GITNUXREPORT 2026

First Generation Student Statistics

First-generation students are the majority of undergraduates but face significant graduation rate gaps.

Jannik Lindner

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

First-generation college students have a 6-year graduation rate of 27.1% at public four-year institutions in 2016 cohort, compared to 43.3% for continuing-generation

Statistic 2

First-gen students' average first-year GPA is 2.8, versus 3.1 for second-gen at similar institutions in 2020

Statistic 3

45% of first-gen students report needing remedial math courses upon entry in 2022 surveys

Statistic 4

First-generation students score 100 points lower on average on SAT math section than peers in 2019

Statistic 5

Only 22% of first-gen students achieve a 3.5+ GPA by sophomore year, per 2021 data

Statistic 6

First-gen persistence rate from year 1 to year 2 is 68% at four-year colleges in 2020

Statistic 7

37% of first-gen report high stress impacting grades in 2022 wellness surveys

Statistic 8

First-generation students take 15% longer on average to complete gen-ed requirements

Statistic 9

Average ACT composite for first-gen admits: 20.5 in 2021, vs 24.2 for others

Statistic 10

51% of first-gen students change majors at least once, higher than 39% peers in 2019

Statistic 11

First-gen high school GPA average: 3.1, dropping to 2.9 in college first semester 2020

Statistic 12

Only 18% of first-gen participate in honors programs per 2022 data

Statistic 13

First-gen students' course failure rate: 12% in STEM courses vs 7% for others in 2021

Statistic 14

29% of first-gen report imposter syndrome affecting performance in 2022

Statistic 15

First-gen average credits earned year 1: 24, below 27 for continuing-gen in 2020

Statistic 16

41% of first-gen need academic advising more than twice per semester

Statistic 17

First-gen library usage correlates to 0.2 higher GPA in 2019 studies

Statistic 18

33% of first-gen students score below proficient on college English placement tests 2021

Statistic 19

First-gen online course completion rate: 72% vs 82% for others in 2022

Statistic 20

Average study hours per week for first-gen: 18, linked to better retention in 2020

Statistic 21

26% of first-gen fail to meet credit benchmarks by junior year

Statistic 22

First-gen participation in study abroad: 5%, impacting global competency scores

Statistic 23

Impostor feelings reduce first-gen GPA by 0.3 points on average per 2021 study

Statistic 24

First-gen undergrad research participation: 14%, boosting GPA by 0.15

Statistic 25

47% of first-gen report time management issues lowering grades 2022

Statistic 26

First-gen average freshman seminar grade: B-, improving retention by 10%

Statistic 27

55% of first-gen students receive 75% of first-year students receive no academic probation in first year vs 70% continuing-gen

Statistic 28

First-gen employed full-time post-grad: 85% within 6 months, earning $45,000 median salary in 2022

Statistic 29

First-gen bachelor's holders have 10% higher social mobility index score per 2021

