Abstract
This qualitative study explored first-generation college students’ perceptions about the influence that their parents had on their college choice process. Using in-depth interviews and focus groups with first generation college students, this study explored their experiences and perceptions of the impact of their socioeconomic status. First-generation college students face obstacles in knowledge and resources and tend to have lower educational aspirations than non-first-generation students. I wanted to understand their experiences in their voice—providing support for the use of qualitative methods. Using the sociological concepts of social and cultural capital as a framework, this study found the participants knew that because of their socioeconomic status, they would have difficulty affording college. Participants were motivated to go to college because their parents did not go to college. These students were encouraged by parents and aspired to have a better life yet faced many barriers that impacted their college choice.
Recommended Citation
Cresswell-Yeager, T. (2021). Parental Influences That Impact First-Generation College Students' College Choice: A Qualitative Inquiry of Student Perceptions. Journal of Access, Retention, and Inclusion in Higher Education, 3(1). Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.wcupa.edu/jarihe/vol3/iss1/3