Around 56% of colleges and universities identify a first-generation student as "An Individual whose parents/guardians did not complete a four-year college degree."

What Does Being "First-Generation" Mean at UHD?

At UHD, being "first-generation" (or "first-gen") is not limited to a single definition or set of requirements. We do not want uncertainty about eligibility to prevent students from accessing resources. If you have questions about qualifying, contact us—we will connect you with support because students' needs matter more than a strict definition.

While first-generation status is distinct from identities such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or ability, it is shaped by these lived experiences and the history of college access in the United States (Nguyen & Nguyen, 2018).