"Being a first gen college student means that I am a role model for not only my family, but my community, as well. It's a lot of pressure and responsibility, but it is also an honor of self high achievement. It's hard in the way of being the first in my family because no one can relate to my experiences on my journey in higher education."
-Lona Nelson, graduate of Hoopa Valley High School, currently attending Southern Oregon University
Characteristics
Characteristics That First Generation Students Are More Likely to Have:
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More likely to belong to already disadvantaged groups (Engle)
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More likely to delay entry to college or drop out of college (Engle)
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More likely to be underprepared for college, needing remedial coursework (Engle)
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More like to work while in college and live off campus, affecting academic and social integration (Saenz)
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More likely to focus on classes in vocation/technical field rather than academic classes (NCES)
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Less likely to receive information from high schools about applying to college (Choy)
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Tend to come from lower socioeconomic groups (Franklin and Slate)
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More likely to have obligations off-campus such as work and family (Franklin and Slate)
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Less likely to be financially dependent upon parents for financial support (Franklin and Slate)
