First-Generation College Students: Meaning, Importance, Challenges, and How to Succeed as a First-Gen Learner
Being the first in your family to attend college is undoubtedly a challenge and can often come with many hurdles to overcome. However, successful graduation – and even academic excellence – is possible for any first-generation college student, with the appropriate guidance and support.
Although being a first-generation college student is an accomplishment in itself, and one that nearly half of Nightingale College’s students share, it is also correlated with particular difficulties in engaging in the academic process and in completing a degree (or doing so with the same ease and time as non-first-gen learners).
Still, first-gen students are essential for both education, bringing determination and diverse perspectives to the campus, and their chosen profession, particularly in the case of nursing, where a more varied pool of nurses can mitigate shortage concerns and improve the quality of care regionally and nationwide.
If you are a first-generation college student preparing to start your educational journey, you have come to the right place – you will find out what a first-generation student is, why they are essential, the challenges they face, and how to overcome them with the appropriate support, resources, and attitude.
What Is a First-Generation College Student?
A first-generation college student is generally defined as a postsecondary learner who is the first in their immediate family to attend a college or university. In practical terms, this means neither of your parents has completed a four-year college degree.
However, if your parents enrolled in college courses in the past or attended a community college but did not complete a bachelor’s degree, you are still considered a first-generation college student. Similarly, if your older siblings or other relatives earned a degree and your parents did not, you are counted among the pool of first-gen students.
Differing Definitions of a First-Generation Student
Despite the generally accepted definition and the notable distinctions outlined above, many institutions may use different definitions of “first-generation”, depending on their context and role in education.
The Higher Education Act, a federal bill, defines a first-generation student as one whose parents do not have a bachelor’s degree, particularly if the student lives with or receives support from them.
In some cases, educational institutions may count students and first-generation students even if their parents earned degrees abroad, to recognize different educational contexts and the difficulties that may arise from them.
Due to these varying definitions, the exact population of first-gen students can differ from one estimation to another. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reported that about 38% of undergraduate students were first-generation in 2020, while FirstGen Forward estimates that 54% of all undergrads in the US (8.2 million students) are first-generation.
Regardless of the definition used, one thing is clear – millions of students are navigating higher education with no parental roadmap, little to no guidance and support from their close circle of peers, and, often, with few resources at their disposal.
If you find yourself in such a situation, you are in good company. At Nightingale College, we recognize that simply attending college is a significant first step and a testament to your determination. That is why we strive to provide the academic programs and support necessary to empower learners from previously underserved and underrepresented communities to access high-quality education and become leaders in nursing.
Find out more about our academic programs, the learner experience at Nightingale College, as well as the services, resources, and scholarships available.
Importance: Why First-Generation Students Matter
First-generation college students are a vital part of the academic community, and their future success is crucial to the workforce.
Continuity of Workforce
With an estimated 72% of jobs requiring postsecondary education or training by 2031, ensuring that prospective students enroll and complete their bachelor’s degree becomes a priority for all sectors of the economy. In nursing, the ongoing nursing shortage remains one of the primary challenges to the industry's continuity and to the quality of care provided to an increasingly diverse and aging population.
One principal way to tackle the shortage of personnel is to enable more previously underrepresented and underserved candidates to attend nursing school and provide them with the necessary resources, support, and environment to facilitate their graduation.
Social Mobility
Additionally, supporting first-generation college students can also significantly alter the trajectory of their lives and that of their families. Research shows that when low-income, first-generation students earn a bachelor’s degree, they are five times more likely to move out of poverty. More so, over a 40-year career, a college graduate will earn nearly double the income of someone with only a high school diploma.
Diverse Perspectives
First-generation students also bring fresh perspectives and diversity to campus and professional fields. This is particularly important in fields like healthcare and nursing. Many first-gen learners come from underrepresented ethnic or socioeconomic backgrounds, with 42% of them identifying as non-white, for instance.
When they pursue nursing, they help make the healthcare workforce more representative of the populations it serves. In fact, one reason implicit biases persist in healthcare is that the workforce has historically lacked diversity – it has been “overwhelmingly white” in composition. First-generation nursing students, particularly those from BIPOC communities, play a vital role in changing this. They often have rich life experiences and cultural insights that enable them to empathize deeply with patients from all walks of life.
