What Does it Mean to be a First-Generation Student?

A formal definition of a first-generation college student is a student whose parent(s) did not complete a four-year college or university degree in the United States. However, at Texas State University, we understand that this definition may not fully account for the depth and breadth of experiences first-generation college students represent. For example, you are first-generation if: 

  • 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.

Wondering if you are a first-generation student?
Reach out to firstgen@txstate.edu with your questions!

First Generation Career Scholars

 

A selected cohort of entering first gen students embark upon a four-year career exploration education along with their intended major. First Gen Career Scholars are supported through a collaboration from First Gen Initiatives & Career Services. Applications open annually in the winter through BOSS.

Hector and Gloria Lopez Scholars

 

A cohort of first gen students develop leadership and career skills during their four-year journey. Lopez Scholars are supported by First Gen Initiatives, Financial Aid, and the Hector & Gloria Lopez Foundation. Students are randomly selected through TXST admission; no application is required.

First-Generation First-Year Students

First-Generation Undergraduate Students

Fall '26 Events

Follow us on Instagram @txstfirstgen to stay up to date with all of our latest information.

Expand Event List

–
First Gen FAFSA/TASFA Workshop
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Location:
LBJ Student Center; 306
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Dylan Pique; dlp175@txstate.edu
Campus Sponsor:
First Gen Proud
The FAFSA/TASFA applications for the '26-'27 school year open on October 1.  We've partnered with the legendary Dr. Byron Kerr from Financial Aid and Scholarships to help you navigate this process easily and effectively.  Seize this opportunity to submit your FAFSA early with the help of a knowledgeable professional.
 
Know before you go: Have your FAFSA ID ready, you don't want to lose valuable time navigating password recovery.  You can check or reset your credentials by following this link.  Remind your parents/guardians to have their credentials ready if you are filing as a dependent.  Connect with anyone helping you submit this form before our event, and have questions ready to go.  We recommend starting the application on your own and getting as far as you can.  Bring your laptop to the event with you to log into your application and get help with whatever section has you confused.
 
We will have t-shirts, and other merch, to giveaway to students who attend! Click here for more information
more about event

–
add to calendar
Location:
LBJ Student Center; 306
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Dylan Pique; dlp175@txstate.edu
Campus Sponsor:
First Generation Initiatives
Learn practical ways to fund your education while balancing work, school, and everyday expenses. This session will connect you with tools and resources for financial aid, scholarships, employment, internships, budgeting, and off-campus housing so you can make informed financial decisions throughout college. Click here for more information
more about event

–
First Gen FAFSA/TASFA Workshop
add to calendar
Location:
LBJ Student Center; 325
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Dylan Pique; dlp175@txstate.edu
Campus Sponsor:
First Gen Proud
The FAFSA/TASFA applications for the '26-'27 school year open on October 1.  We've partnered with the legendary Dr. Byron Kerr from Financial Aid and Scholarships to help you navigate this process easily and effectively.  Seize this opportunity to submit your FAFSA early with the help of a knowledgeable professional.
 
Know before you go: Have your FAFSA ID ready, you don't want to lose valuable time navigating password recovery.  You can check or reset your credentials by following this link.  Remind your parents/guardians to have their credentials ready if you are filing as a dependent.  Connect with anyone helping you submit this form before our event, and have questions ready to go.  We recommend starting the application on your own and getting as far as you can.  Bring your laptop to the event with you to log into your application and get help with whatever section has you confused.
 
We will have t-shirts, and other merch, to giveaway to students who attend! Click here for more information
more about event

–
Munch and Mingle
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Location:
LBJ Student Center; 303
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Dylan Pique; dlp175@txstate.edu; 512.408.8772
Campus Sponsor:
First Generation Initiatives
Kick off National First Generation Week with Munch & Mingle, an opportunity to connect, reflect, and celebrate your journey.
 
Enjoy snacks while taking a moment to think about the people, experiences, and motivations that inspire you to pursue your education. Students will have the opportunity to write a letter of gratitude to someone who has supported their college journey or helped make their education possible. Participants can also record a short digital message sharing their story, encouragement, or appreciation to be featured on Instagram throughout the week.  This event is come-and-go, feel free to pop in between classes.
 
Join us as we honor the resilience, determination, and support systems that help first generation students succeed! Click here for more information
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–
First Gen in Common @ Commons
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Location:
Commons Dining Hall
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Dylan Pique; dlp175@txstate.edu; 512.408.8772
Campus Sponsor:
First Generation Initiatives
We've got more in common than you think! Stop by Commons Dining Hall during First-Gen Week to celebrate with First Gen Initiatives, SLAC, and Peer Navigators. Grab some swag and learn about resources that help you succeed. Chat with us on your way into the dining hall; we'd love to say hi! Click here for more information
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–
First Gen in Focus
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Location:
LBJ Student Center; 505
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Dylan Pique; dlp175@txstate.edu; 512.408.8772
Campus Sponsor:
First Generation Initiatives
Celebrate your first-generation journey at First Gen in Focus. Stop by to take a Polaroid photo, decorate a frame for it, and create a keepsake that honors how far you've come.
 
As you reflect on the people, experiences, and goals that shape your story, enjoy complimentary conchas and coffee and meet fellow first-generation students.  Connect with Career Service professionals to learn more about all of the amazing services they have to offer!  
 
Every journey is worth remembering, and every story deserves to be in focus. Click here for more information
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First Gen Stole Distribution

Thursday, November 12 &

Friday, November 13

LBJSC, Floor 5, Career Services suite

10am-3pm each day

We're very excited to be able to distribute the graduation stoles during First Gen Week, and connect our Bobcat graduates with the Career Services programs you'll have access to for life!  See you there!

First generation graduation stoles neatly laid out on a table.
Three women posing in peach colored first gen shirts

Support First-Gen Students

Your gift to the First Gen Proud Campaign helps support students at Texas State, ensuring their success through mentorship and other forms of institutional resources.

Resources

sabrina

First Gen Spotlight

Marwa Azizi
 

Marwa has been selected as an outstanding First-Generation Bobcat! Through leadership roles in campus health initiatives and an internship with Texas Health and Human Services, Marwa continues to make a lasting impact at Texas State. Congrats!

Meet the Team

Come visit us in Commons Dining Hall, we're on the second floor!

Commons Dining Hall