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First-Generation Students   Fact 1 · Fact 2

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Independent college alumni surveyed are just as likely to be the first in their families to attend college as graduates of national public universities, and first-generation students at private institutions are much more likely to succeed than those at public universities.

Fact 1 - First-Generation College Graduates
A substantial proportion (one-third) of independent college and university students surveyed are first-generation attendees. Moreover, independent college alumni are nearly as likely to be the first in their families to attend college as graduates of national public universities (33 percent vs. 36 percent).

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Fact 2 - First-Generation Student Graduation Rate
First-generation students at private institutions are much more likely to succeed than those at public universities. Their graduation rate at independent colleges and universities is 61 percent, versus only 44 percent at public institutions.

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Related Materials

These materials reference the themes and topics addressed in the above facts and data, serving as a helpful resource on how presidents and others are making the case for independent higher education.

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