The following story was published by Illinois Times on Nov. 5, 2025.

Lisa McGuire: As the University of Illinois Springfield continues to grow and evolve, one student population stands out for its resilience, drive and increasing presence on campus: first-generation college students. These students are the first in their families to navigate the world of higher education – a journey that often comes with unique challenges.

Who is a first-generation student at UIS?

At UIS, the term “first-generation student” is broadly defined. It includes students whose parents or guardians have not earned a bachelor’s degree, as well as those whose parents completed a degree later in life, through an online program, or at an institution outside the United States. This comprehensive definition acknowledges the different experiences a student attending a traditional, residential campus like UIS may face compared to their parents’ experience.

This population is growing at UIS, increasing from 24% of the overall student body in 2015 to 36% in 2024. This fall, about 35% (822 out of 2,337) of all undergraduate students identify as first-generation. Among this year’s incoming first-year students, a notable 51% identify as first-generation.

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