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National Data

Access our most recent Data Briefs and National Data Fact Sheets on First-generation College Students and Graduates.

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Evidence-based and Data-driven

Dedicated first-generation research allows for evidence-based decision-making that is critical to student success. This section highlights both foundational research and recent scholarship that informs understanding of the student experience, institutional approaches to programming, and identification of supports and barriers for first-generation students.

National Data Fact Sheets

Review the latest national data and compare it with your institution's data.

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2024 Findings

These fact sheets compare the 2019 and 2021 findings to experiences during the COVID-19 Pandemic and employment and post-completion data.

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2021 Findings

These fact sheets provide national statistics about first-generation college graduates’ transition to graduate school and employment in the year after earning a bachelor’s degree.

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2019 Findings

These fact sheets provide national statistics about the background characteristics, postsecondary experiences, and outcomes of first-generation and continuing-generation college students in the United States.

Data Briefs

As a national community dedicated to improving first-generation student outcomes, the FirstGen Forward Network is uniquely positioned to translate real campus data into actionable insights. Authored by FirstGen Forward staff, these Data Briefs draw on evidence-based practices and cross-institutional learning across Network campuses to guide continuous improvement nationwide.

Data Brief: September 2026

Strong Starts Matter: First‑generation Outcomes at Minority‑Serving Institutions

Our latest data brief explores key data related to Minority-Serving Institutions and how those within the FirstGen Forward Network are not only advancing access for first-generation students but also supporting strong early academic momentum. Download "Strong Starts Matter: First-generation Outcomes at Minority-Serving Institutions" here.

Highlight: Out of 469 institutions in the Network, 54% hold a federal MSI designation, reflecting the Network’s strong alignment with institutions that serve racially and ethnically underrepresented students.

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