The Effects of the COVID-19 Global Pandemic on First-Generation College Students’ Perceptions of Support and Retention

Abstract

First generation college students (FGCS) experience systemic differences and disparities during their academic careers compared to their non-first-generation peers. These differences not only impact their collegiate experience but their perceptions of support, retention, and well-being. This study attempted to better understand, from a college student perspective, the impact the COVID-19 global pandemic has had on factors of support (i.e., family, financial, social, and significant other) and overall degree commitment, specifically within the FGCS population. A longitudinal study design was used for data collection. The participants were recruited from various universities across the United States and consented to a follow-up survey within a 2-year time frame from the initial archival data at Time 1 for the purpose of readministration of measure at Time 2. The research included quantitative methodology using two models to understand selfreported perceptions of FGCS and the differences in retention rates between FGCS and their peers mediated by support. Although results did not yield significant results, the current study did pave a pathway for future research to focus on individualistic experiences of FGCS and the impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic and subsequent lockdown on students’ overall well-being and degree completion.