Hidden curricula in higher education create barriers for first-generation students, who comprise 54 percent of U.S. undergraduates. Research seeks to identify lesser-known policies that disadvantage these students. While they bring diverse strengths, many lack the family support necessary to navigate bureaucratic processes. A significant discrepancy exists in graduation rates, with only one in four first-generation students graduating compared to nearly 60 percent of their peers. Insights shared by Kristin Ridge reflect personal experiences and emphasize the need for improved support structures for these students.
First-generation students make up 54 percent of all undergraduates in the U.S., or about 8.2 million students. But only one in four first-generation students graduates with a college degree, compared to nearly 60 percent of continuing-generation students.
Conduct systems are complicated because they require a fluency to navigate the bureaucracy, which can be challenging for first-generation students who lack family support.
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