What does it mean to be a first generation student?

  • A first generation student is any student whose parents have not completed a 4-year degree.
  • A first generation student is not simply the first in their family to go to college. Even if a student has a sibling who has gone to college or completed a 4-year degree, the student is still considered first generation.

First generation by the numbers

  • There are over 4,000 "first-gen" students at the University of Iowa (~1200 in the 2016-2017 incoming first-year class)
  • An estimated 32% of college students across the U.S. are first generation

First Gen@Iowa

The 1stGen@Iowa initiative aims to bring awareness to campus and work towards a strategic, collective approach to celebrating and supporting first-generation students. While the First-Generation Task Force serves as the foundational basis of this important initiative, the movement is campus-wide and relies on institutional commitment from key leaders and multiple campus partners for success. Learn more..

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UI Center for Diversity & Enrichment

The UI Center for Diversity & Enrichment coordinates a variety of campus programs and services designed to create a welcoming environment for underrepresented minority students, first-generation college students, and students from low-income families. They offer one-on-one student support, coaching, and workshops to help facilitate student success and retention.

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TRIO Student Support Services

Academic and student success office serving 350 students at UI, serving primarily first generation, low income students.

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