Essential Advice for Low-Income & First-Generation College Students

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• How do you qualify as a first generation college student?
• Are all first-generation students low-income?
• Who qualifies as a low-income student?
• Seven Tips for Students Who Identify As First-Generation and/or Low-Income
• A First-Generation, Low-Income Student Shares Her Experience Applying for College
• You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know Until You Get There
• Questions to Ask When Applying To College as a First-Gen or Low Income Student
• How can I get one-on-one mentorship if I am a first-gen or low-income student?
• Fly-In Programs
• What is a College Fly-in?
• Who is eligible to attend?
• How do I find out about fly-in programs?
• Advice for Students Unable to Visit Campus

Written with Charlotte West, with thanks to Matt Rubinoff (Strive for College & I’m First!) and Jamiere Abney (Colgate University) for their contributions.

How do you qualify as a first generation college student?

The definition of a first generation college student is that you’ll be the first in your family to attend college. This means you may not be able to ask your parents about navigating the college application process and you might be the one explaining things like financial aid to them.

“It doesn't stop there,” notes Amanda Miller, the counselor and expert who helped write the financial aid sections of this book. “Once on campus speed bumps continue to pop up. My sister had no idea how many ‘credit hours’ would be a good idea, so she signed up for 21 credit hours her first semester. (That's a LOT.) That lesson almost prompted her to quit before she realized others weren't taking nearly as many classes. These easily preventable setbacks can make the whole college experience a bit more daunting for first-gens.”

Around a third of all college freshmen are first-gen, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Intersectionality here is important, too. Many first-generation students are also low-income and many are students of color.

Are all first-generation students low-income or students of color?

Nope!

Who qualifies as a low-income student?

The most common way colleges and universities define low-income students is by Pell grant eligibility. Pell grants fund students who have exceptional financial need and have not earned a bachelor’s degree or higher. Approximately 22.2 million students, or 32% of all undergraduates, receive Pell grants. Because they are grants and not loans, you don’t have to pay them back. Google “pell eligible” or look it up in the Common Data Set section B for the school you’re interested in to see how many students receive these grants. 

Students who aren’t eligible for Pell grants can still struggle to cover the cost of higher education. Research shows a widening gap between financial aid and rising costs of living, especially in cities with expensive housing markets. (Check out researcher Sara Goldrick Rab’s book, Paying the Price, for more about this.)

“Something that I realized over the course of my college career is that low-income, first-gen students have to overcome so many obstacles to get to the same place that other students have sort of had their mind set on their entire lives. For a lot of my peers, their parents have been telling them that they're gonna go to the University of Michigan their whole lives. Their teachers and college counselors and everyone were telling them what to do and how to get there and helping them along. A lot of my first-gen, low-income peers had to figure a lot of things out for themselves and they had to navigate this process that was not designed with them in mind. We should take a lot of pride in that because the fact that we did not have this path set out for us, but still chose to forge it for ourselves is incredible.”

- Lauren Schandevel, University of Michigan

Seven Tips for Students Who Identify As First-Generation and/or Low-Income

1. Look for colleges that have need-blind admissions, but be aware that not all need-blind policies are created equal. Need-blind admissions don’t consider financial need in their decisions. But they won't necessarily offer loan-free financial aid. Some colleges guarantee all students full loan-free financial aid. Check with the specific colleges on your list to get a detailed picture of the financial aid they might offer you. 

2. Look for colleges that offer programming for first-generation and low-income students. These might be mentorship programs, orientation programs, or a dedicated office that offers resources to these students. The “I’m First! Guide to College” is full of these--ask your counselor to order it or buy it yourself! It’s worth it.

3. If you don't understand something about the college application process--or something seems weird once you get on campus--don’t be afraid to ask about support for first-generation students. Admission officers and other college staff want to help, but they may not know you’re struggling!

4. Know you’re not alone. Many first-generation and low-income students are afraid to talk about their experiences. But around one-third of all college students are first-generation and/or low income.

5. Ask the admissions office if there are application fee waivers for first-generation and low-income students. 

6. Find your people before moving onto campus. Look online or call your admission officer (who will likely direct you to student services) to identify five different offices or people on campus who you can turn to when you hit a speed bump. These "free" services might include Residence Life, Professors and Academic Advisors, a Student Success Center, Career Services, an LBGTQ+/Diversity Center, or the Counseling Office. Because these services are built into your tuition, it's silly not to use them.

