Research & Policy

Dedicated first-generation research allows for evidence-based decision-making that is critical to student success. This section highlights both foundational research and recent scholarship that informs understanding of the student experience, institutional approaches to programming, and identification of supports and barriers for first-generation students. Timely updates on public policy discussions shaping first-generation student success are also provided. In addition to the filters below, please utilize the “search” bar in the top, right corner to search by keyword, author name, or publication title.

Decoding the Cost of College

Colleges and universities should develop more student-centered financial aid offers and tools, as well as align their efforts with other key departments serving student financial needs.

New America / June 2018

students in classroom standing with teacher

A new approach to supplementary instruction narrows achievement gap

To help students who traditionally underperform in general chemistry, we created a supplementary instruction (SI) course and called it the STEM-Dawgs Workshops.

May 2018

Barriers to Higher Education Attainment: Students’ Unmet Basic Needs

This Brief is the first in a series highlighting some of these barriers and addressing policy solutions that help make college affordable and accessible for more low- and middle-income Californians.

California Budget and Policy Center / May 2018

diverse group of students sitting at table

Defining "First-Generation College Students" in Higher Education Research

This study examined the way first-generation college status was defined affected the likelihood of a student going to college.

April 2018

Understanding How Engineering Identity and Belongingness Predict Grit for First-Generation College Students

This research study uses structural equation modeling to examine how first-generation college students’ engineering identity and sense of belongingness in engineering serve as mediators for students’ grit in terms of persistence of effort and consistency of interest.

April 2018

Exploring the Links Between Parent–Student Conversations About College

Two studies examined the link between academic self-concepts and grades for first-generation and continuing-generation college students.

April 2018

frustrated male student sitting on stairs

“Dropping Out is Not an Option”

First‐generation college students (FGCS) often have different cultural values, practices, and goals from those of students from college‐going families.

April 2018

Institutions’ Use of Data and Analytics for Student Success

This report describes a variety of challenges and opportunities regarding institutions’ readiness to expand data use across functions.

NASPA–Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, the Association for Institutional Research, & EDUCAUSE / April 2018

The Role of Accelerated Learning and Financial Aid

The present study investigated the association of accelerated learning in high school and financial aid on academic outcomes for Hispanic FGCS and Hispanic non-FGCS.

April 2018

Examining the Inclusivity of Parent and Family College Orientations

This study examined the inclusivity language and general characteristics of 82 orientation programs across 35 states in the U.S.

April 2018

An Analytical Investigation of the Characteristics of the Dropout Students in Higher Education

Student dropout in higher education institutions is a universal problem.

April 2018

Peer mentoring to support first-generation low-income college students

Transitioning from high school to college can be a formidable challenge, especially for students who are the first in their family to attend college (first-generation) and/or are from low-income backgrounds. The authors’ qualitative investigation of a college mentoring program illuminates the potential value of relatable peer mentors in helping these students get off to a good start.

Phi Delta Kappan / March 2018

2018 Convening on First-generation Student Success

This report introduces the Center for First-generation Student Success, provides insight into the January 2018 Convening.

The Center / March 2018

Understanding Experiences for First Generation University Students

Over the past few decades universities have opened their doors to students whose parents and grandparents were historically excluded from societal participation and higher education for reasons associated with racial, ethnic, socio-economic and/or linguistic diversity.

Bell & Santamaria / February 2018

Educated: A Memoir

An unforgettable memoir about a young girl who, kept out of school, leaves her survivalist family and goes on to earn a PhD from Cambridge University.

Westover / February 2018

Making Technology Work for First-Generation College Students

Technology and Engagement is based on a four-year study of how first generation college students use social media, aimed at improving their transition to and engagement with their university.

Rowan-Kenyon, Martinez Aleman, & Savitz-Roman / February 2018