First-Generation Student Success:

73% of institutions surveyed employ a formal definition of first-generation.

Of surveyed institutions offering first-generation student success programs, 73 percent indicated having at least one cohort-based program.

Creating an engaged community leveraged to advocate for first-generation students and connect them to resources builds the foundation for successful first-generation work.

High-impact practices for student support can be established as collaborative partnerships for first-generation specific opportunities.

Among institutions that report offering first-generation programming, 54 percent of cohort-based programs host celebratory events for students to mark significant milestones.

By identifying first-generation students earlier, improving information sharing, and strengthening data collection, institutions are expanding programs to support students throughout the postsecondary experience.

Across surveyed institutions, 50 percent report identifying a 'point person' to coordinate first-generation efforts, and 48 percent have designated a particular office on campus for first-generation students.

While 80 percent of institutions are identifying first-generation students during matriculation, only 41 percent use data to inform institutional offerings for first-generation students.

First-generation students can be first-gen plus minority, first-gen plus LGBTQUIA, first-gen plus low-income and more. Since intersectional identity often drives where first-generation support programs are located on campus, it can be important to consider whether resources are appropriately placed.