As you may guess, first-generation college students are a blessing for both education and practice, in nursing as well as in any other sector. However, their educational experience is quite the opposite, marked by multiple personal, professional, intergenerational, and institutional hurdles.
Challenges First-Generation College Students Face
Despite their strengths and determination, first-gen students often face unique challenges in college. Understanding these hurdles is the first step to overcoming them. Here are the main challenges faced by first-generation college students:
More Difficult College Navigation
First-generation students often enter college without the “insider knowledge” their peers with college-educated parents may have in their families. Tasks such as completing the FAFSA or selecting a course can be more challenging, with nearly half of first-generation students reporting that the financial aid process was initially confusing. Beyond the difficulty of putting in the work to get into college, first-generation students face an added hurdle because of the unknowns of college life and the academic process.
This issue highlights the importance of clarity in faculty-side communication. Additionally, the challenge can be mitigated through mentors and mentorship programs.
Academic Adjustments
Transitioning to college means adapting to rigorous coursework, managing time appropriately, and sometimes balancing jobs or family responsibilities. These are by no means niche issues: 80% of college students work while studying, and 30% do so full-time.
Read more about how to deal with working while in nursing school.
Similarly, approximately 18% of college students have children or other dependents, further aggravating concerns about their access to education and ability to graduate.
Learn more about going to nursing school as a parent and preparing to be a nurse while pregnant.
Nursing and other demanding majors intensify these personal stressors. While research shows that first-generation students are academically capable, many hesitate to ask for help, mistakenly believing it is a sign of weakness. In reality, help-seeking is linked to higher persistence and GPA.
Social & Emotional Pressures
Feelings of not belonging and imposter syndrome are common; approximately 25–30% of first-generation students report doubting whether they belong in college. Social life, dorm living, or faculty interactions may feel foreign.
Additionally, families often expect academic and financial success, which adds pressure; some respondents reported hiding their status as first-generation college students out of fear of being judged.
Financial Challenges
Finances are a top concern for first-gen students, with 56% of them coming from the lowest income quartile, according to one report. Many first-generation students also have to work while studying, which contributes to attrition, or otherwise use money they have saved themselves.
Overall, first-generation college students are 10% more likely than their continuing-generation peers to leave for financial reasons alone. The real barrier is often the combination of economic strain and a lack of guidance.
Educational Outcomes Gap
According to one study, within 10 years of enrollment, only 20% of first-generation college students complete a bachelor’s degree, compared to 42% of their peers with a college-educated parent. This gap highlights the need for robust support systems.
Financial Aid and Scholarship Opportunities for First-Gen Students
One of the smartest moves a first-generation student can make is to take advantage of financial aid and scholarships designed for students just like you. Since paying for college can be a significant hurdle, you’ll be glad to know there are resources out there to lighten the load.
Grants and Federal Programs
First-generation students typically qualify for need-based aid, which is often awarded through grants or federal programs. These can include the Pell Grant, or the TRIO Student Support Services (SSS), a federally funded program operating on many campuses, whose purpose is to support first-gen and other disadvantaged students through tutoring, counseling, and financial literacy training. While not providing direct monetary aid, TRIO can make the difference between dropping out and completing a college degree.
Additionally, some educational institutions may also arrange bridge programs or orientation sessions for first-generation students during the summer preceding the first year. These sessions can help you get acclimated to campus life and the exigencies of college life.
Financial Aid and Scholarships for First-Generation Students
As a first-generation college student, you can access a broad range of scholarships from your educational institution, non-profits, and even companies. For instance, at Nightingale College, you can qualify to receive various scholarships for learners who aim to support aspiring nurses in their journey to becoming competent and compassionate professionals, including:
- The President’s Future of Nursing Scholarship – An internal scholarship equivalent to 25% of tuition charges, available for up to 8 semesters, is designed for BSN Program learners. To qualify, you need to be a graduating high school senior with a 3.3 GPA or higher, engage in at least 8 hours of community service every semester, maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher each semester.
- Honors Future of Nursing Scholarship (FNS) – An internal scholarship available to BSN Program learners, providing $250 per semester for eight semesters. To qualify, you need to be a graduating high school senior with a 3.3 GPA or higher, engage in at least 8 hours of community service every semester, maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher each semester.
