A student is considered a first-generation college student (often referred to as “first-gen”) if no parent or legal guardian in their household completed a four-year bachelor’s degree.
If any parents or legal guardians have attended some college (e.g. completed a two-year associates degree, started a bachelor’s degree), but no parent or legal guardian has completed a bachelor’s degree, the student would still be considered first-gen.
If older siblings have completed a bachelor’s degree, but no parent or legal guardian in their household has completed a bachelor’s degree, the student would still be considered first-gen.
Ted Talks
What I have learned as a first-generation college student
Finding your “first” — from a first-generation college student
Columbia College First-Gen Day Panel