Laura Tominaj, M.Ed. & Jill Purdy, Ed.D. / Journal of Access, Retention, & Inclusion in Higher Education / December 2022
Research has confirmed a variety of challenges that first-generation college students (FGCS) face in their pursuit of a post-secondary degree (Stephens et al, 2012; Stebleton & Soria, 2012; Markowitz, 2017). This research study compared self-perceived barriers of predominately female first-generation college students (FGCS) to the perceptions of their non-FGCSs counterparts. To investigate the relationship between both groups of students, a campus-wide survey was administered to staff, faculty, and students at a small, women's liberal arts college. The survey collected a total of 184 responses (91.6% female) and included 130 open-ended responses. Data of the ranked barriers determined that tuition and the financial aid processes are the major challenges of FGCS. In addition, FGCSs reported barriers in greater numbers than non-FGCSs. The thematic analysis of the open-ended responses indicated the support necessary for the success of FGCSs at the postsecondary level.