7. Your experience as a first-generation or low-income student can be a powerful personal statement topic. Counselor Amanda Miller notes,“It doesn't need to be your entire essay, but don't be afraid to share how your experiences--including being first in your family to attend college or being low-income--have shaped how you've grown and gained perspective and focus. That's precisely the sort of thing colleges want to know about you!” You can also describe significant responsibilities--like working to help support your family or caring for younger siblings-- in the Additional Information section. 

Words of Wisdom from an Admission Dean
“Students are not always able to participate in sports, student government, or other activities because their responsibilities at home preclude doing so. However, students often don’t realize that taking care of siblings, working part-time, and similar commitments can demonstrate a high level of leadership, service, and a sense of responsibility. Students should list these in the Activities List section and expand in the Additional Information if needed.”

• - Patricia Peek, Dean of Undergraduate Admission at Fordham University

A First-Generation, Low-Income Student Shares Her Experience Applying for College

Lauren Schandevel, a recent graduate of the University of Michigan, created The Being Not Rich Guide for low-income students at her school. These student-generated, crowd-sourced guides are springing up at campuses across the country.

Lauren says she didn’t ask anyone for help when she applied to college. “It ended up sort of shooting me in the foot because I didn't know a lot about the programs that I was applying to. So when I applied to Columbia University, I applied to their journalism school because I didn't know the difference between undergraduate and graduate programs. I didn't know that I was applying to the wrong programs. Having someone who knew the nuances of higher education would have been very helpful in that process,” she says. 
She didn’t contact the admissions officers for any of the programs she was applying to because she was afraid they would think she wasn’t a serious student or that she hadn’t done her research. Many first-generation students express this fear. “I wish I had gone in knowing my own strengths as a first-gen, low-income student because I feel like that identity was something I had to develop over time and by junior and senior year,” she says.

You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know Until You Get There

The experience of being a first-generation and/or low-income college student can feel, for some, like culture shock. Mai Mizuno, a student at USC, described it like this during a panel discussion at Real College, a conference organized by the Temple University Center for College, Community, and Justice: “You're walking into these spaces and you're realizing that the world is not as you thought it was back in the fields of Kansas. And you're realizing that social capital matters, who you know matters. And you see other people who are able to just sit back on their heels and not worry about working X hours a week like you do so you can pay for food, for housing, for tuition on top of your courses.”

Professors and staff might make assumptions about who is in their classrooms, and students might not be aware of all the unspoken values, norms, and expectations on campus.

Questions to Ask When Applying To College as a First-Gen or Low Income Student

Strive for College, a leading college accessibility advocate, produces the “I'm First! Guide to College” specifically for first-gen students. It features profiles of 163 colleges and universities committed to serving first-generation college students. It also details first-gen-specific resources, scholarships, and opportunities. I interviewed Matt Rubinoff, Chief Strategy Officer for Strive for College, for the podcast and asked him:

What questions should first-generation students ask during their college search?

Here are some good ones:

• Does the college offer scholarships for first-generation college students?

• What financial aid opportunities are available for low-income students?

• Does the college host a visit program, open house, or offer a fly-in program for students like me?

• Does the school have a conditional admissions program that might take a chance on me?

• Does the college offer an orientation or summer bridge experience that will help me acclimate to college life?

• What attention is given to first-year students to ensure a successful transition to college?

• Are there peer mentoring opportunities to help me connect with upper-class students on campus?

• What academic advising and personal counseling resources exist on campus?

• Does the school have a support office or student organizations to help first-generation or multicultural students find community

How can I get one-on-one mentorship if I am a first-gen or low-income student?

Strive for College's extensive mentor network partners with the Common App to provide one-on-one support to thousands of first-gen students each year. To sign up, go to www.ustrive.com or opt-in via your Common App account.

Another optIon for free one-on-one mentorship is the Matchlighters Program I set up.  Experienced college counselors provide one-on-one help developing your college essay and college list. I started the program after a student emailed me to let me know that she was a first-gen, low-income, high-achieving student who just needed someone to “light a little match.” Little did she know she would be an important match in my life and the lives of many others; the program pairs hundreds of students with counselors each year. To sign up for free help, go to www.collegeessayguy.com/matchlighters. Counselors can sign up to be mentors at that link as well.

