A first-generation college student is generally defined as a student whose parents did not complete a bachelor's degree. This means the student is the first in their immediate family to attend or graduate from a four-year college or university
. The U.S. Department of Education defines first-generation students as undergraduates whose parents never enrolled in postsecondary education, though some institutions broaden this to include students whose parents attended college but did not earn a degree, or whose parents earned degrees outside the U.S.
. Definitions vary across institutions:
- Some define first-generation students strictly as those whose parents never attended college at all
- Others consider students first-generation if neither parent earned a four-year degree, regardless of some college experience or associate degrees held by parents
- Some institutions also consider family structure and exposure to college navigation when defining first-generation status
Being a first-generation college student often means facing unique challenges such as lack of familial guidance on college applications, financial aid, and academic expectations, which can make the college experience more daunting. However, many first-generation students demonstrate strong determination and resilience, and there are resources and communities available to support them
. In summary, a first-generation college student is typically someone whose parents did not earn a bachelor's degree, making them the first in their family to pursue higher education at that level, though the exact criteria can differ by institution
