College Success for First-Generation College Students From One-Parent Households

Abstract

This study examined college planning, enrollment, and degree completion among first-generation college students (FGCS) from one-parent households. We used several different definitions of FGCS. We found that students who did not live with any college-educated parents were less likely to enroll in a 4-year college or earn a bachelor's degree. Students in two-parent households with one college-educated parent were also less likely to enroll in a 4-year college or earn a bachelor's degree. In contrast, students from one-parent households with one college-educated parent experienced outcomes similar to those of students living with two college-educated parents. This suggests that living in a household with the maximum number of college-educated parents possible relative to household size is important for students’ educational outcomes. This study has implications for defining FGCS and understanding how and why parent education affects students’ outcomes and for practitioners and policymakers seeking to meet the needs of FGCS.