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.
Nathan Mohammed Brewer
As a first-generation student majoring in commercial entrepreneurship, Nathan approaches his college journey with pride, ambition, and a deep sense of purpose.
As a first-generation student majoring in political science (pre-law) with a minor in criminal justice, Atwood carries with him a deep sense of responsibility, gratitude and purpose.
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.
We love telling the story of first-generation students, faculty and staff from across the FSU community. Please fill out this easy form and one of our team members will reach out to you for a Q&A so we can feature your unique first-generation journey!
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/2026/03/26_019_047-1024x683.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="FSU Board of Trustees Chairman Peter Collins stands on stage in Ruby Diamond Concert Hall to deliver the keynote address to first-generations students" style="float: left; margin-right: 5px;" link_thumbnail="" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" srcset="https://news.fsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/26_019_047-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://news.fsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/26_019_047-512x341.jpg 512w, https://news.fsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/26_019_047-768x512.jpg 768w, https://news.fsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/26_019_047-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://news.fsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/26_019_047-900x600.jpg 900w, https://news.fsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/26_019_047-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://news.fsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/26_019_047.jpg 1800w" sizes="(max-width: 945px) 100vw, 945px" /><p>Three FSU leaders who were the first in their families to attend college — Board of Trustees Chairman Peter Collins, […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://news.fsu.edu/news/university-news/2026/03/04/collins-mccullough-and-norvell-share-first-generation-journeys-at-fsus-horizons-unlimited-conference/">Collins, McCullough and Norvell share first-generation journeys at FSU’s Horizons Unlimited Conference</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/IMG_2430-1024x683.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Photo of the Pantheon in Rome, Italy" style="float: left; margin-right: 5px;" link_thumbnail="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" 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, launching summer South Africa global experience</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="Three students holding up signs that celebrate being a First gen student" 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>