The Future is FirstGen
We are dramatically changing the success landscape for first-generation students and graduates.
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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.
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FirstGen Forward Network
The FirstGen Forward Network comprises over 480 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
Share your #FirstGen story
Celebrate those who’ve helped you through your academic journey. Each month, we’ll share a theme—you post a pic using #CelebrateFirstGen. August’s theme is "Dear Mentor!" Post a pic with a mentor and share how their guidance has helped you grow academically and professionally.
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.
Identifying First-generation College Students: Definitions, Data, and Data Use
This new research brief builds on FirstGen Forward’s foundational landscape analyses from 2018 (four-year institutions) and 2020 (two-year institutions), offering fresh insight into how U.S. colleges and universities define, identify, and use data on first-generation students today.
The Journal of First-generation Student Success, Vol. 5, Issue 2
Read the latest articles! While access to #JFGSS is a NASPA member benefit, you don't need to be a member to read the latest #FirstGenScholarship.
Share your #FirstGen story
Celebrate those who’ve helped you through your academic journey. Each month, we’ll share a theme—you post a pic using #CelebrateFirstGen. August’s theme is "Dear Mentor!" Post a pic with a mentor and share how their guidance has helped you grow academically and professionally.
Take Action
Partner with Us
Learn about ways in which you can support FirstGen Forward and first-generation students across the country.
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Subscribe to the Journal of First-generation Student Success, the first academic journal dedicated to the success of first-generation students.
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