What is a
First-Generation Student
A first-generation student is a student who is the first in their family, not including siblings, to attend a post-secondary institution, such as a college, university, or apprenticeship, either in the United States or another country. Although the exact definition of the term varies, first-generation students generally enroll and graduate at significantly lower rates than their peers. First-generation students are encouraged to apply to post-secondary institutions to gain knowledge and skills that employers need, as at least 70 percent of future jobs will require some form of post-secondary education.
First-generation student refers to the first person in their family to attend post-secondary education anywhere in the world. Those who complete post-secondary education can expect to earn $10,000 to $15,000 more per year than they would without it, immediately following graduation.