Top Online Colleges with Exceptional Support Programs for First-Generation Students

top online colleges first generation students

Finding the right college can be challenging for first-generation students, but the support available makes all the difference. This guide highlights the top online colleges for first-generation students, focusing on schools with exceptional support programs that help students succeed academically and personally. From dedicated advisors to mentoring programs, these colleges are committed to providing the resources first-generation students need to thrive.

Why Support Matters for First-Generation Students

If you’re an incoming first-generation student, you’ll thrive with the best student support services. You’re a trailblazer who has broken the cycle in your family.

But we understand if you’re facing unique challenges because of your first-generation status. In our experience, these are the challenges that first-generation students face.

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Economic disparities and financial barriers

About half of first-gen students come from low-income backgrounds. To make matters worse, first-gen students are less likely to complete the FAFSA form. Applying for scholarships and grants is less likely, too. These are missed opportunities to reduce out-of-pocket costs.

High dropout rates

First-gen students have a 92.2% higher dropout rate than their legacy counterparts. They also have a 23.5% higher dropout rate than average.

These factors are the oft-cited reasons for these high dropout rates:

  • Financial issues in paying for college and its related costs
  • Lack of familial and dedicated professional guidance
  • Juggling work, academic, and family responsibilities
  • Psychological struggles, such as imposter syndrome, low self-esteem, and feelings of isolation

As a first-gen student, you’ll likely feel discouraged by these challenges. You shouldn’t be – millions of first-gen graduates have overcome them, too.

Their strategy is to select colleges with the best support programs for first-generation students. These dedicated programs are crucial for academic success because these:

  • Enable first-gen students to create and enjoy a sense of community among their peers.
  • Provide them with effective student support services. Academic advising, financial aid advice, tutoring, and mentoring are popular.
  • Empower them to overcome their mental and emotional struggles. Health and wellness counseling services are popular, too.
  • Prepare them for successful careers through career development services.

With the best admission-to-graduation support, you have the best opportunities for success. Your job is to take advantage of these dedicated first-gen support services from day one.

Top-Ranked Online Colleges for First-Generation Student Support

Did you know that there are about 422 primarily online colleges in the US? We’ve chosen these ten as the top online colleges for first-generation students. Their dedicated student support services for first-gen students foster academic and career success.

Purdue University Global

Purdue Global leads the way in first-generation student success in online colleges. More than 50% of its student body are first-gen students, too. Among its notable initiatives is Speaking University, which provides definitions of college terms.

University of Northern Colorado

The online college support services for first-generation students at UNC are known for being exceptional. Over 40% of its undergraduates identify as first-gen students. UNC offers many first-gen resources and programs that promote their success.

Southern New Hampshire University

Yet another of the best online colleges with first-generation resources is SNHU. Over 40% of its 135,000-strong online students identify as first-gen students. SNHU understands their unique needs and, thus, provides dedicated support services.

University of Arizona

UA is among the best affordable online colleges for first-generation students. First Cats is the manifestation of UA’s commitment to first-generation student success. Over 10,000 students form the first-generation population here.

Oregon State University Ecampus

OSU ECampus’ bachelor’s degree programs are among the best in the US. First-gen students appreciate its prestigious reputation, particularly after graduation. Student support resources include EOP, TRIO SSS, and CAMP.

Florida International University

One-third of FIU’s students are first-gen students and 92% stay for their second year. FIU’s reputation for social mobility is among the nation’s best. The public university also has the First Scholars designation.

University of Massachusetts

UMass reports that about 25% of its students are first-generation students. The public university offers fully online and hybrid academic programs. UMass is also a First-Gen Forward Institution.

California State University Fullerton

More than 32% of CSUF’s 41,000-strong student population are first-gen students. The Career Center Programming is among its first-gen student resources.

Indiana University

Indiana’s dedicated support services serve its first-gen students well. No surprise, as almost 30% of its student body identifies as first-gen students. Indiana is also a First-Gen Forward Institution.

University of Southern California

USC’s First Generation Plus Success Center promotes success through extensive support services. There’s also a First Generation Student Assembly (FGSA) for community building.

Unique Support Programs Tailored for First-Generation Students

In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the specific programs offered by these online colleges. Every online college has its specific first-gen student-centric programs. Be sure to consider every online college on its own merits.

Purdue University Global

Read Purdue Global’s first-generation student testimonials and understand its popularity. Besides its innovative Speaking University dictionary, its first-gen programs and achievements include:

  • Designated as NASPA’s Center for First Generation Student Success (First-Gen Forward Institution)
  • Has a First-Generation Club that encourages first-gen students to connect with their community
  • Features Alpha Alpha Alpha, a first-generation students-specific national honor society
  • Hosts numerous activities during the  First-Gen College Student Celebration Week

Online first-gen students can also access virtual student support services. These include academic advising, tutoring, and mentoring services.

University of Northern Colorado

UNC’s first-gen student-specific programs include the following:

  • Center for Human Enrichment Student Support Services offers comprehensive student support services
  • Colorado First-Year Admission Guarantee program sets clear admission and enrollment standards
  • Stryker Institute for Leadership Development grants full-tuition scholarships and leadership opportunities

There are also many first-generation student need-based scholarships available.

Southern New Hampshire University

SNHU’s first-gen student-specific initiatives include the:

  • Training resources for faculty and staff members
  • Membership in the First Scholars Network
  • Access to the First-Gen Lounge
  • Creation of the  First-Generation Learning Resource Group

Student support services typically include academic advising, career services, and health and wellness.

