Factors Influencing Academic Success of First-Generation College Students in the United States: A Systematic Review

Academic success is often challenging for first-generation college students. For this reason first-generation college students often lack the same level of preparation, support, mentorship and familial experience.This study, using ecological systems theory, explored the factors affecting their success in the US educational settings. Using the ecological systems theory, we systematically reviewed eligible studies from five databases published up to June 20, 2024, which reported factors impacting first-generation students' academic outcomes. A total of 32 studies representing 18,270 students/participants were included in this review. The results inform that first-generation students' academic success depends on various factors including high school GPA, self-efficacy, grit, social support, intrinsic motivation, and family economic conditions. Our findings highlight the importance of developing effective interventions that address the complex factors influencing first-generation college students' academic success.