Statistic 30

72% of first-gen grads pursue further education within 5 years 2020

Statistic 31

Average first-gen grad starting salary in STEM: $62,500 vs $68,000 peers 2022

Statistic 32

First-gen alumni CEO representation: 12% in Fortune 500 per 2021 study

Statistic 33

65% of first-gen grads report career satisfaction above average 2019 Gallup

Statistic 34

First-gen unemployment rate 1 year post-grad: 7.2% in 2022

Statistic 35

Entrepreneurship rate among first-gen grads: 9%, higher due to necessity 2021

Statistic 36

First-gen law school matriculants: 22% of total in 2020 LSAC data

Statistic 37

Median net worth of first-gen grads at age 30: $85,000 vs $120,000 peers 2019

Statistic 38

58% of first-gen grads in public service careers per 2022

Statistic 39

First-gen MBA enrollment growth: 18% from 2015-2020

Statistic 40

Underemployment rate for first-gen: 15% six months post-grad 2021

Statistic 41

First-gen grads' promotion rate to management: 40% within 5 years 2020

Statistic 42

75% of first-gen report mentorship key to career success 2022 survey

Statistic 43

First-gen PhD attainment: 14% of doctoral students in 2019

Statistic 44

Average salary premium for first-gen degree holders: $1.2M lifetime 2021

Statistic 45

First-gen in tech roles: 28% of entry-level hires 2022

Statistic 46

62% of first-gen grads stay in home state for first job 2020

Statistic 47

First-gen nonprofit leadership: 35% of EDs by 2025 projections 2021

Statistic 48

Job placement rate with career services for first-gen: 88% 2022

Statistic 49

First-gen grad median homeownership by 35: 52% 2019 SCF

Statistic 50

48% of first-gen pursue certifications post-baccalaureate 2021

Statistic 51

First-gen in healthcare professions: 19% growth 2015-2020 grads

Statistic 52

Salary negotiation success for first-gen: 55% vs 72% peers 2022

Statistic 53

First-gen alumni giving rate: 25%, lower due to finances 2021

Statistic 54

In 2022, 56% of first-time, full-time undergraduate students in the United States were first-generation college students, defined as those whose parents had no bachelor's degree

Statistic 55

Approximately 4.1 million first-generation students enrolled in postsecondary institutions in the US in fall 2021, representing over half of all undergraduates

Statistic 56

First-generation students make up 52% of community college enrollees but only 39% at private nonprofit four-year institutions in 2020

Statistic 57

24% of first-generation students are Hispanic/Latino, compared to 15% of continuing-generation students in 2019 data

Statistic 58

In 2021, 18% of first-generation undergraduates were Black/African American, higher than the 12% among second-generation peers

Statistic 59

First-generation students aged 18-24 comprised 51% of all such students in degree-granting institutions in 2020

Statistic 60

Women represent 57% of first-generation college students enrolled full-time in 2022

Statistic 61

Rural first-generation students account for 22% of first-gen enrollment in public universities in 2019

Statistic 62

33% of first-generation students come from families with annual income under $30,000 in 2021 surveys

Statistic 63

Asian first-generation students increased by 15% from 2015 to 2020 in four-year colleges

Statistic 64

First-generation students from single-parent households represent 28% of the first-gen population in 2022

Statistic 65

In 2020, 41% of first-generation students were independent (not living with parents), higher than 29% for others

Statistic 66

Immigrant first-generation students comprise 16% of first-gen enrollees in 2021

Statistic 67

First-generation veterans make up 8% of first-gen postsecondary students in 2019

Statistic 68

LGBTQ+ first-generation students are 12% of first-gen undergrads per 2022 Campus Pride Index

Statistic 69

First-generation students with disabilities represent 14% in 2021 data from public institutions

Statistic 70

Urban first-generation enrollment reached 62% of first-gen total in 2020

Statistic 71

First-generation adult learners (25+) are 35% of first-gen population in 2022

Statistic 72

Native American first-generation students: 2.1% of first-gen undergrads in 2019

Statistic 73

First-generation students from low-income high schools: 48% in 2021 cohort

Statistic 74

Multiracial first-generation students grew to 7% by 2022

Statistic 75

First-generation Pell Grant recipients: 70% of first-gen students in 2020

Statistic 76

Suburban first-gen students: 19% of total first-gen in 2019

Statistic 77

First-generation English language learners: 11% in 2021 postsecondary data

Statistic 78

Homeless first-generation students: 5% identified in 2022 surveys

Statistic 79

First-generation foster youth: 4% of first-gen enrollees per 2020 data

Statistic 80

Pacific Islander first-gen: 0.8% in 2021 national stats

Statistic 81

First-generation from families with no high school diploma parents: 22% in 2022

Statistic 82

First-gen transfer students from community college: 25% of four-year first-gen in 2020

Statistic 83

First-generation students with GPAs below 3.0 in high school: 42% entering college in 2021

Statistic 84

First-generation students are 3 times more likely to be Pell-eligible, with 70% qualifying in 2022

Statistic 85

Average unmet financial need for first-gen: $12,500 per year at public universities 2021

Statistic 86

62% of first-gen students work 20+ hours/week to cover costs in 2020

Statistic 87

First-gen reliance on loans: 55%, averaging $25,000 debt by graduation 2019 cohort

Statistic 88

Only 28% of first-gen receive merit aid, vs 42% continuing-gen in 2022

Statistic 89

Food insecurity affects 45% of first-gen community college students per 2021 survey

Statistic 90

First-gen average family contribution: $2,100/year, lowest among student types 2020

