How many are first generation college students?

Roughly one-third to over half of U.S. college students are first-generation, depending on the data source and year, with recent figures placing it around 38-40% nationally (2020-2023), though some sources show higher figures like over 50% for Pell Grant recipients or in specific state systems like California, representing a significant portion of the undergraduate population, with numbers around 8.2 million in 2024.

What percentage of college students are first generation?

FirstGen Statistics

There are 8.2 million first-generation undergraduate students; 54% of all undergrads in the U.S.

What is considered a first generation college student?

If neither of your parents have a four-year college degree, that makes you a first-generation student, according to Dr.

Why isn't Gen Z going to college?

Gen Z is questioning college due to skyrocketing costs, overwhelming student debt, and a perceived poor return on investment (ROI), especially with AI changing jobs and stronger alternatives like skilled trades emerging, leading many to seek faster, cheaper paths to financial stability and job security. They've seen Millennials' debt struggles, witness online success stories, and value hands-on training over traditional degrees, making college less of a guaranteed ticket to success.
 

Are you first gen if your siblings went to college?

For example, your parent(s) could have some college experience but did not earn a degree from a four-year college or university. Your grandparents, aunts/uncles and siblings could also have degrees, and you would still qualify as first generation.

What I have learned as a first-generation college student | Lyric Swinton | TEDxUofSC

Am I first-gen if my grandma went to college?

Am I a first-gen student if other members of my family (step-parents, siblings, grandparents) achieved their degree? Yes. Being a first-gen student means that your parent(s) did not complete a 4-year college or university degree, regardless of other family member's level of education.

How do colleges know if you are first-gen?

If a student's parent(s) does not have a bachelor's degree, the student qualifies as a first-generation student. A student can still qualify if their parent(s) has some education that is less than a bachelor's degree. Learn about the National Recognition Program.

What do Gen Z use instead of 😂?

Gen Z uses the 💀 (Skull) emoji to mean "I'm dead" from laughter, the 😭 (Loudly Crying Face) for intense humor or emotion, and sometimes the 🤡 (Clown Face) for foolishness, while finding the 😂 emoji outdated or "cheugy," often preferring these more dramatic or layered expressions of extreme amusement. 

Where do top 1% send kids to college?

The "top 1%" of students, referring to those from the highest income brackets, tend to attend elite universities like MIT, Harvard, Stanford, Princeton, and Yale that consistently rank high in national and global lists, with some even having more students from the top 1% income bracket than the bottom 60% combined, according to The New York Times data. Top-ranked institutions like MIT, Princeton, Harvard, and Stanford are frequent top contenders in various 2026 rankings from U.S. News & World Report and Times Higher Education. 

What is the #1 hardest school to get into?

There isn't one single #1 hardest school, as it changes slightly by year and criteria, but Harvard University, Stanford University, MIT, and Caltech consistently rank among the top with extremely low acceptance rates (often 3-4%) and intense competition for spots, though other top global universities like Oxford and Tsinghua are also incredibly selective. Harvard is frequently cited as the hardest due to its high volume of applications and focus on global leadership potential, while Caltech is known for its extreme difficulty in STEM. 

Is there a stigma around being first-gen?

Stigma and Discrimination.

Racial or ethnic minority groups make up more than a third of first-gen students. As such, they have to overcome racial disparities and discrimination. They may be the targets of prejudice in reference to both their minority status and lower socio-economic status.

What are common struggles for first-gen students?

Among the most pressing challenges are financial hardships, mental health concerns, and biases related to their first-generation status. For example, 91% of the students in the study that carry student loans were first-generation students, with 78% concerned about their long-term financial impact.

How to prove you're a first generation college student?

The most consistent criterion to identify a first-generation college student is that their parents did not complete a four-year degree.

Which generation is the most college educated?

Millennials are the most educated generation in U.S. history, with nearly 40% earning at least a bachelor's degree. However, despite their academic achievements, they are facing significant financial struggles.

Where do the 1% go to college?

The 1% of the wealthiest Americans disproportionately attend highly selective, elite universities, particularly Ivy League schools (Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Dartmouth, Brown, Penn, Columbia) and other top institutions like MIT, Stanford, Duke, and UChicago, where they make up a large percentage of the student body, often outnumbering students from the bottom 60% of income earners combined. Liberal arts colleges and prestigious public universities also attract many wealthy students, with specific examples including WashU St. Louis, UVA, UCLA, UC Berkeley, Vanderbilt, and Johns Hopkins.
 

Is college enrollment declining or increasing?

U.S. college enrollment has generally been trending down since 2010, especially for undergraduates at public two-year and for-profit schools, due to demographic shifts, cost concerns, and changing perceptions of higher education's value, though recent data suggests some slight upticks or stabilization in certain areas like community colleges, influenced by a tighter job market and recovery from pandemic lows. The situation is mixed: while overall numbers fell, completion rates improved, and recent trends show a possible rebound in some segments. 

What is the easiest ivy to get into?

While all Ivy League schools are highly selective, Cornell University is generally considered the "easiest" to get into due to having the highest acceptance rate (around 8-9%), partly because it's the largest Ivy with diverse colleges, like the less competitive Agriculture and Life Sciences, though its engineering programs are tough. Dartmouth College and Brown University often follow as the next most accessible Ivies, while Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and Columbia are typically the most difficult, with lower acceptance rates. 

What college degree do most millionaires have?

Top 7 degrees that make the most millionaires

• Engineering.
• Economics/Finance.
• Politics.
• Mathematics.
• Computer Science.
• Law.
• MBA.

What might a $300,000 college cost a $200,000 family?

A $200,000 income family might pay anywhere from $20,000 to over $40,000 annually for a $300,000 (total) college, depending heavily on the school's financial aid policies (needs-based vs. merit-based), the CSS Profile vs. FAFSA, and if the school uses home equity, but many selective schools offer substantial aid, reducing the cost significantly below sticker price. Expect aid to be around 10-25% of the total cost, with specific contributions varying by institution. 

What does 😮 mean from a guy?

When a guy sends the 😮 (Face with Open Mouth) emoji, it usually means "Wow!" expressing surprise, awe, or disbelief, but it can also hint at shock, mild disappointment, or even sarcastic awe depending on the context, showing he's impressed or taken aback by something unexpected, good or bad. 

What is the slang for boyfriend in Gen Z?

Gen Z uses terms like "bae", "boo", or just their name, often preferring less formal or more descriptive words than "boyfriend," with "partner" also gaining traction for its inclusivity and neutrality, reflecting a shift away from traditional labels towards fluid, authentic expressions of connection, though simple terms like "my guy" or emphasizing actions like "he's my person" are also common. 

What is the 90/10 rule for colleges?

The 90/10 Rule in US higher education requires for-profit colleges (proprietary institutions) to derive no more than 90% of their revenue from federal student aid (Title IV funds), with the remaining 10% coming from other sources, to ensure they aren't solely reliant on government funding and to protect students from predatory practices. The rule, updated by the Higher Education Act (HEA) and enforced by the Department of Education, has evolved with new regulations, including exclusions for certain funds like GI Bill benefits and income share agreements, and consequences for non-compliance. 

Why do colleges like first-gen?

For many, it's about breaking barriers and stepping into new opportunities. First-generation college students, especially those studying outside of their home country, bring unique strengths and perspectives that make their journeys one of a kind.

Who is most likely to be a first generation college student?

First-generation college students tend to come from families with lower incomes than other students' families. This might be due to the fact that educational attainment is strongly correlated to household income.