Best Online Colleges with Peer Coaching Programs for First-Generation Students

Why Peer Coaching Matters for First-Generation Students

Here, we’ll feature the best online colleges with peer coaching for first-generation students. You’ll agree that it’s a relevant topic, too, considering the statistics.

Did you know that 54% of undergraduate students identified as first-gen students (NCES, 2020)? First-gen students are undergraduates whose parents don’t have a bachelor’s degree.

Of course, every first-gen student has their own set of unique challenges. However there are common challenges that first-gen students face.

More financial issues

A significant number of first-gen students come from lower-income households. As a result, first-gen students have greater difficulty meeting college costs. About 65% of first-gen college graduates have at least $25,000 in student loans.

Related Articles:

• Online Colleges Offering Discounted Tutoring Services for First-Generation Students
• Top Online Schools Offering Writing Tutoring for ESL Students
• Best Online Colleges Offering Discounted Tutoring Services
• Best Online Colleges with Free 24/7 Tutoring Services
• Online Colleges with Free or Discounted Tutoring Services: Boost Your Success for Less

Less academic preparedness

First-gen students are also less prepared for the academic rigor of college courses. As a result, only 26% of first-gen students earn their college degree. First-gen students are also more likely to attend community colleges.

Lower sense of community

Parents of first-gen students often cannot provide insights into college life. First-gen students then feel like outsiders, often disconnected from their peers. Feelings of confusion, anxiety, and stress are common. Even their professors may have lower expectations.

Fortunately, many online colleges offer peer coaching for first-generation students. Peer coaching enables first-gen students to connect with their peers and enjoy support.

With peer coaching, first-gen students don’t feel isolated, disconnected, or ostracized. Instead, they receive useful information about student support services and resources. Their sense of belonging deepens, and their community expands.

Indeed, if you’re a first-gen student, look for the best online colleges with peer coaching programs. You’ll have a great start to your college journey.

What Is Peer Coaching in Online Education?

The best way to define peer coaching in online colleges is to consider its common characteristics:

1. There’s a matching process involved. You will be paired with a peer coach based on your shared background, interests, and even major. There’s usually a questionnaire for this purpose.
2. Mutual support happens. Both you and your peer coach provide constructive feedback and support. At first, your peer coach will likely provide more guidance and information. Over time, the relationship becomes more equal when you share your insights.
3. Skills development is part of the process. You will learn useful skills that will make college more enjoyable. These include effective communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, and more. You’ll experience personal growth, too, because these are life skills.
4. There are regular check-ins. You and your peer coach will hold scheduled meetings to discuss your progress. Every meeting should have a new development because forward movement is a key goal.
5. Meetings are usually through online platforms. These include messaging apps, video calls, and discussion forums. In-person meetings are also possible.

What are the benefits of getting first-generation student support online? If you take full advantage, you will:

• Gain more effective access to student support services and resources.
• Develop your academic and life skills for success in and out of the classroom.
• Build a community of like-minded peers and create a sense of belonging.
• Improve your academic performance by strengthening your study and time management skills.
• Enjoy emotional support when you feel overwhelmed.
• Expand your network.

Indeed, peer coaching is among the first things you must look for. Friends make the college transition easier.

Key Features of Peer Coaching Programs for First-Generation Students

Be sure to look for these key features when considering affordable online colleges with coaching programs.

Easy and effective access to peer coaching services

You should enjoy peer coaching via online platforms. Chat apps and video conferencing are excellent options. Your peer coaches should also provide flexible schedules, if possible. There must also be on-demand resources available, such as guides and recorded webinars.

Right training of the peer coaches

Peer coaches can have a positive or negative impact depending on their training. You must then ask if the peer coaches have undergone proper training. These include training in coaching, communication, and cultural awareness. Plus, they must know about the available student support services and resources.

Peer coaching must be part of student support services

In fact, peer coaching may be your first introduction to these services. You must look for robust academic advising, career development, and mental health services.

Top Online Colleges with Peer Coaching Programs for First-Generation Students

These well-known universities offer the best of online peer coaching program benefits for first-gen students. Their programs are first-gen student-specific, too, and institutionalized.

Davenport University

Davenport’s “I Am First Gen” program provides students with great peer mentoring opportunities. If you’re a freshman first-gen student, you’ll learn from more senior students. You’ll work with peer mentors to create an admission-to-graduation plan, too.

The program has made the most impact on the retention rate among first-gen students. This isn’t surprising since students receive support services in all areas of their college journey. Financial aid information is also available for mentees.

Abilene Christian University

ACU is among the best online colleges for first-generation students, thanks to its 1GEN program. You’ll find its dedicated resources to your advantage. The peer mentoring services enable students to enjoy the following:

• Make a smooth transition into college life.
• Build your community of peers.
• Navigate your program of study, including courses.
• Become their own advocate.

ACU also offers special interest workshops as part of its 1GEN program. Students can access these services throughout their stay, too.

University of California, San Diego

UCSD’s peer mentoring for college students online program is notable because it:

• Provides one-on-one coaching for first-gen students
• Enables mentors and mentees to discuss a wide range of topics (e.g., support services and resources)
• Empowers first-gen students to advocate for themselves and pay it forward, so to speak
• Gives updated information about relevant events and referrals

There are also professional Success Coaches in the Student Success Coaching Program.

