Frequently Asked Questions

You are considered first-generation if your parents or legal guardians did not earn a bachelor’s degree from a college or university in the United States.

Yes! If your parent or guardian did not complete a bachelor’s degree in the U.S., you are first-gen.

You are still considered first-gen at UTEP. Our definition focuses on bachelor’s degrees from U.S. colleges and universities.

Yes! Even if your sibling has already attended or graduated from college, you are still considered first-gen if your parents or guardians did not complete a U.S. bachelor’s degree.

Yes. If your parent or legal guardian did not graduate with a U.S. bachelor’s degree, you are first-gen.

Being first-gen is something to be proud of! It means you are part of a strong community of trailblazers who are the first in their families to earn a U.S. college degree. At UTEP, we celebrate and support first-gen students with resources, events, and opportunities to help you succeed.