Education Commons^™

First-Generation College Students At The University Of Kentucky, Michael Peabody, Neal H. Hutchens, Wayne D. Lewis, Matthew Deffendall

Policy Analysis Center for Kentucky Education White Papers

First-generation college students (FGCS) have been shown to graduate at lower rates than their continuing-generation counterparts even after controlling for other variables. We will attempt to examine the characteristics of FGCS and determine initiatives the University of Kentucky might enact in order to increase the graduation rates for this segment of the student population. In doing so we will discuss “promising practices” in student retention, examine programs designated by UK’s Top-20 plan as benchmark institutions, and submit a series of recommendations to better serve FGCS at the University of Kentucky.