In New Jersey, first-generation college students—those whose parents did not attain a four-year college degree—represent a significant portion of the undergraduate population. As institutions of higher education seek to improve college access, retention, and completion for historically underserved populations, colleges and universities across the state have developed targeted programs and support systems designed to meet the needs of these students. These initiatives not only address academic preparedness and financial barriers but also create inclusive environments that validate and empower students’ identities and lived experiences. As a result, first-generation students in New Jersey are making substantial progress toward degree attainment and long-term professional goals.
First-generation students often face unique challenges that differ from their continuing-generation peers, including limited knowledge about navigating higher education systems, financial constraints, and a lack of familial or peer role models in college (Engle & Tinto, 2008). In response to these barriers, institutions such as Ramapo College, Montclair State University, and Rutgers University have created comprehensive first-generation student initiatives that offer personalized academic advising, mentorship, and peer-led workshops. For example, Ramapo College’s First-Generation Student Center supports a student population in which 45% of the incoming class identify as first-generation. The center provides academic coaching, family engagement events, and culturally responsive support, helping to foster a sense of belonging that is critical to persistence (Ramapo College, 2024).
Likewise, Montclair State University, where 48% of incoming students in Fall 2024 identified as first-generation, provides a range of transition programs and community-building efforts that include First-Gen Week celebrations and mentor matching with faculty and staff who are also first-generation college graduates (Montclair State University, 2024). These practices align with research emphasizing the role of mentorship and institutional engagement in promoting resilience and retention among first-generation students (Ward et al., 2012).
New Jersey City University (NJCU) has taken this support a step further by establishing the First-Generation Champion Institute, launched in Fall 2023. This initiative trains faculty and staff to better understand the experiences of first-generation students and equips them with tools to provide intentional and empathetic support. With 54% of its student population identifying as first-generation, NJCU’s model demonstrates the importance of institutional culture change as a component of student success (NJCU, 2024).
At the statewide level, the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) plays a critical role in supporting policy development and programming for first-generation learners. One of the most impactful initiatives is the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF), which provides both financial assistance and academic support services for students from educationally and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. EOF scholars often represent first-generation college-goers, and they consistently graduate at higher rates than similarly situated peers who are not part of the program (New Jersey OSHE, 2023). The annual recognition of EOF scholars by the OSHE underscores the state’s commitment to promoting excellence and equity in higher education.
Moreover, New Jersey’s “Some College, No Degree” initiative addresses the needs of first-generation students who began postsecondary education but did not complete a degree. This program helps reenroll and support students who have stopped out, many of whom are navigating higher education without familial precedent. As of 2024, the initiative has successfully reconnected over 8,600 students with degree pathways, demonstrating the impact of targeted outreach and tailored support (New Jersey OSHE, 2024).
Community colleges, such as Brookdale Community College, have also adopted holistic strategies to assist first-generation students. Brookdale offers dedicated advising, first-year seminars, and transfer articulation agreements that make the path to a bachelor’s degree more transparent and achievable. Their initiatives are grounded in an understanding that access to higher education must be accompanied by structural and emotional support to yield meaningful student outcomes (Brookdale Community College, 2024).
Additionally, partnerships with national organizations like America Needs You (ANY) provide further avenues for success. Kean University recently had eleven first-generation students selected for ANY’s competitive fellowship, which offers career development, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Such partnerships extend students’ support networks and enhance their social capital—both of which are vital for professional advancement (Kean University, 2024).
The positive outcomes of these programs are supported by empirical research, which finds that structured support services for first-generation students significantly improve retention and graduation rates (Cataldi et al., 2018). These efforts not only help students meet their academic goals but also contribute to broader social mobility, as first-generation graduates are more likely to uplift their families and communities through increased earnings, civic engagement, and educational advocacy.
New Jersey’s colleges, universities, and community colleges have made commendable strides in supporting first-generation students through comprehensive, evidence-based programming. From institutional centers and state-funded initiatives to national partnerships, these programs demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the barriers faced by first-generation students and offer targeted solutions to bridge the gap in educational attainment. By focusing on mentorship, inclusive practices, and long-term academic planning, these efforts do more than promote college access—they empower students to thrive, persist, and graduate with the skills and confidence to lead in an increasingly complex world.
References
Brookdale Community College. (2024). Are you a first-gen student? https://www.brookdalecc.edu/are-you-a-first-gen-student/
Cataldi, E. F., Bennett, C. T., & Chen, X. (2018). First-generation students: College access, persistence, and postbachelor’s outcomes (NCES 2018-421). National Center for Education Statistics. https://nces.ed.gov/pubs2018/2018421.pdf
Engle, J., & Tinto, V. (2008). Moving beyond access: College success for low-income, first-generation students. Pell Institute for the Study of Opportunity in Higher Education. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED504448.pdf
Kean University. (2024). Kean first-generation students chosen for America Needs You career program. https://www.kean.edu/news/kean-first-generation-students-chosen-america-needs-you-career-program
Montclair State University. (2024). First-generation initiatives. https://www.montclair.edu/first-gen/
New Jersey City University (NJCU). (2024). First-Generation Champion Institute elevates support for first-gen students. https://www.njcu.edu/about/news/2024/04/njcus-first-generation-champion-institute-elevates-support-first-gen-students
New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE). (2023). EOF scholars to be honored by NJ OSHE. https://www.shu.edu/student-services/news/eof-scholars-to-be-honored-by-nj-oshe.html
New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE). (2024). Some College, No Degree initiative. https://www.nj.gov/highereducation/
Ramapo College. (2024). First-Generation Student Center. https://www.ramapo.edu/first-gen/
Ward, L., Siegel, M. J., & Davenport, Z. (2012). First-generation college students: Understanding and improving the experience from recruitment to commencement. Jossey-Bass.