You’ll find many more resources at www.imfirst.org, including: 

• Video testimonials from first-gen students and graduates

• A blog written by current first-gen college students who chronicle their college experiences and give advice to future first-gens

• Info on how to get the I’m First! Guide to College—the only college guidebook designed uniquely for first-gen college-bound students.

Fly-in Programs

Special thanks to Jamiere Abney (Colgate University) for his contributions to this section

Fly-in programs are another prominent example of a school’s commitment to diversity and inclusion that many prospective students experience. These programs, usually hosted through admissions offices, invite you to campus to see if the campus environment is the right fit for you.

What is a College Fly-in?

These travel subsidy programs typically offer overnight campus visits for populations traditionally underrepresented in higher education, such as racial and ethnic minorities or families in which no one has attended a four-year institution.

Who is eligible to attend?

Institutions actively seek students from traditionally underrepresented communities. Students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds and students whose parents didn’t attend a 4-year college or university are also encouraged to take advantage of these programs. Students are usually invited for fly-in programs during their senior year. But note that some programs are only available to already admitted candidates. Eligibility varies from place to place so always consult the admission office for clarification.

How do I find out about fly-in programs?

Students need only sign up with colleges to receive this information. In some cases they are invited to apply by submitting an essay, transcripts, and test scores. In other cases, fly-in programs invite eligible students to RSVP on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Advice for Students Unable to Visit Campus

If you can’t fit a visit to your dream school into your schedule (as a fly-in or otherwise), don’t fret. Here are some tips: 

• Use a virtual, online tour if your college/university of interest has one.

• Reach out to admission staff and alumni in your area. Admission officers travel far to promote their colleges to students, counselors, and families. Many colleges ask regional alumni to attend events or meet with students for one-on-one interviews. These are great opportunities to hear from people who have actually attended a school of interest. Also, some colleges require these interviews; make sure you know if this is the case!

• Visit similar schools in your own backyard. Maybe you can’t visit the private liberal arts college across the country, but you can check one out an hour away. Use nearby colleges to get a feel for different types of academic environments. This can help you and your family save time and money.

Advice for College-Bound Students from Rural Areas
“Students coming from rural areas and small towns add dimensions of diversity that are often absent from college campuses, especially selective institutions. I recommend that students from rural places talk about what it's like to grow up and attend school in their communities. Highlight the types of co-curricular experiences you have that may be different from others. Of course, this might have to do with farming and agricultural work if that's prominent in their community, but students may also spend time at their family's small business or engage in hobbies that are more common in rural spaces. My advice to students: be authentic and think about what makes you different from other students applying to that institution.

Students from rural areas or small towns make significant, and different, contributions to the classroom experience than their urban and suburban peers. Think about a discussion about healthcare access in a college seminar. For students growing up in large cities, they might point to lack of access to preventative healthcare in low-income neighborhoods as a chief concern. Students in rural areas may have a completely different perspective. Perhaps they are an hour or more away from an emergency room facility. Those worldviews must be present in our classrooms, and colleges must seek out these perspectives in the admissions process.”

• - Andrew Moe, Ed.D., Associate Dean of Admissions and Director of Access, Swarthmore College

Additional Resources from the authors:

• First@Colgate - Colgate’s program for first-gen students that is continuing to be reimagined and updated

• The Plan for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - a primary pillar of Colgate's new strategic vision, The Third Century Plan

  • Also its year one progress from July 2020

• "This is Colgate" - a great, short (1.5min) video intro of the campus!

• Colgate Admissions "contact us" page

More Resources:

• Questbridge

• Posse Foundation

• Directory of College Access and Success Programs

Essential Tips for Applying to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs)

This post was written by independent education journalist Charlotte West, Jamiere Abney (Colgate University), Jamon Pulliam (Viewpoint School), and Nikki Pitre (Aspen Institute’s Center for Native American Youth)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• What is a minority-serving institution?
• Things to Keep in Mind When Exploring Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs)
• Some questions to ask about a PWI
• Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
• A Brief History of HBCUs
• Why Should You Consider Attending an HBCU
• Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs)
• A Brief History of Tribal Colleges and Universities
• Why You Should Consider a Tribal College or University
• Questions for Native American Students to Ask

More and more students from Generation Z--the most racially and ethnically diverse generation--are going to college. Even though the number of students of color might be higher than ever, if you identify as a racial or ethnic minority you may want to think about a few things. 

What kind of college will offer the right fit in terms of the support you might want as a student of color? Do you want to attend a minority-serving institution such as a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) or a tribal college? What factors should you consider if you want to attend a predominantly white institution?

