First-Generation Student Data

Our institution currently collects data on parents’ level of education, as self-reported by students on the FAFSA.

We use those data to compare the profile and performance of our FGS with other groups of students.

Specifically, we examine GPA, term-to-term retention, graduation rates, participation in athletics and student activities, and academic major selections.

Of our undergraduate students enrolled fall 2008 who reported parents’ level of education, 37 percent, or 791 students, were first generation.

Of our students who entered the institution as first-time, first-year students, 38 percent were first generation.

For the college’s undergraduate students who reported parents’ level of education, 55 percent of FGS were retained from fall 2007 to fall 2008, compared to the 61 percent retention rate for the non-first-generation population during the same time period.

Our FGS don't perform as well as our non-FGS on several critical dimensions:

  • Our FGS have lower GPAs, lower retention rates, and higher rates of enrollment in developmental courses.
  • FGS also graduate at lower rates than non-first generation students.

These gaps that exist across the board demonstrate the need for our institution to increase support of FGS in the classroom. Our current programming is not sufficient to serve all or even a majority of FGS.

Additionally, as a Hispanic Serving Institution, it is important to note that year after year, our first-generation population consists of about 36 percent Hispanic students per year, while the non-first-generation population has ranged from 25 to 28 percent Hispanic.

We participate in these national datasets about student success and engagement:

  • National Study of Student Engagement (NSSE)
  • Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
  • National Student Clearinghouse

These datasets will help the institution track academic success, retention and graduation rates of FGS. The National Student Clearinghouse will allow the college to track transfer and graduate program enrollment rates.

Comparisons to first-generation programs of similar institutions can also be made.