First Gen at Illinois

Being the first in your family to attend college is a tremendous accomplishment, and we are delighted that you have chosen to attend Illinois!
Body

At this point in your educational journey, you likely had to independently navigate an extensive college admissions process to arrive on campus. It is that type of hard work, dedication, and resiliency that will ultimately help propel you toward your goal of graduation. Now that you have officially joined the University of Illinois family, we want you to know you’re not alone. This website serves as a shared virtual space to support First-Gen student success. 

Who is a first-generation student at Illinois?

The University of Illinois Urbana Champaign defines first-generation as “neither parent nor guardian have earned at least a bachelor's degree” (Source: Campus Profile Glossary, Division of Management Information). According to FirstGen Forward's First-Gen students in 2020 fact sheet, fifty-four percent of students identify as first-generation (pdf). Still, many need to be made aware of their status, given their unfamiliarity with the concept.

Celebrating First Gen Week @ Illinois

Check / Update Your Status

For instructions on how to check or update your First-Gen status at the University of Illinois, please visit our online form.

Join the First-Gen campus directory!

The directory is aimed at creating a centralized place online where the First-Gen community can locate mentors who also identify as First-Generation.
Body

First Gen Forward logo, orange abstract f and g characters with blue text

Body

First Scholars Elevate Potential logo with blue, green, yellow gradient dots arcing to right

Body