Increase in first generation college students

The class of 2012 has seen a significant increase in first generation college students, or students who’s parents did not go to college or earn a degree.  This signifies an increase in academic progress in which students are seeking higher educations and earning more degrees. 

Out of the 5,774 new students attending UW-Madison this fall, there are 1,170 first generation students who will represent their families as first time college students.

“Deanna Yang, of Sheboygan, was aware of the significance of coming to UW-Madison. She says that she comes from the Hmong community, among which high-school graduation rates and college retention rates are low. For her, coming to the university meant supporting positive images of the Hmong community by attending a four-year university.”

These increases in first generation students will benefit future prospective students as well since siblings and relatives are more motivated to follow suit and attain a higher education as well, which will ensure a continuation of college bound students for generations to come.