What is a First Generation College Student?

The term first generation college student applies to those students whose parent(s) or legal guardian(s) either:
Did not receive or complete any level of post-secondary education
Enrolled at or earned a two-year degree from a community college
Earned any level of post-secondary education outside the United States.

In the September 2015, George Mason University reported that 33% of its undergraduate students were first generation college students. First generation college students face various challenges when trying to excel both academically and socially within college. This happens because first generation students come from various backgrounds, many of which have very limited knowledge about the details of college. Because this is the case, it is important to provide first generation students with the support needed in order to succeed in college and make the most out of that experience.

-F1rstGen Mason http://www.f1rstgen.org