What Is A First-Generation College Student, And What Unique Challenges Do They Face?

You may have heard the term “first-generation college student” being used in discussions about higher education without knowing exactly what it means. Yet this population of students tends to be the subject of a significant amount of research and discussion, since they may face greater challenges than their peers in certain aspects of college life. How do you know if you’re a first-generation student, and what might it mean for your academic journey?

The precise definition may vary between institutions or organizations, but in simple terms, first-generation college students are those whose parents didn’t attend college (or never graduated). These students can come from a wide range of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. However, they’re often less able to draw on certain kinds of knowledge and support that may be available to those whose families are familiar with the college experience. This article will review some possible hurdles to success as a first-generation student, as well as the strategies and resources that may help, including working with a licensed mental health professional.

Are you a first-generation college student?

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How is a first-generation college student defined?

Determining precisely who is a first-generation college student can be trickier than you might think. You may encounter different definitions depending on whether you’re asking a governmental organization, a researcher, a school admissions office, or an on-campus resource provider. 

How many college students are first-gen?

Education statistics suggest that more than half of students enrolled at college in the U.S. are first-generation. However, they’re not necessarily distributed evenly across institutions of higher education. For example, as we’ll discuss below, those attending a four-year college are usually more likely to be continuing-generation students (meaning they have at least one parent with a bachelor’s degree). 

Why does it matter if you’re a first-generation college student?

First-generation status may not matter much when it comes to your intelligence, academic abilities, and drive to succeed. That said, if you’re the first in your family to attend college, you may not have some of the built-in advantages enjoyed by peers whose parents and other family members have experience with higher education. 

As a result, first-generation college students might have to work harder than others to reach certain positive outcomes of higher education. Forbes Advisor reports that on average, members of this population graduate with more debt and earn lower incomes than their peers. They may also select less selective and rigorous academic institutions, potentially limiting their opportunities. 

According to the Pew Research Center, first-generation students may also be less likely to complete a bachelor’s degree program. 

The potential challenges that first-gen students can face include the following:

Less knowledge about the college process

People whose parents and other family members have graduated from college may have a certain amount of familiarity with how college life works. In contrast, a first-generation college student may have to learn many of the same things through personal experience and research. This often means extra work and mental effort on their part, and it can lead to uncertainty, anxiety, and misunderstandings. 

Limited income

Although it’s not true in every case, first-generation college students tend to come from lower-income households than their peers. This can make it more difficult to pursue certain educational opportunities. While financial aid may be available, parents who aren’t experienced with the college process may find the applications and eligibility criteria harder to understand.

Differing educational aspirations

A student’s expectations of what they can achieve in higher education can be shaped in large part by their family’s expectations. As such, those whose parents don’t have a college degree may be less likely to view highly selective and academically rigorous institutions as realistic goals. 

Studies indicate that first-generation students are usually more likely to apply to and attend open-admission institutions, such as two-year colleges and trade schools, even though their outcomes might be better at more prestigious universities.  

Conflicting responsibilities

First-generation students, especially those from disadvantaged households, may be more likely to experience a conflict between college life and their responsibilities toward their family members. In addition to pursuing their studies, some may push themselves to provide financially for their relatives, offer assistance with tasks like childcare and home maintenance, or lend emotional support. These conflicting goals can lead to guilt and stress.

Less sense of belonging

In some cases, first-generation college students come from different economic and cultural backgrounds than many of their peers. They may sense that they’re out of place at school or that college isn’t “meant for them.” This sense of isolation and displacement can negatively impact engagement with peers, academics, and college life as a whole. 

Mental health of first-generation students

The difficulties and obstacles described above can place students without family experience in higher education under greater psychological stress than many of their peers. Some researchers have found evidence that certain mental health disorders tend to be more prevalent among first-generation college students. 

For example, a 2021 paper reported that this population of students was typically more likely to experience both mental and physical symptoms of anxiety disorders. Other findings point to an increased incidence of depression. Some papers dispute these findings, but many researchers agree that first-gen students do better with greater access to mental health services. 

Strategies for first-generation student success

Knowing the potential challenges you’re facing, what can you do as a first-generation college student to set yourself up for success in academia and beyond? Here are a few recommendations you may find helpful.

Seek out mentors

Studies on the success of disadvantaged populations in higher education have repeatedly found that developing strong relationships with knowledgeable mentors can protect against many of the challenges encountered by first-generation college students. Taking the time to talk with faculty members and providers of student services at your school could help you develop a valuable source of support. 

If you’re unsure where to start, most schools provide students with an academic advisor who can offer guidance on a wide variety of topics related to your academic journey and campus life. You may also want to identify professors who teach subjects that interest you and show up to their office hours. Faculty members are usually happy to offer help to motivated and engaged students. 

Aim high

High school seniors considering college may have limited expectations about what kinds of schools they can attend if their parents don’t hold degrees. Many first-generation students don’t apply to highly selective and academically demanding schools due to concerns like cost, distance, academic pressure, and a poor cultural fit. 

However, research indicates that first-generation students may experience fewer disadvantages at more prestigious schools. This may be due to the greater range of supportive services and larger amounts of financial aid available.

Ask for help

First-generation college students may be less likely to seek help compared to their peers when they’re struggling academically. This could be because they’re less aware of the options available for assistance, such as tutoring, assignment extensions, and extra-credit work. It might also be due to concerns about being perceived as inadequate or not belonging at their school.

You may want to remember that college professors are generally motivated to help students succeed. If you’re honest with your teachers when you’re having difficulty and take the initiative to seek assistance, they’ll often be more than willing to help. 

Resources for first-generation student support

Few students realize how many resources are available at their academic institutions to assist them when they’re experiencing challenges. Most schools provide a wide range of supportive services that can help with difficulties in coursework, adjusting to college life, maintaining mental health, and more. You might also be able to find other sources of help online. Examples of available resources include the following:

• Your academic advisor: This is often the best person with whom to talk when you’re struggling with challenges related to your classes, study skills, degree requirements, and more.
• TRIO support services: TRIO is a federal program designed to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds, including first-generation students. Many institutions of higher education around the country have TRIO programs that can provide advice, tutoring, and academic planning assistance, in addition to connecting students with experienced mentors.
• On-campus health centers: Colleges generally provide students with access to free health services, including mental health counseling to help them manage stress and other concerns. 
• I’m First!: This online community offers encouragement, inspiration, and advice to first-generation students around the country.
• America Needs You (ANY): For many first-generation students, the obstacles to success don’t disappear at graduation. ANY is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping this population of students network and find career success after college. 
• Online mental health counseling: Services like BetterHelp can rapidly connect you with licensed mental health professionals for evidence-based counseling to support your psychological well-being. 

Students experiencing symptoms of conditions like anxiety and depression often find internet-based therapy to be a useful resource. These programs typically offer a great deal of flexibility in scheduling and allow you to communicate with your counselor via online chat, phone call, or video conference. When you’re trying to juggle a busy course load while also taking care of your mental health, this convenience can be helpful.

Researchers are increasingly confirming that online approaches can be a powerful way to tackle mental health challenges. A trial from 2018 found that internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy programs usually led to significant reductions in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress among university students.