Introductory Essay: eJournal of Public Affairs Special Issue on First-Generation College Students

As guest editors of this special issue on first-generation college students, we wanted to focus upon this unique population and the many ways that institutions of higher education can support them. First-generation college students, defined as neither parent having completed a four-year degree, are a growing and increasingly important population at institutions of higher education. First-generation students often hail from diverse backgrounds and bring a wealth of valuable experiences with them to the college environment. Additionally, first-generation college students are becoming an increasingly important part of institutional recruitment and retention plans.