Summary
- • 34% of undergraduates were the first in their families to go to college in the 2011-12 academic year
- • First-generation students are more likely to be older, with an average age of 24 compared to 21 for continuing-generation students
- • 50% of first-generation college students are from low-income families
- • 27% of first-generation students come from households making $20,000 or less per year
- • First-generation students are more likely to be employed while in college, with 60% working compared to 42% of continuing-generation students
- • 28% of first-generation students work 35 hours or more per week while enrolled
- • First-generation students are more likely to attend public two-year institutions (46%) compared to continuing-generation students (25%)
- • Only 20% of first-generation students attend private four-year institutions, compared to 37% of continuing-generation students
- • 27% of first-generation students enroll in college part-time, compared to 15% of continuing-generation students
- • First-generation students have a lower six-year graduation rate (56%) compared to continuing-generation students (74%)
- • 25% of first-generation students leave college after their first year, compared to 14% of continuing-generation students
- • First-generation students have an average GPA of 2.6, compared to 3.1 for continuing-generation students
- • 55% of first-generation students are women, compared to 50% of continuing-generation students
- • 41% of first-generation students are students of color, compared to 25% of continuing-generation students
- • 30% of first-generation students speak a language other than English at home
Breaking barriers and rewriting the narrative, first-generation college students are defying the odds and blazing their own trails in the world of higher education. With statistics painting a vivid picture of resilience, determination, and unique challenges, these students are not just statistics but inspiring individuals carving out their place in academia against all odds. From working multiple jobs to facing financial struggles and navigating uncharted territory, the journey of a first-generation college student is a testament to the power of perseverance and the quest for knowledge amidst adversity. Lets dive into the intriguing world of these trailblazers and uncover the untold stories behind the numbers that define their extraordinary educational journeys.
Academic Performance
- First-generation students have a lower six-year graduation rate (56%) compared to continuing-generation students (74%)
- 25% of first-generation students leave college after their first year, compared to 14% of continuing-generation students
- First-generation students have an average GPA of 2.6, compared to 3.1 for continuing-generation students
- 27% of first-generation students take at least one remedial course in college, compared to 15% of continuing-generation students
- First-generation students are less likely to study abroad (9%) compared to continuing-generation students (16%)
- Only 11% of first-generation students complete a bachelor's degree within six years of enrolling in college
- First-generation students are more likely to major in vocational and technical fields (28%) compared to continuing-generation students (20%)
- 33% of first-generation students drop out of college within three years
- First-generation students are less likely to participate in extracurricular activities (30%) compared to continuing-generation students (46%)
- Only 9% of first-generation students complete a bachelor's degree within four years
- First-generation students are less likely to persist to their second year of college (72%) compared to continuing-generation students (84%)
- Only 34% of first-generation students complete any type of postsecondary degree within six years
- First-generation students are less likely to take advanced math courses in high school (35%) compared to continuing-generation students (56%)
- Only 14% of first-generation students earn a bachelor's degree within 10 years of entering college
- First-generation students have lower SAT scores on average (1530) compared to continuing-generation students (1714)
- Only 27% of first-generation students take a college entrance exam (SAT or ACT)
- First-generation students are less likely to participate in internships (17%) compared to continuing-generation students (29%)
- Only 11% of first-generation students major in STEM fields, compared to 24% of continuing-generation students
- Only 20% of first-generation students complete a bachelor's degree within eight years of high school completion
- First-generation students are less likely to participate in study groups (33%) compared to continuing-generation students (51%)
Interpretation
First-generation college students may have some catching up to do in terms of graduation rates, GPAs, and involvement in extracurricular activities, but they are clearly paving their own unique paths through higher education. Despite facing obstacles like lower SAT scores and participation in advanced math courses, these students are resilient and determined. They may take a bit longer to earn their degrees, but their commitment to education is evident in their choice of majors and their persistence in pursuing their goals. So, while they may not fit the traditional mold, first-generation students are carving out their own success stories – and that's something to admire.
