Most of our first-generation students are from Massachusetts (85%), but 11% come from another state. The remaining 4% are international students. Of all UMass first-gen students, a little over half live on campus (56%).
Of the 5,677 first-generation undergraduate students, almost half (2,641) identify as BIPOC. Approximately a quarter (1,654) are from underrepresented minority groups. Based on institutional data, about half of all first-gen students are low-income (51% are Pell eligible). About one in five first-gen students are both low-income and from an underrepresented minority group. Additionally, about a quarter of all first-gen students are transfer students.
The latest 4-year graduation rate (fall 2017 cohort) for first-generation students is 70% (comparatively, the graduation rate for the entire student population stood at 76%). The 6-year graduation rate stood at 80% and 84%, respectively.
UMass Amherst is First-Gen Forward
As a First-Gen Forward institution, UMass Amherst is dedicated to empowering our first-generation students. This national designation recognizes our commitment to providing the specific support and resources they need to thrive academically and personally. We celebrate the unique strengths and perspectives of first-generation students and are proud to be part of a national network focused on their success.