First-generation status in context, part four: Enrollment, persistence, and completion by first-generation status
This fourth brief in the First-generation status in context series examines how first-generation students progress through college, with a focus on degree completion. While most Common App applicants eventually enroll, significant gaps appear in graduation outcomes, with first-generation students less likely than their continuing-generation peers to persist through to a degree. Sixty-nine percent of first-generation students earn a bachelor’s degree within six years, compared to 86% of continuing-generation students.
When we dig a little deeper, it reveals some of the factors that may contribute to students’ likelihood of finishing, whether first-generation or continuing-generation.
- Pre-college experiences: Not surprisingly, first-generation students with strong pre-college academic records are more likely to graduate within six years; 83% of these first-generation students complete their degree. (By comparison, 91% of continuing-gen students with strong pre-college records graduate in six years.)
- College investment: Students who attend institutions with higher instructional expenditures are also more likely to graduate. For example, for institutions that spend more than $20k per student, the six-year graduation rate gap shrinks to 10 percentage points. (84% for first-gen vs. 94% for continuing-gen)
- Household income: First-gen students who have more financial resources (measured by NOT being eligible for fee waivers) are more likely to complete: 76% of these first-gen students graduate in six years, compared to 88% of continuing-generation students.
These findings underscore the need for stronger institutional support to help first-generation students cross the finish line. Explore the other briefs in this series: