Navigating Finances as a First-Generation College Student
Rubi Rodriguez, Prosser Academy, Junior, Spring 2026
Entering college as a first-generation student often brings a complex mix of feelings between responsibility and pressure. While pursuing higher education represents opportunity, it also brings the weight of navigating financial responsibilities alone. Studies have shown that “91% of the students in the study that carry student loans were first-generation students, with 78% concerned about their long-term financial impact” (Brunt and Breen, 2025). Financial aid in college can feel like entering a world that wasn’t made for first‑generation students. With no one before them to guide the way, they must navigate scholarships, grants, and loans that each support students differently. As emphasized by Prosser Career Academy counselor Adan Figueroa, “Many first‑generation students are unaware of available scholarships, missing out on $10–15K annually.” This makes it important for first‑generation students to understand the basic types of financial aid available to them. For example, scholarships are free money students can apply to, often requiring essays. Grants are need‑based aid determined by a student’s financial situation. Lastly, loans involve borrowing money from banks or the government that must be paid back later. These differences matter because first‑generation students often struggle due to fear of debt, limited guidance, and confusing terminology. As Stefani Castillo, a first-generation freshman student at UW Madison said, “Applying to FAFSA was a huge struggle for me, not knowing if I was putting the right information in or not putting enough, it's a draining feeling.” Her experience reflects a common challenge many first‑generation students face when approaching FAFSA. FAFSA is a form that determines a family’s eligibility for federal aid. It opens during senior year and asks for detailed financial information many students have never seen before. The terminology alone, like tax returns, assets, and dependency status, can be confusing. First‑generation students often complete it without parental guidance or experience, unsure of where to find the required documents. This fear of making mistakes increases stress. Furthermore, recent data highlights this gap. “Only 11% of low‑income, FGCS have a college degree within six years of enrolling in school” (Kamalumpundi et al, 2024), showing the real consequences of these barriers. However, despite these challenges, first‑generation students have many strengths and a deep sense of resilience, and seeking support can help close this gap. |
Works Cited
Interviewees
Stefani Castillo, Undergraduate Freshman at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
Adan Figueroa, Counselor at Prosser Career Academy
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