Studies show that nearly half of all students who enrolled in a two-four year college program dropped out of college.
Students from low socioeconomic backgrounds, ethnic minority students, and students who were the first in their family to attend college were particularly vulnerable to this attrition.
First-generation students — those who are the first in their immediate family to attend college – make up nearly one third of all undergraduates. Samantha Metz, a Penn State senior says, “The biggest challenge I was confronted with being a first-generation college student was undeniably having to do everything on my own,” she later goes on to say that “My parents had no idea what actually went into applying to colleges. This included making college visits, and taking the SAT.”
So why are students turning away from a college degree? This is what current research on the background and attrition rates of first-generation college students reveals.
School Experience
Research shows that a higher percentage of First Generation Students scored lower in their SATs with lower GPAs, when compared with students whose parents have a bachelor’s degree. However, many first- and second-generation college students do not show significant differences in class rank when compared to their third- and fourth-generation counterparts. This trend suggested that First Gen students are more likely to attend school where students have low GPAs, whereas the opposite is true for students whose parents went to college. This illustrated a prevailing disparity between students of different socio-economic backgrounds.
Socioeconomic Status
First Generation students tend to come from families experiencing a greater amount of financial hardships when compared to their second and third generation equivalents. Lower incomes directly impacts a student’s college experience on various levels. The financial hardships that a first generation student has to face are greater than the hardships faced by his second and third generation counterparts. A study by noted Author JM Somers, found that insufficient financial aid is linked to higher levels of attrition. The combination of low financial resources and low awareness on ways to attain financial support can prevent these students from pursuing a college degree.
Behaviour During Early College
Many first generation students were seen to have lower levels of self-confidence especially in relation to academic preparedness. This translates to students underperforming academically during their first semester in college when compared to their second and third generation counterparts.
Summer Bridge Programmes are a great component for a first generation college student. It provides them with a network of support where they can gain experience, voice their concerns, and share positive practices as they navigate college. This webinar by expert speaker Dr. Paz Maya Oliverez provides valuable insights on how to attain specific types of resources and support to insure that students move into and through college successfully. It will also serve to supplement your existing programmatic and institutional efforts to support first-generation students.
