How First-Gen Students Complete Bachelor’s Degrees (Guide 2026)

What if you could navigate the complex world of college degrees with the same confidence as someone whose parents and grandparents were all university graduates? For many first-generation students, the path to a bachelor’s degree feels like walking through a thick fog without a map. I have spent 14 years helping students clear that fog by focusing on the specific structures of undergraduate degrees. In my experience, the biggest factor in finishing a degree is not just working hard, but choosing the right foundation from the very start.

When I was an undergraduate, I saw many of my peers struggle because they did not understand the difference between a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science. They would pick a major based on a title but get frustrated by the specific classes required. One student I mentored, a bright first-generation student named Elena, almost dropped out because she felt overwhelmed by the heavy math requirements in her “Science” track. Once we looked at the “Arts” version of her major, which aligned better with her strengths in communication and theory, her grades soared. Choosing the right degree type is a strategic move that directly impacts your ability to graduate on time.

Understanding Your Bachelor’s Degree Options

A bachelor’s degree is a four-year undergraduate program that typically requires 120 college credits to complete. These degrees are divided into three main categories: Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), and specialized degrees like a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA). Each type has a unique structure and different expectations for graduation.

Selecting the best bachelor’s degree depends on how you want to spend your time in the classroom. Most degrees are built on a “120-credit” framework. This usually breaks down into 40 credits of general education (math, English, history), 40 to 60 credits for your specific major, and the rest as electives. Understanding these proportions helps you see how much room you have to explore other interests or add a minor.

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) Pathway

The Bachelor of Arts is a flexible degree type that focuses on a broad range of subjects within the humanities, social sciences, and liberal arts. It emphasizes critical thinking, communication, and theoretical knowledge. Students in a BA program often have more room for elective courses or a second major.

In my work with freshmen, I find that the BA is often the best choice for students who want a well-rounded education. It is less rigid than other degrees. For example, a BA in Psychology might require more foreign language credits but fewer advanced lab sciences. This flexibility is a major asset for first-gen students who might want to pivot their career goals halfway through their journey without losing credits.

The Bachelor of Science (BS) Pathway

The Bachelor of Science is a more specialized degree that focuses on technical, scientific, or mathematical topics. It requires a higher number of credits within the major itself, leaving fewer spots for general electives. This degree is designed for students who want deep, practical expertise in a specific field.

When choosing a bachelor’s degree in a field like Biology or Computer Science, the BS is the standard. However, it requires a strict “sequencing” of classes. If you miss one math class in the fall, you might have to wait a full year to take the next one. This is why I tell my students that a BS requires very careful planning with an academic advisor to ensure you don’t stay in school longer than four years.

Specialized Degrees (BFA, BSN, BSW)

Specialized degrees are professional pathways designed to prepare students for a specific career immediately after graduation. These include the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), or Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). They are the most rigid degree types with very few electives.

These programs are excellent for students who are 100% certain of their career path. Because they are so focused, they often have higher “credit-hour” requirements within the major. For instance, a BFA student might spend 80 credits in the studio, leaving very little room for anything else. If you are a first-gen student, these programs often provide a very clear “roadmap,” which can actually reduce the stress of picking classes.

The Power of Proactive Academic Advising

Proactive academic advising is a support system where advisors reach out to students frequently rather than waiting for the student to ask for help. This “intrusive” method ensures that first-generation students stay on track with their degree requirements. It prevents small mistakes from turning into major delays in graduation.

For a first-gen student, the “hidden curriculum” of college can be confusing. You might not know that some classes are only offered once a year. I have seen students miss graduation by one semester because they didn’t know about a specific “pre-requisite.” Proactive advising is the safety net that catches these errors. According to data from various institutional reports, students who meet with an advisor at least twice a semester have significantly higher four-year graduation rates.

• Check your degree audit: This is a digital map of your progress. Use it every time you register for classes.
• Ask about “Milestone” classes: These are courses you must pass by a certain semester to stay on track.
• Discuss your workload: An advisor can help you balance “hard” classes with “easier” ones so you don’t burn out.

Leveraging Peer and Faculty Mentorship

Mentorship is a relationship where a more experienced person guides a student through the social and academic landscape of university life. For first-generation students, mentors provide “social capital,” which is the knowledge of how to network and find opportunities. This support is often what helps a student feel like they belong on campus.

I often tell my mentees that a professor is more than just a teacher; they are a gateway to your future career. In my own journey, a faculty mentor showed me how to apply for research grants that I didn’t even know existed. For first-gen students, having a peer mentor—someone who is a junior or senior—can be even more helpful for daily survival. They can tell you which professors are the most supportive and how to navigate the campus library or tutoring centers.

• Social Capital: This is the “know-how” of college life, from how to email a professor to how to find an internship.
• Peer Mentors: These are students who have been in your shoes and can offer honest, relatable advice.
• Faculty Mentors: These are experts in your field who can provide career guidance and letters of recommendation.

Utilizing Campus Support Systems and First-Gen Centers

Campus support systems are dedicated offices and programs designed to help students succeed outside of the classroom. Many universities now have “First-Gen Centers” that offer specific resources like summer bridge programs. These centers create a community where being the first in your family to attend college is celebrated, not seen as a hurdle.

Summer bridge programs are particularly effective. These are short, intensive programs that take place before your first semester starts. They allow you to move into your dorm early, meet your professors, and get a head start on your credits. Data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) suggests that students who participate in these programs are more likely to stay in school through their sophomore year.

