, focusing on students whose parents have no post-secondary education experience whatsoever.

More inclusive criteria may be used when offering counseling or non-financial assistance. Many campus support centers welcome any student who self-identifies as having limited prior knowledge about navigating higher education systems.

In general terms, if you’re attending college and neither of your parents holds a college degree, you would be considered a first-generation student.

First-Generation Student Demographics

Educational statistics indicate that more than half of students enrolled in U.S. colleges are first-generation. However, their distribution varies significantly across different types of institutions. Those attending four-year colleges are typically more likely to be continuing-generation students (those with at least one parent who holds a bachelor’s degree).

Why First-Generation Status Matters

Being a first-generation student doesn’t impact your intelligence, academic abilities, or motivation to succeed. However, if you’re the first in your family to pursue higher education, you may lack some of the inherent advantages enjoyed by peers whose families have college experience.

Consequently, first-generation students often need to work harder to achieve similar educational outcomes. Research shows that, on average, this population graduates with higher debt loads and earns lower incomes than their peers. They may also select less competitive academic institutions, potentially limiting their future opportunities.

According to research, first-generation students may also have lower completion rates for bachelor’s degree programs compared to their continuing-generation counterparts.

The challenges that first-generation students commonly face include:

Limited Knowledge About College Processes

Students whose families have college experience often benefit from inherited knowledge about how higher education works. First-generation students, by contrast, must acquire this same information through personal research and experience. This represents additional mental effort and can lead to uncertainty, anxiety, and misunderstandings about academic expectations and procedures.

Financial Constraints

While not universal, first-generation college students frequently come from households with lower incomes than their peers. This can limit educational opportunities. Although financial aid exists, parents without college experience may find application processes and eligibility requirements more challenging to navigate.

Different Educational Aspirations

A student’s perception of what they can achieve in higher education is often shaped by family expectations. Those whose parents don’t have college degrees may be less likely to view selective, academically rigorous institutions as realistic options.

Studies show that first-generation students typically apply to and attend open-admission institutions, such as community colleges and trade schools, even when their academic performance might enable success at more prestigious universities.

Competing Responsibilities

First-generation students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, often experience tension between their academic commitments and family responsibilities. Beyond their studies, many feel obligated to provide financial support for relatives, assist with childcare or household maintenance, or offer emotional support to family members. These competing priorities can create feelings of guilt and heightened stress.

Decreased Sense of Belonging

First-generation students sometimes come from different economic and cultural backgrounds than many of their classmates. This can create feelings of being out of place or that college wasn’t “designed for people like them.” This sense of isolation can negatively impact engagement with peers, academic performance, and overall campus involvement.

Mental Health Considerations for First-Generation Students

The challenges described above can place first-generation students under greater psychological pressure than many of their peers. Research suggests that certain mental health conditions may be more prevalent among first-generation college students.

A 2021 study found that this student population typically experiences higher rates of both mental and physical symptoms of anxiety disorders. Other research indicates increased incidence of depression. While some studies dispute these findings, many researchers agree that first-generation students benefit significantly from greater access to mental health services.

Strategies for First-Generation Student Success

Understanding the potential challenges you face, what steps can you take as a first-generation college student to position yourself for success? Here are several recommendations that may prove beneficial:

Develop Mentoring Relationships

Research on disadvantaged populations in higher education consistently shows that building strong relationships with knowledgeable mentors can mitigate many challenges encountered by first-generation students. Taking time to connect with faculty members and student service providers at your school can help establish valuable support networks.

If you’re unsure where to begin, most institutions assign students an academic advisor who can provide guidance on various aspects of your academic journey and campus life. Additionally, consider identifying professors teaching subjects that interest you and attending their office hours. Faculty members are typically eager to support motivated, engaged students.

Set Ambitious Goals

High school seniors contemplating college may have limited expectations about the types of institutions they can attend if their parents don’t hold degrees. Many first-generation students avoid applying to selective, academically challenging schools due to concerns about cost, distance, academic pressure, or cultural fit.

However, research indicates that first-generation students often face fewer disadvantages at more prestigious institutions. This may be attributed to the broader range of support services and more substantial financial aid packages available at these schools.

Seek Assistance When Needed

First-generation college students may be less inclined than their peers to ask for help when facing academic difficulties. This reluctance might stem from limited awareness of available support options, such as tutoring, assignment extensions, or extra-credit opportunities. It could also reflect concerns about being perceived as inadequate or not belonging.

Remember that college professors generally want to help students succeed. When you’re experiencing challenges, being honest with your instructors and proactively seeking assistance will often be met with support and understanding.

Resources for First-Generation Student Support

Many students don’t realize the extensive resources available at their academic institutions to help them overcome challenges. Most schools offer a wide array of support services addressing difficulties with coursework, adaptation to college life, mental health maintenance, and more. Additional resources may be available online. Examples include:

• Your academic advisor: Often the best initial contact when struggling with class-related challenges, study skills, degree requirements, and similar concerns.
• TRIO support services: This federal program supports students from disadvantaged backgrounds, including first-generation students. Many higher education institutions nationwide offer TRIO programs providing advising, tutoring, academic planning assistance, and connections with experienced mentors.
• Campus health centers: Colleges typically provide students with access to free health services, including mental health counseling to help manage stress and other concerns.
• I’m First!: This online community offers encouragement, inspiration, and advice to first-generation students across the country.
• America Needs You (ANY):