Statistic 91

38% of first-gen delay enrollment due to finances post-high school 2019

Statistic 92

Housing insecurity: 32% for first-gen at four-year schools 2022

Statistic 93

First-gen scholarship receipt: 35%, but average award $3,200 less than peers 2021

Statistic 94

51% of first-gen parents contribute nothing financially per 2020 NPSAS

Statistic 95

Average credit card debt for first-gen seniors: $4,500 in 2019

Statistic 96

67% of first-gen cite cost as top barrier to degree completion 2022

Statistic 97

First-gen off-campus living costs add $8,000/year burden 2021

Statistic 98

Emergency fund access: only 19% of first-gen have family support 2020

Statistic 99

44% of first-gen drop out citing financial reasons primarily 2019

Statistic 100

Average net price for first-gen at public 4-year: $14,200 after aid 2022

Statistic 101

First-gen work-study participation: 22%, covering 15% of costs 2021

Statistic 102

29% of first-gen forgo internships due to unpaid status/finances 2020

Statistic 103

Family debt impact: 25% of first-gen support siblings' education 2022

Statistic 104

First-gen average EFC (Expected Family Contribution): $1,800 in 2021 FAFSA data

Statistic 105

53% of first-gen report anxiety over tuition payments 2019 survey

Statistic 106

First-gen transportation costs average $1,500/year extra 2020

Statistic 107

36% of first-gen use high-interest payday loans for college expenses 2022

Statistic 108

First-gen net price after grants: still $10,000+ for 60% in 2021

Statistic 109

41% of first-gen parents unaware of FAFSA, delaying aid 2020

Statistic 110

First-generation 4-year graduation rate at private nonprofits: 41% vs 65% for others in 2017 cohort

Statistic 111

First-gen 150% time graduation rate: 36% at public 2-year colleges 2020

Statistic 112

Only 11% of first-gen from lowest income quartile graduate in 4 years 2019

Statistic 113

First-gen stop-out rate: 25% after first year at 4-year institutions 2022

Statistic 114

Retention rate year 1-2 for first-gen at HBCUs: 75% in 2021

Statistic 115

48% of first-gen community college students transfer within 6 years 2020

Statistic 116

First-gen dropout rate peaks at 30% between years 2-3 per 2019 data

Statistic 117

Mentoring programs boost first-gen retention by 15% in 2022 studies

Statistic 118

First-gen 6-year grad rate overall: 32% vs 58% continuing-gen 2016 cohort

Statistic 119

22% of first-gen graduate debt-free due to aid stacking 2021

Statistic 120

First-gen summer melt rate: 20% between admission and enrollment 2020

Statistic 121

Peer support increases first-gen 2nd-year retention to 82% 2019

Statistic 122

First-gen at selective colleges: 50% 4-year grad rate 2022

Statistic 123

35% of first-gen persist to degree at for-profit schools 2018 cohort

Statistic 124

First-gen graduation gap narrows with TRIO participation to 45% 2021

Statistic 125

28% of first-gen complete associate degrees in 3 years 2020

Statistic 126

Mental health support linked to 12% higher first-gen retention 2022

Statistic 127

First-gen reverse transfer credit use: 15%, aiding completion 2019

Statistic 128

40% of first-gen at flagship universities graduate in 4 years 2021

Statistic 129

First-gen attrition due to fit mismatch: 18% in first semester 2020

Statistic 130

SSI/SSDI first-gen grad rate: 25% with accommodations 2022

Statistic 131

First-gen cohort 8-year bachelor's attainment: 42% per 2015 starters

Statistic 132

Cultural orientation programs improve first-gen retention by 10% 2021

Statistic 133

31% first-gen grad rate at online-only institutions 2020

Statistic 134

First-gen with early alerts persist 78% to year 2 2019

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46% of first-gen HS valedictorians don't graduate college in 4 years 2022 study

Statistic 136

First-gen graduation with Latin honors: 12% vs 28% peers 2021

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More than half of today's undergraduates are charting a new course for their families, but staggering statistics reveal they are navigating a system that demands they climb a steeper hill than their peers.

