Research Brief

Percentage of First-Generation Students Declines between 1996 and 2020

The Pell Institute’s analysis highlights both progress and warning signs in the nation’s educational landscape. While the United States is becoming more educated overall, ensuring that first-generation students continue to have equitable access to college opportunities remains a national priority. The brief’s findings reaffirm the importance of TRIO and similar initiatives in maintaining pathways to higher education for future generations.