AVP Data Analytics FirstGen Forward Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Session Abstract: As of 2020, over half of all college students in the United States were first-generation, updating previous findings that first-generation college students make up just one-third of the total college student population. In this session, FirstGen Forward will discuss the latest findings regarding national data on first-generation student success trends and their early experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic using data from the National Center for Education Statistics Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:12/17), Baccalaureate and Beyond Longitudinal Study (B&B:16/20), and the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:20). From demographics, enrollment characteristics, and degree completion outcomes, to an initial look at the disproportionate impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on this population, the data discussed will provide ample evidence of the need to do more to support first-generation students and graduates.
Keywords: first-generation student success, National Center for Education Statistics, fact sheets