University of Arizona

Arizona’s First Cats program offers direct support for first-generation students. Among its goals is to support first-gen students to earn their bachelor’s degrees. There’s a wide range of First Cats events and programs that bring the community together. The First Cats Mentoring Program provides freshmen and sophomores with peer-to-peer mentoring.

Admission-to-graduation support services include enrollment guidance and academic advising. Arizona also offers financial aid for first-generation online students (e.g., Dorrance scholarship).

Oregon State University Ecampus

OSU ECampus’s The First! Committee advocates for the needs and success of first-gen students. Celebration events, student panels, and networking opportunities are popular.

There are also student support resources and First-Gen “Plus” Resources, including:

  • Educational Opportunities Program (EOP)
  • TRIO Student Support Services (SSS)
  • College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP)
  • Academic Success Center
  • Counseling & Psychological Services
  • Career Development Center

Check out CommunityBridge, too.

Florida International University

FIU takes pride in its initiatives, including:

  • Generous scholarships for first-generation students
  • Student Access and Success program that promotes academic success. If you’re a high school graduate, check out the FIU Golden Scholars Summer Bridge. First-gen graduate students can apply to the McKnight Program.

University of Massachusetts

The excellent first-gen student programs at UMass include the following:

  • CMASS is a centralized hub for student support services, including academic advising and mentoring
  • FLIP is a student-run organization that provides support and a community
  • Connect UMass First-Generation Students and Alumni Group is a virtual networking space

UMass also has first-gen programs in its departments and the Honors College.

California State University Fullerton

Check out these first-gen student resources at CSUF.

  • The Career Center offers its “I Am First” to empower first-generation students. The program also offers networking and career readiness programs.
  • The  Abrego Future Scholars Program offers academic and monetary support for freshmen.

CSUF also offers extensive student support services that first-gen students can enjoy. Academic advising and financial planning are a few examples.

Indiana University

As a First-Gen Forward Institution, it’s committed to student success. Its extensive list of first-gen student support services includes:

  • Career services
  • Counseling and Psychological Services
  • MoneySmarts (Financial literacy)
  • Help me ROAR
  • Office for Veterans and Military Personnel

Indiana also has a Student Support Services program for specially-selected students.

University of Southern California

The First Generation Plus Success Center offers resources for success for first-gen Trojans. Students have access to these services:

  • Academic counseling
  • Tutoring
  • Mental health services and support
  • Career development services

As a first-gen student, you have priority in accessing these dedicated services. Your responsibility goes beyond access. Be sure to take full advantage of these services for your personal growth, too.

How These Colleges Prioritize First-Generation Student Success

These online colleges enable first-gen students to achieve academic success in many ways. Here are the key areas that make it possible.

Dedicated programs or offices

Online colleges have dedicated staff members who handle matters related to first-gen students. With their training, these staff members can address common concerns and individual issues. First-gen students feel seen and heard and, thus, enjoy a smooth transition.

Specific scholarships, grants, and other financial aid

First-gen students face significant financial barriers. Online colleges address the issue by offering specific financial aid options. Financial literacy amongst first-gen students is also a priority. Financial aid officers also provide tuition-paying tips for first-generation students.

Personalized academic and career services support

Of course, every college student deserves personalized academic support. But when it comes to first-gen students, it’s a must. With their disadvantage, particularly in college guidance, it means better entry.

Personalized academic and career services support services include:

  • Admission guidance
  • Academic advising
  • Tutoring
  • Mentoring
  • Writing and math centers
  • Health and wellness checks
  • Student organizations, such as Greek letter societies, honor societies, and hobby clubs 
  • Library assistance
  • Tech support for online learning
  • Career development services like networking, internship placements, and resume writing
  • Alumni connections

Best of all, first-gen student-centric initiatives build a strong community. First-gen students can feel overwhelmed and isolated because of the unfamiliar environment. But when they are among their peers, these feelings become less. There’s a feeling of belongingness that makes the unfamiliar, well, familiar.

In doing so, first-gen students can focus more on their studies and less on their struggles.

Choosing the Right Online College with Strong First-Generation Support

As an incoming first-gen student, due diligence is a must to choose the right online college. Keep these tips in mind when making your choice.

Research the types and quality of first-gen student support services offered.

First, look for online colleges with dedicated first-gen student offices and programs. Read their descriptions including mission, vision, and goals. Then, consider the specific student support services available. Academic advising, tutoring, and career services are a must.

Determine the quality and availability of financial aid options and resources.

Check out the financial aid programs, particularly federal and state aid. Ask about institutional scholarships, grants, and waivers. Read the financial aid guides. Request for financial literacy guidance, too. The more financial aid options available, the better for your pockets.

Look into the first-gen student community-building initiatives.

First-gen students aren’t different from their legacy peers, appearance-wise. You must have a proactive attitude in meeting your fellow first-gen students. It’s possible through community-building initiatives, such as meet-and-greet events. Look for student-run organizations for first-generation students, too.

Read student testimonials and reviews.

First-hand experiences with student support services are the best sources. Read them on the online colleges’ websites first. Then, get confirmation on independent review sites and forums.

But the availability of first-gen student support services isn’t the be-all and end-all. You must also consider other equally important factors. Accreditation, academic excellence, and reputation are also crucial in your choice.

Conclusion: Ensuring a Bright Future with the Right Support

As a first-generation student, you will face unique challenges that can break your resolve. Finances, work and academic conflicts, and isolation are notable challenges. When these become too much, your college journey may well end.

Fortunately, it doesn’t have to happen. Choose an online college that provides extensive student support services for first-generation students. Then, take full advantage of these services to promote your academic success. Work with your mentor, too, for your personal growth. Network with your peers, professors, and alumni.

In the end, your bright future rests in your hands. Your online college’s student support services are only tools and opportunities.