While the journey of first-generation college students is one of courage and ambition, it is often fraught with significant challenges. As pioneers navigating an unfamiliar terrain, many face systemic barriers that can impede their ability to fully benefit from higher education.
The Pell Institute’s recent study, Is College Worth It?: Black, Latinx, and Indigenous Student Voices on the Value of Postsecondary Credentials, highlights the challenges and trade-offs that first-generation TRIO students face in their pursuit of college attainment. Among the most pressing challenges are financial hardships, mental health concerns, and biases related to their first-generation status.
For example, 91% of the students in the study that carry student loans were first-generation students, with 78% concerned about their long-term financial impact. Many work multiple jobs to make ends meet. One Education Opportunity Center participant from New York shared, “Financial instability has been a large factor in my journey. I often don’t have transportation money. I find it difficult to focus when I am worried about upcoming assignments.”
Another student from New York, a McNair participant, described the difficulty of balancing academic commitments with maintaining relationships with friends and family who may lack experience to understand the rigors and demands of completing college level courses. They explained, “It can be hard for friends and family to understand that school comes first for me. As a student who is primarily funded through scholarships, I have to work hard to maintain a high GPA, which often means my free time is spent studying.”
Balancing the cost of education with family responsibilities and employment often leaves first-generation, historically underrepresented sudents grappling with both academic and financial pressures. These burdens are further compounded by mental health challenges. According to the Healthy Minds Study, which tracks mental health trends in higher education, approximately 72% of college students report experiencing moderate to severe psychological distress. These challenges are particularly pronounced among low-income and first-generation students, who face the combined pressures of academic performance, financial strain, and family obligations—issues echoed in the Pell Institute’s findings. In fact, two-thirds of first-generation students in the study reported experiencing mental health challenges.
These findings highlight the critical need for institutions to implement more comprehensive, culturally responsive mental health support tailored to the multifaceted realities faced by students. Addressing these intersecting barriers is essential to improving student well-being, persistence, and degree completion outcomes.
In addition, 40% of students reported experiencing stereotypes related to their first-generation status. For many, these challenges are compounded by the intersecting impacts of racial and ethnic marginalization. Some students discussed how these aspects of their identity shaped their sense of belonging on campus.
An Educational Opportunity Center participant from California shared, “The lack of diversity has negatively impacted me because I often feel like an outsider. I have experienced microaggressions from non-BIPOC peers, and faculty didn’t even notice.”
Despite these obstacles, the first-generation students from the study remain determined. Programs like TRIO’s Student Support Services, McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement, and Education Opportunity Centers help bridge gaps by providing mentorship, financial literacy resources, and academic advising.
The voices of first-generation students provide invaluable insights into how institutions can create more supportive and inclusive environments. Recognizing both the benefits they gain and the barriers they encounter is crucial to fostering equity and long-term success. In the final blog of this series, we will explore the solutions and recommendations offered by students themselves to address these challenges and improve their educational experiences.