73% of institutions surveyed employ a formal definition of first-generation.
Across higher education, engaged communities of university leaders, practitioners, scholars and students are working tirelessly to craft approaches that unlock the vast potential of first-generation students. First-generation students make up a third of all college students, but only 27 percent will attain their degrees within four years—markedly lagging behind their continuing generation peers. While research suggests that certain intentional practices can improve first-generation college success, there is a need for greater clarity around existing approaches and impediments if institutions are to scale effective, data-informed solutions. The report, First-generation Student Success: A Landscape Analysis of Programs and Services at Four-year Institutions, lead by the Center for First-generation Student Success, details how institutions are serving first-generation students, the challenges institutions encounter in providing support, and how first-generation students perceive their institutional experience.
Suggested citation: Whitley, S.E., Benson, G., & Wesaw, A. (2018). First-generation Student Success: A Landscape Analysis of Programs and Services at Four-year Institutions. Washington, DC: Center for First-generation Student Success, NASPA–Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, and Entangled Solutions.
