S.9. (2026) Percentage of high school students who had the potential to be first-generation college students by race/ethnicity

What does the pool of first-generation students look like graduating from high school over time?

Except for Asian students, over half of all other racial/ethnic groups are considered first-generation students. Over time, the first-generation rate has fallen.

Equity Indicators

Publications

The Indicators of Higher Education Equity in the United States: 2026 Historical Trend Report
S.4. (2026) Percentage Distribution of State and Federal Prisoners, Age 25 and Over, by Highest Level of Education Completed: 2016
Indicator 1h(ii). Percentage distribution of undergraduate students by parents’ educational attainment
Indicator 2a. Percentage distribution of full-time, first-time degree-seeking undergraduate students who did and did not receive Pell or other federal grants by level of institution attended
Indicator 2b. Percentage distribution of full-time, first-time degree-seeking undergraduate federal grant recipients and nonrecipients, by control of institution attended
Indicator 2c. Percentage of full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students receiving federal grants by sector
Indicator 2e. Average percentage of full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate student who were awarded federal grants by institutional selectivity
Indicator 3a(i). Average college costs (undergraduate tuition, fees, and room and board) charged for full-time students in degree-granting postsecondary institutions, by institutional level and control

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The Pell Institute is the first research institute to specifically examine the issues affecting educational opportunity for low-income, first-generation, and disabled college students. Learn more about the Pell Institute, including our mission, purpose, goals, and history.