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.

First Gen Welcome Back Celebration

Location:
LBJ Student Center Grand Ballroom; LBJ Grand Ballroom (3rd floor)
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Dylan Pique; dlp175@txstate.edu
Campus Sponsor:
First Generation Initiatives
Welcome back Bobcats!!  Celebrate with us to kick off the new school year in the right way with one of our most anticipated annual events, First Gen Welcome!  Come learn about with some of our most utilized campus resources, and of course, collect your FREE First Gen Proud t-shirt.
Not sure if you're first gen?  Review how Texas State defines first gen here on our website, or come by the event to ask us yourself.  We would love to connect!
Click here for more information
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First Gen Playbook

Location:
LBJ Student Center; 325
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Dylan Pique; dlp175@txstate.edu
Campus Sponsor:
First Generation Initiatives
Build your First Gen Playbook for academic success! Learn how to register for classes, access your degree audit, address holds, and use Navigate. You will also hear directly from a faculty member about communicating with professors and using office hours, and from a success coach about academic services and personalized coaching.

This session will help demystify college terminology, academic tools, faculty engagement, and support resources so you can confidently navigate your academic pathway.
Click here for more information
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Show Me the Money: Funding your Education

Location:
LBJ Student Center; 325
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
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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!