The Future is FirstGen
We are dramatically changing the success landscape for first-generation students and graduates.
.png)
%202.jpeg)
Reverse this row's columns on mobile (this blue box only appears in the HubSpot editor)
Why First-gen?
First-generation students represent more than half of all undergraduates in the U.S. Yet, first-generation students are graduating far less than their peers.
This is our opportunity; our clarion call. We’re working with hundreds of higher education institutions, practitioners and scholars, foundations, businesses, members of the media, and others committed to first-generation student success to close this completion gap.
Accomplishing our goal benefits:
First-gen Students
College graduates are 88% more likely to be employed; earn higher wages, and twice as likely to be civically engaged
Higher Ed Institutions
First-gen students are applying to college at twice the rate of continuing-generation students. And developing supports for first-gen students will benefit everyone.
Our Country & Economy
Closing the completion gap will result in 4.4 million more graduates and a net benefit of $700 billion to the U.S. economy.
Reverse this row's columns on mobile (this blue box only appears in the HubSpot editor)
FirstGen Forward Network
The FirstGen Forward Network comprises over 450 institutions, harnessing the potential of first-generation students and improving success outcomes.
Is your institution ready to move FirstGen Forward?
FirstGen Statistics
Dedicated first-generation research allows for evidence-based decision-making that is critical to student success.
First-generation students graduate at a rate of 24% versus 59% for continuing-generation students.
There are 8.2 million first-generation undergraduate students; 54% of all undergrads in the U.S.
By 2031, 72% of jobs in the U.S. will require postsecondary education or training.
The Latest
New Leadership
Stephanie J. Bannister Named President of FirstGen Forward. A leader with extensive experience in student affairs and a deep knowledge of the challenges hindering first-generation student success, Bannister will lead FirstGen Forward at this critical juncture for the movement.
Meet the 60 New Network Member Institutions!
60 institutions of higher education join the 2025-26 class of the FirstGen Forward Network. These colleges and universities were selected based on their demonstrated commitment to improving experiences and advancing success for first-generation college students.
First-generation Student Success: A Landscape Analysis of Programs, Services, and Perspectives in Higher Education
The fifth and final installment in our new national landscape analyses series, which explores the ways institutions are supporting first-generation students and how students experience that support, is available now. Check out the entire series now!
Take Action
Partner with Us
Learn about ways in which you can support FirstGen Forward and first-generation students across the country.
Sign Up
Sign up to receive updates and communications related to first-generation student success.
Subscribe
Subscribe to the Journal of First-generation Student Success, the first academic journal dedicated to the success of first-generation students.
I am a...
Looking for first-gen resources or information specific to your role? Let us help!