Family Education Versus Family Finances in Predicting College Outcomes

• In Event: 44.084 - Roundtable Session 18
  In Roundtable Session: 44.084-6 - First-Generation Students: Factors That Shape Their Pathway to Degree

Abstract

This study explores the college outcomes of first generation college students in a longitudinal study of a large statewide cohort of high school students followed for four years after high school graduation. We examine how college outcomes differ between poor and non-poor first generation students and examine the interaction of first generation status and poverty in predicting 2-year and 4-year college outcomes. We find an interaction effect that suggests that either disadvantage initially has a large negative relationship to successful timely college completion that is compounded by being both poor and first generation. The study concludes by recommending that the component disadvantages of being first generation be addressed in future practice and policy.

Authors

• Janet K. Holt, Illinois Education Research Council

• Drew M Anderson, University of Wisconsin - Madison