First Generation Initiatives (FGI) at the University of San Francisco provides support and resources to help first-generation students navigate their academic journey and thrive at USF.
Muscat Scholars Program
The Muscat Scholars Program connects first-generation students with a community of peers and mentors who are there to help them succeed at USF.
USF Mentor Collective
The USF Mentor Collective connects first-generation students with peer mentors to support their transition and overcome challenges at USF.
Events
FGI offers events that empower first-generation students at USF, from networking mixers to career-building workshops.
What does it mean to be a first-generation student?
A first-generation college student is generally defined as someone whose parents or guardians have not completed a four-year college or university degree. However, this definition can vary depending on the institution. If your parents began college but did not finish, or if they completed community college or vocational training, you may still be considered first-gen.
Similarly, if your parents earned a degree from a university outside the United States, many schools now recognize that your college experience may still qualify as first-generation due to the unique challenges of navigating a different educational system. Even if other family members—like siblings, step-parents, or grandparents—have earned degrees, the focus remains on your parents’ educational background.
Being first-gen is about more than a label; it acknowledges the courage, resilience, and self-determination it takes to pursue higher education without a direct parental blueprint to follow. If you’re uncertain, it’s always a good idea to reach out to your admissions counselor, academic advisor, or a first-gen student program on campus—they can help you understand how your experience fits and connect you with supportive resources to help you thrive.