This document reviews the literature on barriers faced by first-generation college students that contribute to their low retention and graduation rates. It finds that these students encounter obstacles prior to college enrollment due to a lack of family experience with higher education, as well as difficulties while enrolled in college, such as a lack of college funds and an unwelcoming university climate. The literature shows a need for high schools and universities to understand and address the unique challenges this student population faces in order to improve guidance and support.

1. Dead End to Graduation Boulevard: A Look at the Barriers
Faced by First-Generation College Students
Amanda Lerma
EDCI 6300-62
Dr. A.J. Herrera
Spring 2012

2. Problem Statement
The problem is that first-generation
college students have low rates of retention
and graduation at state senior colleges
(Salinas & Llanes, 2003).

3. Purpose and Need
• The purpose of this literature review is to
examine and analyze the barriers that
contribute to the low rates of retention and
graduation for first-generation college students.
• In order to meet the demands of the 21st
Century, there is a need to include first-
generation college students as part of the
educated workforce in Texas.

4. Types of Research
• The majority of the research
studies used qualitative methods
by gathering data through
interviews and focus groups.
• A small portion of the research
studies used quantitative
methods. Data was gathered
through surveys and by
analyzing academic transcripts.

5. Reviewing the Literature
Wiggins (2011) affirms that
first-generation college
students’ lack of academic
success is the result of
precollege elements and
experiences during actual
college enrollment.

6. Reviewing the Literature
• Pike and Kuh (2005) state that families of first-
generation college students have little
interaction with high
schools, counselors, teachers, and
administrators.
• Given these circumstances, teachers and
counselors are pivotal in providing college
information and guidance to first-generation
college students.

7. Reviewing the Literature
A lack of college funds has been
correlated to college attrition
(Martinez, Sher, Krull, &
Wood, 2009).

8. Reviewing the Literature
“…a welcoming, one-on-one, diverse, and
engaging university climate is pivotal to ensure
persistence among students” (Arana, Castaneda-
Sound, Blanchard, & Aguilar, 2011, p. 245)

9. Results
As evidenced by the literature, first-
generation college students
encounter barriers to college success
prior to college enrollment and while
actually enrolled in college.

10. Gaps in the Literature
• There is a lack of a clear definition of first-
generation college students in research studies.
• Limited research studies exist in comparing the
impact of different types of universities on the
success of first-generation college students (ex.
private vs. public).
• Research studies have indicated that interaction
with universities is crucial to student
success, however little is known on which
particular types of programs are the most
effective.

11. Conclusion
First-generation college students face barriers at
the precollege level and while enrolled at college
which contribute to their low rates of retention
and graduation. It is imperative for high schools
and state senior colleges to understand the
barriers faced by this student population in order
to provide better guidance and services.

12. Sources
Arana, R., Castaneda-Sound, C., Blanchard, S., & Aguilar, T. (2011). Indicators of persistence
for Hispanic undergraduate achievement: Toward an ecological model. Journal of
Hispanic Higher Education, 10(3), 237-251.
Martinez, J.A., Sher, K.J., Krull, J.L., & Wood, P.K. (2009). Blue-Collar scholars?: Mediators
and moderators of university attrition in first-generation college students. Journal of
College Student Development, 50(1), 87-103.
Pike, G.R., & Kuh, G.D. (2005). First and second-generation college students: A comparison of
their engagement and intellectual development. Journal of Higher Education, 76(3),
276-300.
Salinas, A., & Llanes, J.R. (2003). Student attrition, retention, and persistence: The case of the
University of Texas Pan American. Journal of Hispanic Higher Education, 2(1), 73-97.
Wiggins, J. (2011). Faculty and first-generation college students: Bridging the classroom gap
together. New Directions for Teaching and Learning, 127, 1-4. doi: 10.1002/tl.451
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