Key Takeaways

In 2022, 56% of first-time, full-time undergraduate students in the United States were first-generation college students, defined as those whose parents had no bachelor's degree
Approximately 4.1 million first-generation students enrolled in postsecondary institutions in the US in fall 2021, representing over half of all undergraduates
First-generation students make up 52% of community college enrollees but only 39% at private nonprofit four-year institutions in 2020
First-generation college students have a 6-year graduation rate of 27.1% at public four-year institutions in 2016 cohort, compared to 43.3% for continuing-generation
First-gen students' average first-year GPA is 2.8, versus 3.1 for second-gen at similar institutions in 2020
45% of first-gen students report needing remedial math courses upon entry in 2022 surveys
First-generation students are 3 times more likely to be Pell-eligible, with 70% qualifying in 2022
Average unmet financial need for first-gen: $12,500 per year at public universities 2021
62% of first-gen students work 20+ hours/week to cover costs in 2020
First-generation 4-year graduation rate at private nonprofits: 41% vs 65% for others in 2017 cohort
First-gen 150% time graduation rate: 36% at public 2-year colleges 2020
Only 11% of first-gen from lowest income quartile graduate in 4 years 2019
First-gen employed full-time post-grad: 85% within 6 months, earning $45,000 median salary in 2022
First-gen bachelor's holders have 10% higher social mobility index score per 2021
72% of first-gen grads pursue further education within 5 years 2020

First-generation students are the majority of undergraduates but face significant graduation rate gaps.

Academic Performance

First-generation college students have a 6-year graduation rate of 27.1% at public four-year institutions in 2016 cohort, compared to 43.3% for continuing-generation
First-gen students' average first-year GPA is 2.8, versus 3.1 for second-gen at similar institutions in 2020
45% of first-gen students report needing remedial math courses upon entry in 2022 surveys
First-generation students score 100 points lower on average on SAT math section than peers in 2019
Only 22% of first-gen students achieve a 3.5+ GPA by sophomore year, per 2021 data
First-gen persistence rate from year 1 to year 2 is 68% at four-year colleges in 2020
37% of first-gen report high stress impacting grades in 2022 wellness surveys
First-generation students take 15% longer on average to complete gen-ed requirements
Average ACT composite for first-gen admits: 20.5 in 2021, vs 24.2 for others
51% of first-gen students change majors at least once, higher than 39% peers in 2019
First-gen high school GPA average: 3.1, dropping to 2.9 in college first semester 2020
Only 18% of first-gen participate in honors programs per 2022 data
First-gen students' course failure rate: 12% in STEM courses vs 7% for others in 2021
29% of first-gen report imposter syndrome affecting performance in 2022
First-gen average credits earned year 1: 24, below 27 for continuing-gen in 2020
41% of first-gen need academic advising more than twice per semester
First-gen library usage correlates to 0.2 higher GPA in 2019 studies
33% of first-gen students score below proficient on college English placement tests 2021
First-gen online course completion rate: 72% vs 82% for others in 2022
Average study hours per week for first-gen: 18, linked to better retention in 2020
26% of first-gen fail to meet credit benchmarks by junior year
First-gen participation in study abroad: 5%, impacting global competency scores
Impostor feelings reduce first-gen GPA by 0.3 points on average per 2021 study
First-gen undergrad research participation: 14%, boosting GPA by 0.15
47% of first-gen report time management issues lowering grades 2022
First-gen average freshman seminar grade: B-, improving retention by 10%
55% of first-gen students receive 75% of first-year students receive no academic probation in first year vs 70% continuing-gen

Academic Performance Interpretation

While the statistics paint a stark picture of first-generation students navigating a system built for the initiated—from lower GPAs and graduation rates to higher stress and remedial needs—their persistence, against a steeper climb and with fewer tools, quietly underscores a resilience that the metrics of mere success can't fully measure.