What is a minority-serving institution?

Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) institutions are colleges and universities whose missions serve students from minority backgrounds. A number of MSIs exist in the US, including 102 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and 37 Tribal College and Universities (TCUs). Hispanic students comprise at least 25% of all undergrads at Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs). The 274 HSIs enroll around 40% of all Hispanic-American students. 

For Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions, at least 10% of undergraduates need to be Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander students. The AAPI community is one of the fastest growing populations in the U.S., estimated to double in size by 2050. 

Research shows that MSIs play an important role in educating a large number of minority and low-income students. Not only do they celebrate students’ cultures, they are often more diverse, more affordable, offer more academic support for minority students, and have higher graduation rates.

Thinking about attending a Predominantly White Institution (PWI)?

“Through the obstacles I've faced as a minority at a predominantly white institution, I've gotten a chance to truly embrace my ethnicity and bond with other people of my race who have gone through similar experiences. Becoming involved with organizations on campus that cater to minority students has definitely provided a sense of inclusion that I would have otherwise struggled to feel. Being a part of the small percentage of African Americans in my university's student body has allowed me to not only form genuine friendships, but has also helped me learn more about myself.”

- Kristen Adaway, University of Georgia

“Creating a relationship with my favorite professor in the Lakota language course, who also taught the Introduction to Native history course, motivated and inspired me to learn while giving me the confidence to stay in college, despite the challenges. Embracing my Native identity was the key to complete my first year of college and will continue to help me navigate other challenges I may experience. My advice to all of the young, strong, and resilient Native students who will be pursuing higher education is to embrace and appreciate your identity, culture, and heritage. Find the resources available to you, and do not be afraid to speak up for the things you know are right.” 

- Foster Cournoyer Hogan (Rosebud Sioux Tribe), Stanford University

If your home community’s majority population is comprised of ethnic or racial minorities, you may want to consider a few things when looking at PWIs. A PWI can be a real culture shock with regard to seeing significantly fewer people who look like those in your home community. While this change is significant, it may not be a reason to completely write off a PWI.

Some questions to ask about a Primarily White Institution:

• Do they have explicit plans and missions regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion?

• Do they offer cultural resource centers, such as a diversity office or center for students of color? These centers can provide some respite from the challenges a minority in a predominantly white community might face.

• Does their counseling center employ counselors of color? Do they offer in-person or remote emotional support? Do they offer group sessions?

• Does the school employ faculty and staff of color? Are these people visible on campus and available as resources?

• Does the student body lead any ethnic and cultural affinity organizations where you can find support and kinship?

• Does the college’s admission process account for race? 

Ultimately, you have to decide whether a PWI feels like a comfortable fit. 

Prejudice, privilege, and microaggressions can (and likely do) still exist at schools that dedicate resources to equity and inclusion. However, these resources do signal that a school is working toward a more inclusive culture; it suggests that they recognize--and are trying to alleviate--the burden students of color face to represent their race when addressing institutionalized racism. 

Asking about an institution’s diversity and inclusion initiatives and affirmative action policies or even reaching out to the professionals in these roles can provide you and your family some solace to the type of support and overarching initiatives being led to ensure a positive experience for you at a PWI of interest in your college selection process. 

Your regional admission officer should have some sense of this work or at minimum be able to connect you to the person to best answer these questions. Don’t be afraid to reach out to other students that come from your community to ask about their experience at a college or university you are interested in.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

What Unique Perspectives and Experiences Does A Historically Black College or University Offer?

A Brief History of HBCUs

The first HBCU, now called Cheyney University in Pennsylvania, was founded in 1837 to train teachers of African descent. Cheyney is now just one of roughly 100 HBCUs in the U.S. Many were founded post-Civil War to allow African Americans access to higher education, which they had previously been denied. They’ve defined one of the cores of African American achievement in U.S. history, cultivating leaders and visionaries like W.E.B. DuBois, Ida B. Wells, Booker T. Washington, and Martin Luther King, Jr.

Fast forward 150 years and many students may wonder, how are HBCUs still relevant today? Glad you asked! HBCUs comprise 3 percent of America's institutions of higher education, but enroll 16 percent of all African-American students and award almost a quarter of all bachelor’s degrees earned by black students.

Read more about the impact of HBCUs and how to support them here.

