What are the benefits of being a first generation student?
Asked by: Dr. Jayce Dietrich | Last update: October 26, 2025Score: 5/5 (52 votes)
Being a first-generation student has its benefits. Firstly, there's more consideration for financial aid, such as scholarships and grants. Secondly, there's satisfaction in creating a path from nothing, which has helped me develop essential skills such as perseverance and work ethic.
What are the benefits of first generation students?
The qualities you develop as a first-generation student not only help you succeed in school; they also help you stand out when applying for jobs, internships, and leadership roles. Many first-generation students use their experiences to create bright futures and inspire others along the way.
What are the benefits of the first generation?
- Fee waivers when applying to colleges/universities.
- Scholarships (partial and full) just for first generation students.
- Cost-free books and computers.
Do you get money for being a first generation college student?
First in family scholarships offer substantial financial assistance to students who are the first in their immediate families to attend college. Scholarships are available through various foundations, universities, and corporations. Scholarships often consider both academic merit and financial need.
Is it good or bad to be a first generation college student?
First-generation students are 71% more likely to leave college in their first year compared to non-first-generation students. They often face more difficulties adjusting to college and succeeding academically than their peers.
Being a First Generation Student - What it means...
What is the disadvantage of a first generation student?
Lack of Self-esteem, College Adjustment, and Family Support
First-generation students may feel uncomfortable in the collegiate atmosphere. They may come from a different cultural background or SES and have different levels of college preparation than their college-going peers.
What do first generation students struggle with?
Lack of Familiarity, Support, & Guidance
Usually, a first-generation student cannot rely on family support—not because the family doesn't support education, but because the family does not understand the importance or the process of postsecondary paths.
What is a first generation student in Canada?
At McGill, we allow students to self-identify as first-generation. Usually, a first-generation student is one whose parent(s) or caregiver(s) did not complete a four-year university degree.
Do first generation students get scholarships?
There are many organizations and sources that offer scholarship opportunities specifically designed for first generation students. Many universities, corporations, and non-profit organizations offer aid to support first gen students.
Am I first generation college student if my uncle went to college?
Your grandparents, aunts/uncles and siblings could also have degrees, and you would still qualify as first generation. Some first-generation students come from low-income households.
What is the disadvantage of first generation?
Here are some of the disadvantages of first generation: They consumed high amounts of energy/electricity. They were not portable due to their weight and size. They were slow due to their use of inefficient vacuum tube technology.
How do universities know if you are first generation?
Some schools consider you first-generation if neither of your parents attended any form of college, while others still consider you first-gen if your parents attended college but did not receive a bachelor's degree. Be sure to research the definition that each specific school uses.
Are first generation college students more motivated to succeed?
Regarding learning motivation, first-generation college students (mean = 67.91) exhibited lower levels of intrinsic motivation compared to non-first-generation students (mean = 68.76; t = 8.43, p < 0.001), but there was no significant difference in extrinsic motivation (t = −0.86, p = 0.39).
Why are you proud to be a first generation college student?
Thankful: I am so proud to be a first-generation student. Not only was I the first in my family to get my high school diploma, associate's degree and soon a bachelor's degree, one day I may earn a master's degree. I am living proof that no matter where you come from, you have the potential to go anywhere you choose.
Is it easier to get into college as a first generation?
Yes - it helps boost applicants over more qualified applicants. Even if the FG applicant goes to the same school and is privileged in every respect, living in a wealthy family.
How can a first generation college student be successful?
- Join first-generation student organizations. Surround yourself with people who want to see you succeed! ...
- Get involved in campus life. ...
- Know that the struggle is real. ...
- Ask for help when you need it. ...
- Believe in yourself.
Are there benefits to being a first generation college student?
Being a first-generation student has its benefits. Firstly, there's more consideration for financial aid, such as scholarships and grants. Secondly, there's satisfaction in creating a path from nothing, which has helped me develop essential skills such as perseverance and work ethic.
How much money can you get for being a first generation college student?
Cal Grant A
Every student's award amount may vary by type of college — for 2022-2023, Cal Grants are up to $12,570 at a University of California campus, up to $5,742 at a California State University campus, and up to $9,220 at independent colleges.
What is the first generation grant?
First generation students scholarships are financial aid for college created specifically for first generation students students. First generation students scholarships can help students attain higher education opportunities that otherwise may be out of reach due to financial reasons.
Can you get a scholarship for being a first generation college student?
There are numerous colleges and private organizations that offer first generation scholarships for students who will be the first in their family to attend college! Generally, first generation scholarships are open to students whose parents have not earned a four year undergraduate degree.
Who is considered first generation in Canada?
This category includes persons who were born outside Canada. For the most part, these are people who are now, or once were, immigrants to Canada.
What qualifies me as a first generation college student?
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 does it feel to be a first generation student?
I was excited to step into college, but what my parents didn't know was that fear, anxiety, and terror overshadowed my excitement. Being a first-generation college student meant that I was stepping into a new chapter of life with no familial guidance.
Are first generation students more likely to drop out?
33% of first-generation students drop out within three years, compared to only 14% of continuing generation students. As the number of first-generation students grows, institutions face increasing pressure to improve outcomes for this group.
What are the characteristics of first generation students?
For some colleges, it means that neither of the student's biological parents attended college. For many other institutions, the definition used to determine eligibility for some federal support programs is preferred: Students are considered first-generation if their parents did not graduate from college.