At Florida State University, we proudly recognize and celebrate the unique strengths and perspectives that first-generation college students bring to our campus. A first-generation student is someone whose parents or guardians did not complete a four-year college degree.
Approximately 25% of FSU’s undergraduate population identifies as first-generation, making them an essential part of our campus culture. Whether you're just beginning your college journey or nearing graduation, FSU is committed to supporting you every step of the way.
First-Gen Stories
First-generation students thrive at Florida State University. Read and view the stories and videos below to learn more about the university’s robust first-gen community.
Amber Losciale
As a first-generation student I was fixated on making it out of my hometown and being able to attend university. I am grateful that I managed to become the first in my family to go to college and pick the perfect place for me when choosing FSU.
Gladine Lamarre
I served as a CARE Ambassador, supporting first-generation college students in their transition to university life. As an ambassador, I provided resources, a safe space and a support system to help them succeed in navigating the challenges of being the first in their families to attend college.
Urielle Laurent
As a first-generation student, I knew my journey wasn’t just my own. It was also for my mother and family, who left their home country of Haiti and worked tirelessly to provide me with the opportunity to pursue my dreams.
Joshua Burns
I am the lead researcher on my research project ‘Caring More for Our First-Year, First-Generation, and Low-Income Students: Perceptions of Barriers and Transitional Success.’ This project’s purpose is to listen to the voices, experiences and perceptions of other FGLI students at FSU.
First-generation student researchers
The goals and pressures that you know you face as a first-generation, when you're trying to push through those barriers, just know you will actually push through them and then you will actually reach the point you want to reach.
Apply
First-generation status is automatically determined based on the parent/guardian education level you provide on your application.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Am I still first-gen if my sibling has a degree or is in college?
YES
Am I still first-gen if my parents/guardians started college but never finished?
YES
Am I still first-gen if my parents/guardians have an associates degree or a certificate?
YES
What if my parents/guardians have a four-year degree from another country?
MAYBE! If they can’t use the degree to work in the US, you may still be considered First-Gen, reach out to your admissions counselor to learn more and discuss your specific situation.
Each semester, FSU hosts events designed to support and celebrate the first-generation community. Be sure to check event pages as well as social media accounts for event details.
<img src="https://news.fsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/IMG_2430-1024x683.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="" style="float: left; margin-right: 5px;" link_thumbnail="" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" srcset="https://news.fsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/IMG_2430-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://news.fsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/IMG_2430-512x341.jpg 512w, https://news.fsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/IMG_2430-768x512.jpg 768w, https://news.fsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/IMG_2430-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://news.fsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/IMG_2430-900x600.jpg 900w, https://news.fsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/IMG_2430-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://news.fsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/IMG_2430.jpg 1800w" sizes="(max-width: 945px) 100vw, 945px" /><p>Florida State University is ramping up its efforts to help first-generation college students participate in study abroad programs, offering new […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://news.fsu.edu/news/fsuglobal/2025/11/13/fsu-expands-support-for-first-generation-students-studying-abroad/">FSU expands support for first-generation students studying abroad</a> appeared first on <a href="https://news.fsu.edu">Florida State University News</a>.</p>
<img src="https://news.fsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/FirstGenWeek2025-1024x683.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="" style="float: left; margin-right: 5px;" link_thumbnail="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://news.fsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/FirstGenWeek2025-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://news.fsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/FirstGenWeek2025-512x341.jpg 512w, https://news.fsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/FirstGenWeek2025-768x512.jpg 768w, https://news.fsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/FirstGenWeek2025-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://news.fsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/FirstGenWeek2025-900x600.jpg 900w, https://news.fsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/FirstGenWeek2025-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://news.fsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/FirstGenWeek2025.jpg 1800w" sizes="(max-width: 945px) 100vw, 945px" /><p>Florida State University is hosting a weeklong series of events for First-Generation College Celebration (FGEN) week from Wednesday, Nov. 5, through […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://news.fsu.edu/news/students-campus-life/2025/11/06/fsu-celebrates-first-generation-students-with-week-of-empowering-events/">Florida State University celebrates first-generation students with week of empowering events</a> appeared first on <a href="https://news.fsu.edu">Florida State University News</a>.</p>
<img src="https://news.fsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/US-celebrate-1024x683.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="" style="float: left; margin-right: 5px;" link_thumbnail="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://news.fsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/US-celebrate-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://news.fsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/US-celebrate-512x341.jpg 512w, https://news.fsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/US-celebrate-768x512.jpg 768w, https://news.fsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/US-celebrate-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://news.fsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/US-celebrate-900x600.jpg 900w, https://news.fsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/US-celebrate-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://news.fsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/US-celebrate.jpg 1800w" sizes="(max-width: 945px) 100vw, 945px" /><p>Florida State University student Zahria Moore grew up in a tough situation. As she describes it, her mother was abusive, […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://news.fsu.edu/news/students-campus-life/2025/04/11/fsus-unconquered-scholars-banquet-celebrates-student-resilience-achievement/">Florida State University’s Unconquered Scholars banquet celebrates student resilience, achievement</a> appeared first on <a href="https://news.fsu.edu">Florida State University News</a>.</p>