Many students asked me to help them define first generation college student, so I post it here for anyone who is interested.
The definition of First Generation of College Student:
According to Title 20 U.S. Code Sec. 1070a-11(h)(3):
The term “first generation college student” means—
(A) an individual both of whose parents did not complete a baccalaureate degree; or
(B) in the case of any individual who regularly resided with and received support from only one parent, an individual whose only such parent did not complete a baccalaureate degree.
According to National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Report 2000-153:
Education levels were aggregated as follows:
- First-generation: Both parents have no more than a high school education. Thus, the student would be a member of the first generation in the immediate family to attend college.
- Some college: One or both parents have some postsecondary education, but neither had attained a bachelor’s degree. This category includes parents with vocational certificates and associate’s degrees as the highest level of attainment.
- College graduate: One or both parents earned a bachelor’s degree or higher.