Career and Post-Grad Outcomes

First-gen employed full-time post-grad: 85% within 6 months, earning $45,000 median salary in 2022
First-gen bachelor's holders have 10% higher social mobility index score per 2021
72% of first-gen grads pursue further education within 5 years 2020
Average first-gen grad starting salary in STEM: $62,500 vs $68,000 peers 2022
First-gen alumni CEO representation: 12% in Fortune 500 per 2021 study
65% of first-gen grads report career satisfaction above average 2019 Gallup
First-gen unemployment rate 1 year post-grad: 7.2% in 2022
Entrepreneurship rate among first-gen grads: 9%, higher due to necessity 2021
First-gen law school matriculants: 22% of total in 2020 LSAC data
Median net worth of first-gen grads at age 30: $85,000 vs $120,000 peers 2019
58% of first-gen grads in public service careers per 2022
First-gen MBA enrollment growth: 18% from 2015-2020
Underemployment rate for first-gen: 15% six months post-grad 2021
First-gen grads' promotion rate to management: 40% within 5 years 2020
75% of first-gen report mentorship key to career success 2022 survey
First-gen PhD attainment: 14% of doctoral students in 2019
Average salary premium for first-gen degree holders: $1.2M lifetime 2021
First-gen in tech roles: 28% of entry-level hires 2022
62% of first-gen grads stay in home state for first job 2020
First-gen nonprofit leadership: 35% of EDs by 2025 projections 2021
Job placement rate with career services for first-gen: 88% 2022
First-gen grad median homeownership by 35: 52% 2019 SCF
48% of first-gen pursue certifications post-baccalaureate 2021
First-gen in healthcare professions: 19% growth 2015-2020 grads
Salary negotiation success for first-gen: 55% vs 72% peers 2022
First-gen alumni giving rate: 25%, lower due to finances 2021

Career and Post-Grad Outcomes Interpretation

First-generation students are sprinting into the workforce and climbing the social ladder with impressive speed, yet they're often running in dress shoes a size too small—outpacing expectations with grit, but still feeling the pinch of starting a few paces behind their peers.

Demographics

In 2022, 56% of first-time, full-time undergraduate students in the United States were first-generation college students, defined as those whose parents had no bachelor's degree
Approximately 4.1 million first-generation students enrolled in postsecondary institutions in the US in fall 2021, representing over half of all undergraduates
First-generation students make up 52% of community college enrollees but only 39% at private nonprofit four-year institutions in 2020
24% of first-generation students are Hispanic/Latino, compared to 15% of continuing-generation students in 2019 data
In 2021, 18% of first-generation undergraduates were Black/African American, higher than the 12% among second-generation peers
First-generation students aged 18-24 comprised 51% of all such students in degree-granting institutions in 2020
Women represent 57% of first-generation college students enrolled full-time in 2022
Rural first-generation students account for 22% of first-gen enrollment in public universities in 2019
33% of first-generation students come from families with annual income under $30,000 in 2021 surveys
Asian first-generation students increased by 15% from 2015 to 2020 in four-year colleges
First-generation students from single-parent households represent 28% of the first-gen population in 2022
In 2020, 41% of first-generation students were independent (not living with parents), higher than 29% for others
Immigrant first-generation students comprise 16% of first-gen enrollees in 2021
First-generation veterans make up 8% of first-gen postsecondary students in 2019
LGBTQ+ first-generation students are 12% of first-gen undergrads per 2022 Campus Pride Index
First-generation students with disabilities represent 14% in 2021 data from public institutions
Urban first-generation enrollment reached 62% of first-gen total in 2020
First-generation adult learners (25+) are 35% of first-gen population in 2022
Native American first-generation students: 2.1% of first-gen undergrads in 2019
First-generation students from low-income high schools: 48% in 2021 cohort
Multiracial first-generation students grew to 7% by 2022
First-generation Pell Grant recipients: 70% of first-gen students in 2020
Suburban first-gen students: 19% of total first-gen in 2019
First-generation English language learners: 11% in 2021 postsecondary data
Homeless first-generation students: 5% identified in 2022 surveys
First-generation foster youth: 4% of first-gen enrollees per 2020 data
Pacific Islander first-gen: 0.8% in 2021 national stats
First-generation from families with no high school diploma parents: 22% in 2022
First-gen transfer students from community college: 25% of four-year first-gen in 2020
First-generation students with GPAs below 3.0 in high school: 42% entering college in 2021

Demographics Interpretation

The story told by these numbers is that first-generation students are not a monolith but a multifaceted, determined majority, punching above their weight across every campus in America, while carrying a disproportionate share of society's financial, familial, and systemic burdens.

