What is First-Generation College Student

With a college degree being increasingly important in the modern world, it is necessary to examine the access that different individuals have to higher education. Unfortunately, a vast amount of research has shown that opportunities are not equal for everyone. This is apparent throughout one's experience in higher education. Interestingly, research has shown that inequalities manifest themselves throughout all points of one's relationship with higher education. Inequalities are found from admission to funding/financial aid once accepted, to everyday relationships while at a university (i.e., with professors, administrators, and peers), to graduation and beyond. This chapter will examine the vast amount of research related to these various areas individually and then tie them together to illuminate the inequalities that exist in higher education in general.