First-generation students are categorized simply as those who are the first in their family to attend college.

As of academic year 2015-16, 56% of undergraduates nationally were first-generation college students (neither parent had a bachelor’s degree), and 59% of these students were also the first sibling in their family to go to college. (NASPA)

Median parental incoming among dependent of first-generation students is $41,000. (NASPA)

Nationally, first-generation graduation rate is 20% (NASPA), but at the University of Evansville we have more than doubled the success rate with a 51.5% graduation rate.^* We only anticipate this rate will increase as the number of support services and programs continue to help our students succeed.

• Assistance with application and forms
• Limited financial resources
• Limited help on class selection

• Less likely to tour colleges
• Barriers to apply with application fees
• Cost and location limit the type of college or universities
• Less comparison shopping experiences to understand the value and rankings of colleges or universities
• May feel different from their peers
• May feel guilt from leaving their family
• May need more work study or financial support than peers

Different perspectives on campus and in the classroom

• Students may be more motivated or driven to succeed
• Value education more due to having to work through school and pay for college themselves
• Can become very loyal alumni when students graduate

The date for the annual National First-Generation College Celebration is November 8, to honor the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Much like other hallmark legislation of that era, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, HEA was intended to help level a playing field that for too long had been weighed against Americans from minority and low-income backgrounds. In addition to creating federal grants and loan programs to help students finance their educations, the legislation made key investments in institutions of higher education.

The Center for First-generation Student Success, an initiative of NASPA (The National Association of Student Personnel Administrators) and The Suder Foundation, is the premier source of evidence-based practices, professional development, and knowledge creation for the higher education community to advance the success of first-generation students.