College Value and Support for First Generation Students
Learn about Pacific University’s thriving community and TRIO support services for first gen students
Thinking about college? Attend one of Pacific’s Junior Open House events where you can explore campus, meet faculty and discover what it truly means to be a Boxer.
Your community is a crucial resource as a first generation college student. At Pacific University 30 percent of undergraduate students are first generation — as are many staff and faculty. Current Pacific University president, Jennifer Coyle, was also a first generation college student. At Pacific University, first gen students are supported by many others who share their experiences and are aided by tailored support services. Pacific University’s TRIO Support Services Project is designed to create and maintain robust services for first generation college students and other students in TRIO programs.
First generation college students are a growing segment of student populations at universities across the country. You are considered a first generation college student if your parents or guardians don’t have a bachelor’s degree.
The Value of College for First Generation Students
A recent national survey of Black, Latinx and Indigenous TRIO college students showed that students felt their college education was crucial to their professional advancement, employability, growing their professional networks, enhancing critical thinking and personal growth, increasing family pride and contributing to their communities.
Significantly higher lifetime earnings is just one benefit of a college degree. A college education gives you more opportunities over the course of your career. It’s expected that by 2031, many more jobs will require college degrees, making a bachelor’s degree even more valuable in the future job market than it is now.
The value of a college education also goes beyond the benefit to the individual student. College can be a transformative experience, not only for individual students, but also for their families and communities. A first gen college graduate can help families and communities through added skills, earning potential, networking and inspiration.
Challenges for the First Generation College Student
The number of first gen students is increasing across American universities. As of 2020, first generation college students made up 38% of the undergraduate population in the U.S. This figure was almost double that of ten years prior.
This growing student population can experience unique challenges as they work toward their degrees. For example, a recent study showed that first generation students often experience financial stress, mental health concerns and biases related to their first gen status. Financial pressures can be intense for these students and navigating university structures can be particularly challenging without family experience as a guide.
These challenges require specific kinds of support from federal and state programs, as well as from colleges and universities. From financial aid counseling to academic and career advising, having the right support structures helps first gen students to succeed in their studies.
Support for First Generation College Students
A variety of programs are dedicated to supporting first generation college students. The Federal TRIO programs are meant to provide support for first generation students, students from low-income backgrounds, students with disabilities and students experiencing disadvantages. Many national grants and scholarships are aimed at assisting first generation college students. In addition to federal and state aid, Pacific University offers a wide variety of scholarship opportunities to incoming undergraduates. In 2025, Pacific University was also the first private university in Oregon to receive a TRIO grant to enhance services specifically for first generation students, students from low income backgrounds and students with disabilities.
As a first gen student, it’s important to choose a college that supports you on your journey to a degree. You’ll want to look at the individual colleges you are considering, visit their campuses and speak to current students and alumni about their experiences. Good advising is also a cornerstone of your college experience. Pacific University provides students with academic and career advisors and financial aid counselors — including a dedicated TRIO advisor, as well as career and graduate school counseling tailored to TRIO students. This personalized support structure is available to you as a first gen student at Pacific throughout your educational journey.
If you are a prospective, incoming, or current first gen student at Pacific University, you can fill out the TRIO Interest Form to connect with a TRIO advisor and the available specialized resources, including financial and academic support and peer mentoring.
At Pacific University, prospective first gen students can experience campus through open houses and campus visits. You can make the most of your college visits by exploring the campus and communities, coming with questions, and making time to experience the campus atmosphere. Connecting with the campus community will also help you to find a sense of belonging at your university. Pacific University hosts a variety of clubs, affinity groups and centers to help every student find support and community on campus.
At Pacific University, we are led by first generation graduates and uniquely dedicated to supporting the next generation of first gen.