Why You Should Consider an HBCU

• Diversity: HBCUs offer a deep dive into diversity within the black diaspora. Yes, the majority of the students are black, but students from a wide range of socioeconomic, religious, and family backgrounds hail from all over the nation and world. Being part of a community like this can expand your idea of what it means to be black.

• History: Many HBCUs were founded by former slaves or with the help of former slaves. To walk on the grounds that many of those people built with their hands gives a true sense of appreciation of where black people have been-- and where they’re going.

• Sense of belonging: HBCUs provide a space where the majority of students and teachers look like you. Attending an institution you know was built for you and that tailors experiences to black students can give you an incomparable sense of belonging.

• Family-oriented: Cliché, right? Hear us out. Going to an HBCU will foster some of the strongest relationships you could ever imagine. Some of the ways people grow their sense of pride and forge family bonds with their HBCU classmates are: attending cafeteria themed days like ‘Fried Chicken Wednesday’, ‘Soul Food Thursday’, or ‘Fish Friday’; joining Black Greek-Letter Organizations, which were created by black people to build social access like the fraternal organizations do which denied them membership; and participating in many other activities, like football games and band.

These are just some of the unique elements of the Historically Black College/University experience. 

We have to emphasize the word experience. It is truly that. Beyoncé’s Coachella performance (and her concert film, Homecoming, about that performance) has increased the visibility of the HBCU experience. Her performance showcases many of the cultural assets belonging to HBCUs, though not all were included. By highlighting even a portion of the HBCU experience, however, many people took away a powerful message: the HBCU experience is black and beautiful, and one worth experiencing for yourself. 

Take it from Queen B, who said herself: “I grew up in Houston, Texas visiting Prairie View, we rehearsed at Texas Southern University for many years in third ward and I always dreamed of going to an HBCU.” 

Ultimately, you have to decide what experience works best for you, but the multi-layered HBCU option is worth exploring because you can gain a unique experience that fosters an understanding of and appreciation for who black people are.

Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs)

What Unique Perspectives and Experiences Does A Tribal College or University Offer?

Nikki Pitre, a member of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe who has dedicated her career to helping Native American students succeed in education, says many Native American students who struggled at a large university due to an absent sense of belonging were later successful at tribal colleges. “Tribal colleges are culturally immersive and cater to a young person's mind, body and spirit. There is a stronger sense of belonging and a core sense of identity that you're able to really hone in on at a tribal college--and that you’re not going to get at a mainstream university.”

A Brief History of Tribal Colleges and Universities

Tribal colleges were created by Native American tribes to address the fact that the U.S. government failed to include Indian education within the traditional public higher education system. 

They chartered and created their own colleges, which are now fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Most are tribally chartered, meaning they are created and approved by tribal councils, they are located on Native American reservations, and they operate many programs relevant to the local community. The 37 that currently operate in the U.S. offer certificates and degrees ranging from associate’s degrees to graduate degrees.

Why You Should Consider a Tribal College or University

• Tribal colleges offer a smaller student-teacher ratio, greater support for students who have children, and the opportunity to study in your native languages. 

• Many also have partnerships with four-year public universities that allow students to transfer, earn dual credit, or collaborate on research. 

• Students attending tribal colleges and universities are eligible to receive federal financial aid, including Pell grants. 

“There are a lot of accommodations for students,” says Pitre. “That personal touch they receive regardless of their financial background, regardless if they're Native or non-Native--you just don't get at any other institution of higher education.”

Questions for Native American Students to Ask About Non-Tribal Institutions

The American Indian College Fund published a guide, Native Pathways, for Native American students thinking about applying to college. It is amazing. The authors include a list of several questions to think about:

• Does the college have a Native American resource center? 

• How many Native American students attend this school? How many do they admit per year? 

• Do they employ Native faculty and staff? 

• How does the college support or engage with local tribes or Native organizations? 

• Do they recognize the tribal land they are located on? 

• Can I smudge on campus? 

• Does the college provide opportunities for me to give back to Native communities? 

• Do they provide specific funding for Native American students?

More Resources for Native American Students

Check out the American Indian College Fund’s (AICF) website for a map of all 37 tribal colleges and universities in the United States. AICF provides information about scholarship and transfer pathways. The American Indian Higher Education Consortium also lists resources for Native American students on its website. 

Finally, check out the non-profit organization College Horizons. They  “[support] the higher education of Native American students by providing college and graduate admissions workshops to American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian students/participants from across the nation.”