Orlando, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) — When you’re the first in your family to earn a college degree, it’s a major milestone, not just for you, but for generations to come. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, one-third of all college students in the United States are first-generation. And while the achievement is historic, the transition can be tough.
First-gen college students, you broke through the barrier! You’ve made family history, a first-gen college student.
There are 8.2 million first-generation undergraduate students. But success comes with pressure. Only about 27 percent of first-gen students graduate in four years, research also shows up to one in three leave college within their first three years. One of the biggest hurdles is independence.
“In high school, their high school communicates frequently with their parent and their parent then reaches out to them. In college that piece is taken away,” said Ashley Maddox, First Generation Program Coordinator, Seminole State College.
Finances are a top concern for first-gen students, with 56 percent coming from the lowest income quartile. Look for financial literacy workshops or one-on-one budgeting support.
“They’ll walk you through financial aid. FAFSA is a great resource. There’s a lot of how-to videos out there that can help,” explained Maddox.
“Imposter syndrome” is when first gens doubt their abilities and feelings. Like they don’t belong in the academic world. But research shows students who build connections with just one faculty member or campus group are more likely to persist and graduate. So, what can you do?
“Ask questions when they don’t understand what’s expected of them,” said Maddox.
First-gen students may start without a roadmap but with the right support, they can lead the way for everyone who follows.
Many first-gen students also juggle work and family responsibilities, which can make internships or campus activities harder to pursue. Career experts suggest to volunteer even once a month, join virtual clubs, seek micro-internships, look for paid research or on-campus jobs tied to your major.
Contributors to this news report include: Cliff Tumetel, Producer; Bob Walko, Editor. Copyright 2026 WNEM. All rights reserved.