Demographics
- 34% of undergraduates were the first in their families to go to college in the 2011-12 academic year
- First-generation students are more likely to be older, with an average age of 24 compared to 21 for continuing-generation students
- 55% of first-generation students are women, compared to 50% of continuing-generation students
- 41% of first-generation students are students of color, compared to 25% of continuing-generation students
- 30% of first-generation students speak a language other than English at home
- First-generation students are more likely to be single parents (17%) compared to continuing-generation students (9%)
- 42% of first-generation students are 24 years or older, compared to 19% of continuing-generation students
- First-generation students are more likely to be the first in their family to complete high school (23%) compared to continuing-generation students (5%)
- 48% of first-generation students' parents have a high school diploma or less
- First-generation students are more likely to be Hispanic (27%) compared to continuing-generation students (9%)
- 14% of first-generation students are Black, compared to 11% of continuing-generation students
- First-generation students are more likely to be veterans (4%) compared to continuing-generation students (1%)
- 32% of first-generation students have dependents, compared to 16% of continuing-generation students
- First-generation students are more likely to be first-generation immigrants (23%) compared to continuing-generation students (5%)
- 27% of first-generation students come from rural areas, compared to 18% of continuing-generation students
Interpretation
In a world where progress often hinges on breaking barriers and defying expectations, the statistics on First Generation College Students serve as a poignant reminder of resilience and determination. These students, making up 34% of undergraduates in the 2011-12 academic year, defy the odds with their unique demographic characteristics. From being more likely to be older, women, students of color, single parents, and immigrants, to having parents with limited education backgrounds, these individuals embody strength in the face of adversity. Their presence in higher education not only challenges stereotypes but also sheds light on the importance of access and support for all aspiring learners, regardless of their origins or circumstances. Their narratives are not just statistics, but powerful testaments to the enduring spirit of human potential.
Employment
- First-generation students are more likely to be employed while in college, with 60% working compared to 42% of continuing-generation students
- 28% of first-generation students work 35 hours or more per week while enrolled
- 42% of first-generation students work full-time while enrolled in college
- First-generation students are more likely to work off-campus (38%) compared to continuing-generation students (25%)
- Only 27% of first-generation students have a work-study job, compared to 41% of continuing-generation students
- First-generation students spend an average of 28 hours per week working while enrolled
Interpretation
First-generation college students are proving their resilience and work ethic by juggling employment and education in a way that would make any multitasker proud. With a higher likelihood of holding jobs both on and off campus, these students are truly mastering the art of time management. While their continued dedication to their studies is admirable, it's clear that society needs to do more to ease the burden on these hard-working individuals trying to pave a way to their dreams while also paying the bills.
Enrollment Patterns
- First-generation students are more likely to attend public two-year institutions (46%) compared to continuing-generation students (25%)
- Only 20% of first-generation students attend private four-year institutions, compared to 37% of continuing-generation students
- 27% of first-generation students enroll in college part-time, compared to 15% of continuing-generation students
- First-generation students are more likely to live off-campus (84%) compared to continuing-generation students (60%)
- 25% of first-generation students attend for-profit colleges, compared to 8% of continuing-generation students
- First-generation students are more likely to transfer between institutions (32%) compared to continuing-generation students (19%)
- Only 40% of first-generation students enroll in college immediately after high school
- First-generation students are more likely to attend college close to home, with 61% living within 50 miles of their family
- First-generation students are more likely to delay college enrollment by two or more years after high school (46%) compared to continuing-generation students (19%)
- Only 25% of first-generation students attend highly selective colleges, compared to 47% of continuing-generation students
- First-generation students are more likely to enroll in online courses (32%) compared to continuing-generation students (18%)
- Only 7% of first-generation students live on campus, compared to 25% of continuing-generation students
- First-generation students are more likely to attend college part-time for their entire enrollment (45%) compared to continuing-generation students (29%)
- Only 40% of first-generation students who start at community colleges transfer to four-year institutions within six years
- First-generation students are more likely to stop out of college temporarily (41%) compared to continuing-generation students (23%)
Interpretation
These statistics paint a vivid picture of the unique challenges and opportunities faced by first-generation college students. While their paths may diverge from those of their continuing-generation peers, their journey is characterized by resilience, determination, and a steadfast commitment to pursuing higher education. From navigating the complexities of enrollment patterns to forging their own way through the educational landscape, these students embody a spirit of tenacity and innovation. Their stories remind us that success knows no predetermined path and that the pursuit of knowledge is a journey that transcends boundaries and defies conventional norms.
Socioeconomic Status
- 50% of first-generation college students are from low-income families
- 27% of first-generation students come from households making $20,000 or less per year
- 50% of first-generation students are financially independent from their parents
- First-generation students have an average family income of $37,565, compared to $99,635 for continuing-generation students
- 65% of first-generation students rely on grants and scholarships to pay for college
- First-generation students are more likely to take out student loans (58%) compared to continuing-generation students (49%)
- The average student loan debt for first-generation students is $30,693, compared to $28,006 for continuing-generation students
Interpretation
These statistics paint a revealing portrait of the challenges and realities faced by first-generation college students. From the financial tightrope of coming from low-income families, where parents often cannot provide substantial support, to bearing the weight of student loans and relying heavily on scholarships and grants to offset the cost of education, these students are truly blazing a trail against the odds. In a world where privilege and pedigree often pave the way, these statistics serve as a stark reminder of the resilience and determination embodied by those who venture into higher education without a roadmap to guide them.
