University of Washington Ronald E. McNair Program
United States Federal Government Definitions of
Low-income student
First-generation college studentLow-income:
Please click on this link to see the definition of Low Income Levels.
First-generation:
An individual, neither of whose parents completed a baccalaureate degree;
or
An individual who, prior to the age of 18, regularly resided with and received support from only one parent and whose supporting parent did not complete a baccalaureate degree.
or
An individual who, prior to the age of 18, did not regularly reside with or receive support from a natural or adoptive parent.
If your parent(s) and/or guardian(s) attended college but do not have a bachelors degree (i.e., did not graduate), you are considered to be first-generation.