Georgia Institute of Technology

The First-Gen Jackets Peer Mentoring Program connects first-gen mentors and mentees in a supportive environment. You’ll receive one-on-one peer mentoring from your first day, too. Then, you can access peer mentoring services throughout your freshman year.

Georgia Tech and Mentor Collective deliver these peer mentoring services as a partnership. We love that these services cover every aspect of a smooth transition to college life. You’ll get support in your academic and social integration.

Arizona State University

ASU is home to 35% of first-gen students. It’s no wonder, then, that it emphasizes effective first-gen student support services. The Student Success Center delivers these student support services.

Among them are peer coaching services that first-gen students can access. Here, trained peer coaches meet with first-gen students on a regular basis. One-on-one mentoring is the norm.

ASU also has professional success coaches at the ready. First-gen students can have both peer and success coaches.

Fresno Pacific University

First-gen Sunbirds love the “First to Fly” program because of its robust support services. The student’s academic success is its main goal through support services like:

• Peer mentoring, where mentors guide mentees in navigating college life
• Tutoring and coaching services to improve academic performance
• Career counseling services in preparation for success in their future career
• Counseling services for mental health and wellness

Students can also borrow laptops for their studies. There’s an application process.

Loyola University Chicago

Loyola’s First Generation College Student Resources offers these programs for first-gen students.

• The SOAR program offers a three-night experience to 30 eligible students. You and your peers share stories and hear insights about college life. Being with peers, professors, and senior students makes for a meaningful experience.
• The STARS program is a peer mentorship program for students. Freshman students connect with peer mentors for one-on-one and group mentoring.

In both programs, students also learn life skills vital for a successful college life.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

UNC-Chapel Hill is a “First Forward Advisory Institution.” This is in recognition of its success in supporting first-gen students. Indeed, the public research university is a role model in first-gen support services.

The university’s Carolina Firsts program offers peer mentoring services for first-gen students. Mentors are also first-gen students, which creates a good start due to shared experiences.

University of Michigan

Wolverines love the First Generation Student Program. As a first-gen student, you have access to:

• Peer mentoring services from first-gen students, too
• Tailored resources for your success as a college student
• Networking events that enable you to meet new people

Peer mentors offer useful advice and helpful information about UMich’s resources. Their work involves spending 3-5 hours mentoring their peers.

Purdue University

First-gen students at Purdue love the TRIO Student Support Services. Here, they have easy access to great student support services like:

• Peer mentoring
• Tutoring
• Counseling

First-gen students enjoy a smoother transition to college life through peer mentoring, too. These services are available for free. The peer mentors have the skills for the job, too. They must complete a two-semester training series.

How Peer Coaching Programs Improve Student Success

Here are the ways how peer coaching helps first-generation students (and we have figures to back them up, too):

Enhanced engagement and satisfaction

About 85% of participants in LUC’s program reported more engagement in and satisfaction with their community. It’s not surprising that peer coaching builds trust and belongingness.

Increase in grades and overall academic performance

Participants in Fresno Pacific University’s program reported an increase of 15% in their GPAs. This can be due to better access to tutoring services and more confidence in themselves. Imposter syndrome isn’t as strong anymore.

Improved retention rates

First-gen students with peer coaches are more likely to persist in their studies. Participants in Georgia Tech’s peer mentoring program were 12% more likely to stay. In other studies, the retention rate increased by at least 10%.

Increased graduation rates

Peer coaching for first-gen students also increased graduation rates. Participants in these programs were 20% more likely to earn their degrees in four years than non-participants.

Here’s a real-life testimony:

“When First Gen Student Initiatives became an official branch of Georgia Tech’s Office of Undergraduate Education…I felt instantly that the first-gen student identity was being legitimized and recognized by Georgia Tech. It made me more proud of the identity.”

Nabojeet Das

President, First-Gen Student Organization

How to Choose the Right Online College with Peer Coaching for You

Choosing from among the colleges supporting first-generation online learners is a challenge. Here are useful tips to make the right choice.

Determine if you’re a good fit for the program.

Even the best programs won’t meet every student’s unique needs. You must then choose based on your unique needs and goals. Ask questions like:

• Does the program have student support services that cater to first-gen students?
• Are there flexible schedules, trained peer coaches, and on-demand resources?
• Do the peer coaches appear sympathetic to my background, experiences, and concerns?

You should trust your instincts while also getting reliable information about these programs.

Ask about the availability of financial aid.

Many first-gen programs offer scholarships for eligible students. Participation in these programs is usually free or included in the tuition.

Read student and alumni reviews.

These are first-hand experiences where you can gain insights about the program’s accessibility and effectiveness. Social media, review sites, and discussion forums are excellent sources.

Conclusion: Investing in Your Future with Peer Coaching

Think of peer coaching in online education as an investment in your future. You can overcome your challenges as a first-gen student and achieve success. This is possible because you’ll receive peer-to-peer mentorship and support. You’ll be your strongest advocate thanks to your increased confidence.

So, explore your options in peer coaching and take your time in making your choice. The choice you make can impact your success significantly.