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First-Generation Student Dhruvi Patel

First-Generation Student Dhruvi Patel

Penn State’s approach to community and support helped first-generation student Dhruvi Patel build confidence, seek guidance, and pursue her dream of going to law school.

First-Generation Students

Are you the first in your family to complete a degree?

Penn State Scranton welcomes first-generation students, and we value the contributions that they bring to our campus.

Penn State recognizes a first-generation student as any student whose immediate parents or legal guardians have not completed a baccalaureate degree. There are nearly 17,000 first-generation undergraduate students enrolled throughout Penn State. This makes up about 25% of Penn State's undergraduate student population at University Park and the Commonwealth Campuses combined!

Most first-generation students face unique challenges as they work toward completing their degree because they don’t have a parent or guardian who has navigated a college or university before them. We understand the challenges they face and have a support network here specifically tailored to meet the needs of the first-generation student population. 

SEE Student Success Resources