1. First-Gen Centers: Look for these on your campus website; they often have free printing, snacks, and specialized advisors.
2. Writing Centers: Don’t wait until you are failing; go here to have your first essay checked.
3. Tutoring Services: Most colleges offer free tutoring for “bottleneck” classes like College Algebra or Chemistry.

Strategies for Degree Flexibility and Minor Selection

Degree flexibility refers to how easily a student can change their major or add a minor without adding extra years to their time in college. A minor is a smaller set of courses (usually 18-24 credits) in a secondary subject. Choosing a flexible degree foundation allows you to adapt as you learn more about your career interests.

I always suggest that first-gen students look at the “flexibility score” of their major. If your major has 60 credits of “General Electives,” you have high flexibility. You could use those credits to add a minor in Business or Spanish, which makes your resume much stronger. If you pick a major with zero elective space, you are locked in. Building a flexible foundation is a smart way to ensure that you graduate even if your first choice of major doesn’t work out.

How to Measure Degree Flexibility

To find out how flexible your degree is, look at the “Program Map” provided by the college. Count the number of “Free Electives.” If you have more than 15 credits of free electives, you have enough room to add a minor. If you have 30 or more, you might even be able to double-major.

• High Flexibility: BA in English, BA in Communication, BA in History.
• Moderate Flexibility: BS in Psychology, BS in Business Administration.
• Low Flexibility: BSN in Nursing, BS in Engineering, BFA in Dance.

Aligning Your Degree with Future Goals

Aligning your degree means making sure the specific bachelor’s type you choose matches the requirements of the job or graduate school you want later. It involves looking at “Return on Investment” (ROI) and early-career salary data. This step ensures that your hard work leads to the life you want after graduation.

I encourage students to use tools like the College Scorecard to see what graduates from their specific program are earning. For example, a BS in Accounting might have a higher starting salary than a BA in Philosophy, but the BA might be better if you plan to go to Law School. Understanding these long-term implications helps you stay motivated when classes get difficult. You aren’t just taking a class; you are building a career.

Action Plan for New Students

• Step 1: Identify if your dream career requires a specific degree (like Nursing) or if a broad degree (like a BA) is okay.
• Step 2: Meet with an academic advisor in your first month to create a “Four-Year Plan.”
• Step 3: Join a First-Gen student organization to build your support network.
• Step 4: Review your degree audit every semester before you register for new classes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between a BA and a BS? The main difference is the focus of the coursework. A Bachelor of Arts (BA) usually focuses on the humanities and offers more elective room, making it very flexible. A Bachelor of Science (BS) is more technical and requires more credits within the major, often focusing on math and science. Neither is “better,” but one may fit your career goals or learning style more closely.

Can I change from a BS to a BA later? Yes, you can usually switch, but it is easier to do so in your freshman or sophomore year. Since a BA often has more elective space, many of the technical classes you took for the BS can count as electives. However, switching too late might mean you have to take extra semesters to finish the BA-specific requirements, like foreign languages.

How many credits do I need to graduate? Most bachelor’s degrees in the United States require 120 credits. If you take 15 credits per semester (usually five classes), you will reach 120 credits in exactly four years. Some specialized programs, like Engineering or Nursing, may require up to 130 credits, which is why some students take four and a half or five years to finish.

What is a “Minor” and should I get one? A minor is a secondary area of study that requires about 18 to 24 credits. It is a great way to gain extra skills without doing a full second major. For example, a Biology major might minor in Spanish to help them work with more patients in the future. If your degree has enough elective space, a minor is a very smart move.

What does “Intrusive Advising” mean? It sounds intense, but it is actually very helpful! Intrusive or “proactive” advising means the college doesn’t wait for you to have a problem. Advisors will email you, set up mandatory meetings, and check your grades mid-semester. For first-gen students, this is a top-tier resource because it helps you catch mistakes before they impact your graduation date.

Why are summer bridge programs important? Summer bridge programs help you transition from high school to college life. They give you a chance to learn the campus, meet friends, and finish a few credits before the “real” semester starts. Students who attend these programs often feel more confident and are less likely to feel overwhelmed in their first year.

Is a specialized degree like a BSN better than a BS? It depends on your goal. A BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) is a “professional” degree that prepares you for one specific job. A general BS in Biology is broader and could lead to many different careers or medical school. If you are 100% sure of your job path, a specialized degree is great. If you want more options, a BS or BA is better.

What is “Social Capital” in college? Social capital is the value you get from your relationships. In college, this means knowing which professors can help you, how to find “hidden” internships, and having friends who can study with you. First-gen students build social capital by joining clubs, finding mentors, and visiting their professors during office hours.

How can I tell if I am on track to graduate? The best way is to use your school’s “Degree Audit” tool. This is an online checklist that shows every requirement for your degree. It will show you which classes are “Done,” “In Progress,” or “Still Needed.” You should check this tool at least once every few months to make sure there are no surprises.

Does my degree type affect my salary? In some fields, yes. Technical degrees (BS) in areas like Engineering or Computer Science often have higher starting salaries. However, for many other jobs, employers just want to see that you have a bachelor’s degree. Your skills, internships, and networking often matter just as much as whether your degree says “Arts” or “Science.”

(This article was written by one of our staff writers, Matthew Ellison. Visit our Meet the Team page to learn more about the author and their expertise.)