More than one third of undergraduate students are 1^st Gen. The most common definition of a first-generation student versus a continuing generation student is that neither one of a 1^st Gen’s parents graduated college.

Graduation Rate

The average graduation rate for high school students who matriculate is 62%. The graduation rate for 1^st Gen students is 26%.

Time to Graduate

The average time required to earn a four-year degree. The average time for a 1^st Gen to earn a four-year degree is six years.

Need for Students Loans

A 1^st Gen student is more likely to come from a low-income home. This translates to more (66%) 1^st Gens versus continuing generation students (56%) needing student loans.

Need for a Greater Amount of Student Loans

A 1^st Gen needs a greater amount of student loans.

Likelihood to be Underemployed

Half of recent college graduates end up underemployed, e.g. making lattes. In my experience, the parents of 1^st Gens rarely can help their students get internships or job interviews.

Conclusion

Today, only three in ten students who matriculate succeed in college, graduate and score a well-paying, professional job. We don’t have a statistic for 1^st Gens, but their number is obviously much, much lower. My advice, particularly if you are going to need student loans, is to consider alternative paths to achieving a “breadwinner’s” salary.

Note

Congratulations, You Have Graduated From High School. Now What?