Inside the Data: How First-Generation Students Plan for College

The college planning process can feel high stakes for any high school student. Now imagine the pressure if you’re part of the first generation in your family to go to college.

First-generation (first-gen) students work just as hard as continuing-generation students, but they face significant, often systemic barriers to educational attainment. Supporting these students throughout their educational journey—and helping connect them with clear career pathways—is an increasing priority for leaders across higher ed.

That support begins in high school, as these students navigate a complex, often emotionally charged application process with less information than students with college-educated parents.

The 2026 College Planning Report, released by Modern Campus in partnership with Encoura, surveyed nearly 1,800 high schoolers about how they choose a college or university. Within that dataset, more than a third identified as first-gen. The survey asked them about where they get information, how they feel about the process, and what drives their decisions.

First-gen students aren’t a monolith. They each have their own experiences and priorities. Still, the research surfaces a lot of useful signals that practitioners can use to build strategies to engage these learners with the right personalized approach.

Here's what the data said:

First-gen students are more likely to feel overwhelmed by the college planning process

Overall, first-gen students face the college planning process with less assurance than their continuing-generation peers. When asked about their feelings about college, 23% said they felt “overwhelmed and unsure where to begin,” whereas only 13% of continuing-generation students reported those feelings.

Similarly, only 16% said they were “excited and ready to take the next steps,” compared to 38% of continuing-generation students. While both groups reported similar levels of nervousness about the process, more first-gen students were unsure whether college was the right path for them.

If these students don’t receive clear and visible support early in the process, they’re more likely to disengage.

First-gen students engage with different information sources

According to the data, these students often navigate the process with fewer institutional touchpoints and less formal guidance.

They use school counselors less: About 44% of first-gen students said they go to a school counsellor when they have questions about college, as opposed to 54% of continuing-generation students. Almost a quarter said they’ve received no help at all from a counselor, which is double the number of continuing-generation students who said the same.

They report less contact with college fairs and admissions reps: Almost a third of first-gen students have never visited a college fair, as opposed to only 13% of continuing-generation students. Only 16% of first-gen students will turn to a college admissions rep with questions.

Family plays an important role: When asked where they go with questions about college, more first-gen students listed “parents or guardians” than all other sources, including online searches, AI tools, or college access advisors.

Overall, first-gen students are more likely to rely on the kinds of family conversations that every student experiences, and less on formal support.

There’s an interesting signal for higher ed practitioners here: access to information does not guarantee engagement. Students don’t use resources equally—and those who need guidance most are least likely to receive it through formal channels.

First-gen students are highly motivated, but tend to focus more on cost and outcomes than continuing-generation students

Planning for college is a high stakes mix of pressure and excitement. When thinking about college, both cohorts showed similar enthusiasm for the chance to meet new people, live independently, and explore their academic and personal interests.

Despite these similarities, first-gen students were more career-focused: About 55% of them listed “preparing for a strong job or career after graduation” as the most exciting factor, as opposed to only 45% of continuing-generation students.

They also placed more emphasis on affordability: Nearly 64% said that “cost of attendance” was a key factor in where they go to college, compared to only 47% of continuing-generation students. They were more likely than continuing-generation students to decide based on financial aid or scholarships, and more of them listed cost as an important factor than location, proximity to family or a college’s reputation.

Cost and career outcomes are a driver of college choice for everyone, whether your parents went to college or not. But the report showed how first-gen students place increased emphasis on these elements as a starting point.

Likewise, all institutions are invested in both affordability and career outcomes for students. But if you’re designing tailored communications strategies to engage first-gen students, it’s a good idea to address these concerns early.

First-gen students are a significant share of enrollment. They also face barriers that continuing-generation students don’t.

According to NASPA research, these students are less than half as likely to attain a bachelor’s degree six years after enrollment than those whose parents have a college education. Closing that gap involves helping students feel seen and supported at every step of their journey.

And that starts in high school.

The 2026 College Planning Report makes it clear: engagement requires nuance, care, and a personalized approach to communication that recognizes the specific journey these learners take.

If you’re a higher ed leader looking to benchmark and improve your student engagement strategies, download the report today.

Last updated: May 15th, 2026