Best Colleges for First-Generation Students (2023)

Ever pondered the power of being the first? The first to explore, the first to innovate, and in this context, the first in your family to journey through the hallowed halls of higher education! First-generation college students, this one's for you: a guide to colleges with a wealth of resources, communities, and support systems tailored to your needs. This college ranking is in no particular order, and each school is recognized for its unique strengths and offerings for first-gen students. 

If you're the first in your family to go to college, we want to be your college compass. 

From understanding the unique challenges faced by first-gen students to exploring a myriad of programs and support systems across various colleges, this article is your ticket to finding a college where your dreams and aspirations are recognized and championed. 

Challenges Faced by First Generation Students

Heading off to college is a big deal, especially when you're the first in your family to dive into the world of dorms, lectures, and student loans. First-gen students are pioneers! But being the first one in your family to tread this path can come with its own set of hurdles. These might sound familiar:

• Lack of family support and guidance. For first-gen students, not having parents who've had the college experience means missing out on some handy family wisdom about the ins and outs of college life.
• Financial constraints. Figuring out tuition, managing student loan paperwork, and applying for financial aid can be extra tricky when you're figuring it all out on your own.
• Feelings of isolation. Being the first in the family to hit the books at college can feel a bit lonely, especially when you're navigating new experiences that your folks or siblings might not relate to.

Programs and Support for First Generation Students

Luckily for you, college trailblazer, many colleges have support systems tailored to the needs of first-gen students, such as:

Academic Support Programs

Look for schools with tutoring services that can help you nail those tricky subjects and study groups and workshops where you can mingle with your peers and tackle challenges together. Academic advising and mentoring services can also guide you through course selection and career paths. 

See if prospective schools have something called a Center for First-Generation Student Success. This will be your academic homebase packed with resources and helpers who understand the first-gen journey. Take advantage of pre-college summer programs and orientation or onboarding programs designed to give you a sneak peek into college life. First-year experience courses can also help you kick off your college adventure with confidence - and some new friends, too.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Getting through college can be a bit of a financial puzzle whether you're last in a long family line of attendees or the first of your kind. But don't worry, there's a treasure trove of help available to sort it all out:

• Grants. These are like the golden tickets of financial aid because it's money you don't have to pay back. Pell Grants give a financial boost to low-income students and are a key player in making many college dreams a reality. 
• Scholarships. There are heaps of these specifically for first-gen students, providing a financial high-five to help you through your studies without the stress of student loans hanging over your head.
• Work-study opportunities. This is where you can earn while you learn, getting a paycheck for part-time gigs on or near campus. It can lighten the financial load while also giving you real-world work experience that will kickstart your career.

Most higher education institutions require you to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to get access to these resources. 

Every bit of support is a stepping stone to making your college journey memorable and manageable. If that sounds like exactly what you need in a college, the following schools are the perfect places to look first. 

University of California, Berkeley

Location: Berkeley, CA

Number of undergraduate students: 30,799

Admission rate: 17%

In-state tuition: $14,312

Out-of-state tuition: $44,066

Are you a future Golden Bear? UC Berkeley, a standout four-year college among American public universities, champions first-generation college students by recognizing the unique challenges and incredible determination you bring to their campus. They're all about empowering you through your college journey to reach those academic and career goals. 

The Berkeley Career Engagement department is there to lend a hand with career exploration, experience seeking, and professional development. Plus, resources like the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) and various student organizations are geared to make your Berkeley journey smooth and successful, ensuring your transition from high school to higher education is seamless.

California State University, Fullerton

Location: Fullerton, CA

Number of undergraduate students: 36,975

Admission rate: 68%

In-state tuition: $6,953

Out-of-state tuition: $18,883

Hey, Titans! California State University, Fullerton doesn't just see first-generation college students; they celebrate them, especially during the National First-Generation College Student Week every November 8th! This date marks the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965, a pivotal moment for minority and low-income students in the USA. 

With a nod to history and a keen eye on your future, CSU wants to make sure you have the resources you need to ace higher education from entry to graduation, whether that ends with a four-year degree or if you go on to get your master's.

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Location: Chapel Hill, NC

Number of undergraduate students: 19,395

Admission rate: 25%

In-state tuition: $8,980

Out-of-state tuition: $36,159

Tar Heels, this one's for you. The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill is a recognized leader in supporting the higher education journey of first-generation college students. As a "First Forward Advisory Institution," UNC-Chapel Hill is known for improving experiences and advancing outcomes for first-gen students like you. They're committed to creating an environment where your dreams are achievable, no matter your background. And as leaders in the First Forward initiative, they're even helping other universities level up their first-gen support, too. 

Oberlin College

Location: Oberlin, OH

Number of undergraduate students: 2,647

Admission rate: 35%

Tuition: $58,554

Hey, future Obies! Oberlin College sends a loud and clear message to first-gen students: You can succeed, no matter where you come from or your family's financial status. 

Echoing this empowering sentiment of First Lady Michelle Obama, Oberlin is all about advocacy for your college journey and beyond. This powerful message stands as a beacon of encouragement and a testament to Oberlin's welcoming spirit towards first-gen students. Whether you want to pursue a career in arts and sciences, English, music, or one of their many top-notch academic programs and bachelor's degrees, Oberlin wants to be a part of your story.

University of Pennsylvania

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Number of undergraduate students: 11,155

Admission rate: 9%

Tuition: $60,042

Quakers, gather 'round! The University of Pennsylvania is a hub of inclusivity, especially when it comes to embracing diversity in social and economic backgrounds. Penn First Plus is your go-to spot on campus, dedicated to expanding academic resources to the full Penn experience for those who are the first in their families to navigate the world of undergraduate studies in the U.S. - especially at a research-intensive university like UPenn. 

They want you to thrive from day one of enrollment. From collaborating on initiatives that promote inclusive pedagogy and accessible curricula and support services that help you carve out your unique path, UPenn will make every academic and extracurricular opportunity as accessible (and awesome) as possible.

Stanford University

Location: Stanford, CA

Number of undergraduate students: 6,366

Admission rate: 5%

Tuition: $56,169

Hello, future Cardinals! At Stanford University, the vibe is all about welcoming and embracing first-generation and low-income (FLI) students with open arms and a heap of campus resources. The FLI Student Success Center is a community space where you can join in on everything from karaoke parties to study nights, all while connecting with fellow FLI students. They know it's not just about getting a college degree but also about making friends, having fun, and feeling at home among the Stanford student population. From your very first quarter, you'll have the resources and community you need to make your Stanford experience unforgettable.

Compare the best colleges for first-generation students on College Rover

If you're about to be a first-gen college student, let College Rover be your guide through this exciting adventure! On our database, you'll find a wealth of information to explore and compare the best colleges to meet your needs. From insights into campus life to finding supportive communities, College Rover is your one-stop platform to navigate through your college selection process with confidence. Your bright future awaits, and it all starts with choosing the right college to illuminate your path.

College Rover gets the majority of its data directly from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). The DOE publishing schedule "lags" the most current data which some colleges post on their official websites. This may cause there to be a difference in the data you see on College Rover and an individual college website. College Rover's website is updated as the DOE data becomes available and is configured for the College Rover website.