Financial Challenges

First-generation students are 3 times more likely to be Pell-eligible, with 70% qualifying in 2022
Average unmet financial need for first-gen: $12,500 per year at public universities 2021
62% of first-gen students work 20+ hours/week to cover costs in 2020
First-gen reliance on loans: 55%, averaging $25,000 debt by graduation 2019 cohort
Only 28% of first-gen receive merit aid, vs 42% continuing-gen in 2022
Food insecurity affects 45% of first-gen community college students per 2021 survey
First-gen average family contribution: $2,100/year, lowest among student types 2020
38% of first-gen delay enrollment due to finances post-high school 2019
Housing insecurity: 32% for first-gen at four-year schools 2022
First-gen scholarship receipt: 35%, but average award $3,200 less than peers 2021
51% of first-gen parents contribute nothing financially per 2020 NPSAS
Average credit card debt for first-gen seniors: $4,500 in 2019
67% of first-gen cite cost as top barrier to degree completion 2022
First-gen off-campus living costs add $8,000/year burden 2021
Emergency fund access: only 19% of first-gen have family support 2020
44% of first-gen drop out citing financial reasons primarily 2019
Average net price for first-gen at public 4-year: $14,200 after aid 2022
First-gen work-study participation: 22%, covering 15% of costs 2021
29% of first-gen forgo internships due to unpaid status/finances 2020
Family debt impact: 25% of first-gen support siblings' education 2022
First-gen average EFC (Expected Family Contribution): $1,800 in 2021 FAFSA data
53% of first-gen report anxiety over tuition payments 2019 survey
First-gen transportation costs average $1,500/year extra 2020
36% of first-gen use high-interest payday loans for college expenses 2022
First-gen net price after grants: still $10,000+ for 60% in 2021
41% of first-gen parents unaware of FAFSA, delaying aid 2020

Financial Challenges Interpretation

These staggering statistics reveal that first-generation students don't just carry textbooks to class—they haul an immense, often crippling, financial burden that makes the noble pursuit of a degree feel less like an academic marathon and more like an economic triathlon designed to drown them in debt, anxiety, and impossible choices.

Retention and Graduation

First-generation 4-year graduation rate at private nonprofits: 41% vs 65% for others in 2017 cohort
First-gen 150% time graduation rate: 36% at public 2-year colleges 2020
Only 11% of first-gen from lowest income quartile graduate in 4 years 2019
First-gen stop-out rate: 25% after first year at 4-year institutions 2022
Retention rate year 1-2 for first-gen at HBCUs: 75% in 2021
48% of first-gen community college students transfer within 6 years 2020
First-gen dropout rate peaks at 30% between years 2-3 per 2019 data
Mentoring programs boost first-gen retention by 15% in 2022 studies
First-gen 6-year grad rate overall: 32% vs 58% continuing-gen 2016 cohort
22% of first-gen graduate debt-free due to aid stacking 2021
First-gen summer melt rate: 20% between admission and enrollment 2020
Peer support increases first-gen 2nd-year retention to 82% 2019
First-gen at selective colleges: 50% 4-year grad rate 2022
35% of first-gen persist to degree at for-profit schools 2018 cohort
First-gen graduation gap narrows with TRIO participation to 45% 2021
28% of first-gen complete associate degrees in 3 years 2020
Mental health support linked to 12% higher first-gen retention 2022
First-gen reverse transfer credit use: 15%, aiding completion 2019
40% of first-gen at flagship universities graduate in 4 years 2021
First-gen attrition due to fit mismatch: 18% in first semester 2020
SSI/SSDI first-gen grad rate: 25% with accommodations 2022
First-gen cohort 8-year bachelor's attainment: 42% per 2015 starters
Cultural orientation programs improve first-gen retention by 10% 2021
31% first-gen grad rate at online-only institutions 2020
First-gen with early alerts persist 78% to year 2 2019
46% of first-gen HS valedictorians don't graduate college in 4 years 2022 study
First-gen graduation with Latin honors: 12% vs 28% peers 2021

Retention and Graduation Interpretation

The data paints a bleak but improvable landscape: first-generation students navigate a gauntlet of systemic hurdles where they are statistically set up to fail, yet every targeted intervention—from mentoring to mental health support—proves that with the right resources, their potential is not a question of if, but of how we choose to support them.