First Generation College Applications Sky Rocket in Texas
According to a report from The Texas Tribune, First-Generation college students applicants have tripled within the last five years. The increase in applicants went from 13,000 from 2020-21, to now 43,000 from 2024-25, this data is received from The Common App. This growth happened after a major decline over all of the nation from COVID-19.
The Hispanic community makes up a lot of the first generation applicants and are the students increasing this growth. The enrollment from Hispanic students has increased across many public universities since 2020. With state policies that require students to now complete FAFSA, college has become more attainable to first-gen students. Also since dual credit is accessible too, students can graduate high school already with their associates degree.
However just because there is an increase in applicants does not mean there is not more to be done. Many students need more of a support system to help them fill out forms like financial aid, scholarships, transcripts, and just knowing their options. That is where counselors come in. However the Texas counselor to student ratio is 385-to-1, so many students lack help and resources.
There is hope that this increase in first-generation students keeps going. Many colleges have created programs specifically for first-generation students as well as mentorship programs to help these students succeed. Duane Williams, associate vice provost for student success and retention at Texas A&M University-San Antonio, said, “As we know, students don’t do optional. If that’s true, why make it optional?”
Source: Olivia Sanchez, “More first-generation students in Texas are applying for college,” The Texas Tribune, Oct. 27, 2025.
Link: https://www.texastribune.org/2025/10/27/texas-first-generation-college-students-apply/
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Many first gen students come into college lost or not knowing where they belong. I am a first gen student and was lucky enough to have my sister go into college before me. Following along in her footsteps was nice and having her guide the way has overall made my whole college experience better. Our parents never completed college, but have been very supportive throughout the whole process. My dad was in the Marines, so we get to use his HazleWood Act. It is for veterans in the state of Texas and their dependents to be able to go to college in Texas with about 150 hours of college for free.
However this is not the case for many first gen students. That was just my story. “I did not know what Texas State had to offer or how to go about applying for classes and all the resources.” said Olivia, a first-generation student at Texas State University.
Typically a first generation student would be defined as a student whose parent did not complete a four year college degree. At Texas State University they consider, “Your parent/guardian(s) have some college experience but did not earn a degree from a four-year college or university in the United States, Your sibling has completed a college degree, Your primary caretaker did not earn a degree from a four-year college or university in the United States.” according to the Texas State First Gen Proud website.
There has been a rise in first generation students all over the country. Just in the last five years college applicants have tripled. The increase in applicants went from 13,000 from 2020-21, to now 43,000 from 2024-25, this data is received from The Common App. With this increase, resources for these students have also increased. The Texas State first gen population is growing each year and there are many resources specifically for first generation students. Programs “aimed to expand career exploration and readiness for first-generation students through workshops, career coaching, scholarships and internship opportunities”, according to a 2024 report from the University Star.
Having all these resources are helpful, but it does not ensure all students will not struggle. Especially for their first year at college it can be confusing. Olivia explained how the hardest part for her was understanding all the systems college had to offer when she had first became a student at Texas State. “If I had an older sibling or someone else that kind of went to college, I probably would have known more” Olivia had stated. She explained how having a good support system is what made the biggest difference for her. She said support from advisors, professors, friends, and family had helped her navigate her college life the best. “It is definitely nice to have a support system. Advisors for scheduling classes, family for emotional support as well as friends” Olivia had said.
However this is only one of many first generation students experiences. I was also able to interview Elle Hansen, another first gen student at Texas State. Elle explained how she went into college with no friends and no roommate, but that did not stop her from getting involved. Entering college at Texas State she knew she wanted to get involved with something on campus. “I lived in my dorm room by myself, so it was kind of a solo journey at the beginning,” Elle had said.
Elle ended up joining Greek life which is one of the many organizations at Texas State. Through Greek life it helped her make new friends as well as held her accountable to stay focused with school. “Joining Greek life helped me with academics, and now I have made Deans list four years in a row,” Elle explained. However some students do not need an organization like Greek life to get on track as a first generation student. For example, Elle said how she had more guidance from her mom. “The advisors were helpful, but my mom really helped me a lot with planning my classes.” she said.
Elle is not alone with her experience, data shows many first gen students navigate college resources and systems the college has to offer in the same way. First generation college students often face challenges when first adjusting to college environments like academic expectations and navigating campus resources, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. It can feel like a lot and overwhelming trying to figure out how to find internships for a first gen student who does not have the support system or to not be familiar with college career paths. Olivia explained how she felt so much pressure to have an internship lined up for her, but then later realized there was so many opportunities and she should not stress herself out. “I feel like I figured it out on my own” Olivia said.
On the other hand Elle shared how she found her internship through her classes. Someone came to class and told them about an internship they were offering at the Hays County District Attorney’s Office and Elle took it. “Its an unpaid internship, but I thought it would look good on my resume and help me in the future”, Elle stated.
According to the Texas State Website, The Center for First-generation Student Success, Texas State University has expanded their programs for first gen students, this is through efforts like mentorship and more campus resources. The University is growing its efforts to help these students navigate their college careers and create a comforting new environment. “I have never really felt out of place because it is new for everyone,” Elle said.
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SAN MARCOS, Texas- First Generation Student, Elle Hanson was at Boxcar Social for Goat yoga hosted by Texas State Wellness Society. This event took place Sunday morning March 1, 2026. (Isabella Guerra/AP)
Isabella Guerra 