First-Generation Students: Undergraduates Whose Parents Never Enrolled in Postsecondary Education

摘要

This report describes the characteristics and experiences of first-generation college students i.e., those whose parents highest level of education is a high school diploma or less. Many of the findings from this study were consistent with previous research about first-generation college students. In particular, this study revealed that first-generation college students had particular demographic and enrollment characteristics that distinguished them from their non-firstgeneration peers. They were more likely than their counterparts to be female, older, and independent. In addition, first-generation students were more likely than non-first-generation students to have dependents and lower incomes, and to be enrolled in 2-year institutions. While enrolled, they were more likely than their counterparts to be enrolled part time, receiving some form of financial aid, and working full time. Consistent with their lower incomes and increased likelihood of having dependents, first-generation students were more likely than non-first-generation students to indicate that in selecting an institution they were influenced by the availability of financial aid, the opportunity to finish coursework more quickly, being able to live at home while attending school, and being able to work at the school while enrolled.