In a society that pushes college from such a young age, many cannot imagine not pursuing a degree post-high school. However, for many nationwide, college is much more than getting a degree, it’s also about breaking barriers.
According to Bankrate, one-third of all U.S. college students are first-generation. First-generation college students are individuals whose parents did not obtain a four-year degree.
Most first-gen students are the first out of their immediate family to attend, as roughly 60% of first-generation students were the first out of their siblings to attend college in the 2015-2016 academic year, according to Bankrate.
Most first-gen students do not have a parent or sibling mentor with first-hand knowledge on the college admissions process. Navigating the application and financial aid process without guidance can be frustrating, especially during an already stressful part of adolescence.
Some high schools are fortunate enough to have programs for incoming first-generation students, so those intending to go to university can have guidance through the lengthy process.
One local program, Achieving Collegiate Excellence & Success, is instilled in 13 Montgomery County schools. Zenaida Gonzalez, a junior economics major at the University of Maryland, said this program helped set her up for success as a first-generation student.
“You would have like a mentor, and like, he would only mentor a small amount of students; you had to apply for the program,” said Gonzalez. “It was pretty helpful… there were a lot of resources for students.”
ACES emphasizes application timelines, helps with admissions essays, and provides standardized testing prep and other fundamental resources.
Despite resources from programs such as this, societal and familial pressures of being a first-generation college student can be challenging to manage and often goes unaddressed.
“There is a pressure to, you know, actually graduate or graduate on time,” said Gonzalez. “You are the first person in your immediate family to, like, go to college and stuff like that, so you obviously want to succeed.”
A 2011 University of California Los Angeles study found that only 27% of first-generation college students completed their degree within four years, compared to 42% of students who were not first-generation.
About 50% of first generation college students in the United States are lower income, making it more difficult to complete a degree within four years due to financial constraints and family obligations. This makes it harder for first generation students to accumulate wealth.
Despite these barriers, a degree is still possible. Many successful people were first generation students, including Michelle Obama, Barack Obama, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Oprah and Ben Carson.
First generation students can utilize campus resources, such as the UMD counseling office and Academic Achievement Programs. Gonzalez’s tip to incoming students is to utilize office hours and build relationships with your professors.
“It’s actually really helpful, and it’s not that intimidating,” said Gonzalez referring to office hours. “They are taking time out of their day to help us.”