- Susan J. Jero Scholarship – An internal scholarship covering 100% of tuition charges up to 8 semesters, for students who perform well academically. One such scholarship is awarded annually in the fall, and recipients must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher each semester to remain eligible. If learners formally withdraw from the academic program or repeat coursework, they are no longer eligible for the scholarship.
- Keys to Success Scholarship (KSS) – An internal scholarship exclusively for Utah high school students who participated in the state’s Keys to Success college readiness program. One KSS scholarship is awarded per Utah school district each academic year, providing $1,500 toward tuition each semester and is renewable for up to 8 semesters, totaling a maximum of $12,000. To qualify, you need to be a graduating high school senior who took part in the Keys to Success program and achieved a cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Joining Forces Scholarship (JFS) – A scholarship designed to assist U.S. military service members, veterans, and their spouses in achieving their nursing education goals. This scholarship offers a per-credit tuition reduction for eligible learners. For example, learners in the BSN or RN-to-BSN programs receive a $25 per credit reduction.
Additionally, you can also receive support from the Nightingale Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping students from previously underserved and underrepresented communities achieve their dreams of becoming nurses. Current Foundation scholarships include the FNP Scholarship Fund, the Shneyder & Kirk “Reaching the Impossible” Scholarship Fund, the Utah Economic Nursing Scholarship Fund, and the Bittner Scholarship Fund. You can learn more about the scholarships on the Nightingale Foundation’s website.
Tips for Receiving Financial Aid as a First-Gen Student
First and foremost, you need to file your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is a standard form used to determine financial aid eligibility for all types of higher education. If you need assistance with completing your FAFSA, many campuses will hold FAFSA workshops where counselors and financial aid officers can help you find and unlock the aid you require.
Keep in mind that awarding institutions have limited funds, so it is recommended that you fill out your FAFSA as soon as possible, so you qualify as an early applicant. Additionally, the FAFSA has three deadlines: one set by your college or university, a state deadline, and a federal deadline. You will need to ensure that your application is submitted within all three designated deadlines.
Lastly, always be aware of emergency grants or completion grants available at your college. If you ever find yourself with an unexpected tuition balance or financial crisis, there may be resources on campus to help you stay enrolled.
Advice for Succeeding as a First-Generation College Student
Now that you know the key facts about first-gen students, let’s cover the most crucial topic for your college experience: how to thrive. As mentioned before, as a first-generation college student, you may have a more difficult time than the average learner. However, with just a few tips and tricks, you can not only successfully navigate college life but also thrive and reach success. Here are some essential tips to help you succeed in college and nursing school, based on advice from educators and first-gen graduates and our own Nightingale College experts:
- Get to know your support system – First-generation students may not always know where to turn, but that’s why your college has resources in place. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your LALR counselor, academic advisor, or other faculty staff who are there to help you succeed, not just academically, but personally and professionally as well.
- Build connections with faculty – Establishing relationships with your instructors is more than just saying hello. Ask questions, attend office hours, and share your goals. The more they know you, the better they can support you, especially when challenges arise.
- Speak up and participate – If something in class isn’t clear, ask. You are not alone, with many of your classmates having similar questions, and engaging in discussions will build your confidence over time. Participation is a muscle: the more you use it, the stronger it gets.
- Embrace the journey – Feeling overwhelmed is normal. College, and particularly nursing school, is a learning curve for everyone, and it’s okay not to have all the answers. Progress, not perfection, is the goal. Lean into moments of uncertainty and use them as growth opportunities.
- Find your peers – Whether it is classmates in your cohort, friends in your community, or peers in online learner groups, having a network makes the journey easier. Study together, support one another, and celebrate the small wins. You don’t have to do this alone.
At Nightingale College, 49% of our learners are first-generation students, and we are proud to support every one of them. We make learner support a top priority, as our goal is to ensure you never feel like you have to navigate college alone. That is why we paid particular attention to the learner experience, providing services and resources, and aid, so that you have the tools and encouragement needed to thrive.
This means you’ll have access to one-on-one coaching, tutoring in areas like writing and math, NCLEX exam preparation, and a dedicated Learner Support Services team that can assist with anything from study skills to life challenges. Our faculty and staff know the challenges first-gen nursing students face, and we’re devoted to helping you overcome any hurdles on your path to becoming a competent, confident, and compassionate nurse.
Find out what makes Nightingale College different and choose the academic program you want to enroll in!