Resources for First-Generation College Students

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resources for first-generation students
Being the first in your family to attend college comes with unique challenges. You are figuring out systems your family has never navigated: applications, financial aid, course registration, and campus life.

Being the first in your family to attend college comes with unique challenges. You are figuring out systems your family has never navigated: applications, financial aid, course registration, and campus life. The right resources make that learning curve much easier.

Start with academic support. Most universities offer advising, tutoring centers, and writing help. Meet your academic advisor early to plan your courses. If a subject gets hard, tutoring is there for exactly that reason. Workshops on study skills and time management can also help you build habits that carry through your degree. See our guide to academic advising if you are still choosing a direction.

Look into financial aid carefully. Complete the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, to find out what federal grants and loans you qualify for. Then search for scholarships, including ones aimed at first-generation students offered by private organizations and foundations. Compare the full cost of each school, not just tuition, before you commit. Our scholarship tips can help you apply well.

Find your people. Many campuses run programs and student groups specifically for first-generation students. Connecting with others who share your experience gives you practical advice and a sense of belonging. Mentorship programs that pair you with older students or alumni are especially useful.

Use career services from year one, not just senior year. Resume help, mock interviews, and networking events build your professional skills gradually. Read stories from first-generation graduates for perspective on what the path can look like.

One note on choosing a school: check its accreditation status before enrolling, since accreditation affects credit transfer and employer recognition. For example, Continents International University, based in St. Louis, Missouri, was granted candidacy for IACBE accreditation in July 2024, with the candidacy period running through July 31, 2029. Candidacy is an early step and is not the same as accreditation, so always verify what a school’s status means for your goals. You can read more about what IACBE candidacy involves.

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