In today’s rapidly changing educational landscape, first-generation (FG) college students remain a significant and important demographic. Despite rising educational attainment over the past 50 years, more than half of college students are still first-generation. Recently, the Pell Institute for the Study of Opportunity in Higher Education (“Pell Institute”) took a deeper dive into exploring who these students are, what unique characteristics they possess, and the challenges they face. The fact sheet can be viewed here.
Who Are Potential First-Generation Students?
First-generation students are those whose parents did not earn a bachelor’s degree. With a growing number of individuals earning higher education degrees, the proportion of potential FG students has decreased. Nevertheless, they continue to constitute a considerable segment of the college population.
Characteristics of Potential First-Generation Students
Socioeconomic Background
- Poverty and Income: In 2011, 26% of potential FG students’ families lived in poverty. By 2019, these families’ estimated household median income was $48,567.
- Family Size: On average, FG children come from families with five members, including two siblings.
Racial and Ethnic Diversity
The likelihood of being a first-generation student varies significantly by race and ethnicity:
- American Indian/Alaska Native: 77%
- Pacific Islander: 75%
- Hispanic: 75%
- Black: 70%
- Two or more races: 48%
- Some other race: 48%
- White: 44%
- Asian: 29%
Household Dynamics
- Parental Background: 26% of FG children have at least one foreign-born parent, and 52% do not speak English at home.
- Living Arrangements: 61% live with both parents, 33% with their mother only, and 6% with their father only.
- Neighborhood Safety: 8% of families reported that their child does not live in a safe neighborhood.
- Family Meals and Food Insecurity: 48% of FG children ate meals with their family daily, yet 9% of these families could not always afford enough food.
Health and Well-being
- Health Coverage: 10% of FG children had no health coverage.
- Preventative Care: 29% had no preventative doctor visits, and 27% had no preventative dental care visits.
- Medical Bills: 9% of families had trouble paying medical bills.
- Smoking: 19% of FG children lived in a household with someone who smoked, and 3% of smokers did so inside the home.
Internet Access and Digital Divide
Access to the internet is crucial for academic success:
- 89% of FG students gained access via a desktop, laptop, or other types of computers.
- 7% had access only through a smartphone.
- 4% had no internet access at all.
Geographic Distribution
Many potential FG students and their families reside in the Southern United States, highlighting regional disparities in educational attainment and access.
Parental Involvement
Despite various challenges, FG parents are actively involved in their children’s education:
- 69% have volunteered at their child’s school.
- 72% have attended parent-teacher conferences.
- 77% usually or always attend events or activities that their children participate in.
Potential first-generation college students come from diverse backgrounds and face unique challenges that require targeted support and resources. Understanding their characteristics and the hurdles they encounter is essential for educators, policymakers, and support organizations striving to improve their access to higher education and overall success.
First-generation students are a vital part of the educational ecosystem. By recognizing and addressing their needs, we can help ensure they have the opportunities and support necessary to thrive in their academic journeys and beyond.