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The educational pathways of first-generation postsecondary students

Author

Listed:
  • Landry Kuate
  • Amélie Lafrance-Cooke
  • Jenny Watt

Abstract

This study examines the educational pathways and outcomes of first-generation postsecondary students—students whose parents did not complete postsecondary education (PSE)—relative to non-first-generation students. Using descriptive statistics, this article leverages a unique integrated dataset formed by 2006 Census data and the Postsecondary Student Information System to examine (1) enrolment rates, (2) the graduation and persistence rates per enrolled cohorts from 2010/2011 to 2015/2016, and (3) the students’ time to graduation. The findings suggest a higher enrolment rate (75.08%) for potential non-first-generation individuals, compared with first-generation ones (58.91%). Results also suggest that among those enrolled students, the graduation rate was also higher for non-first-generation postsecondary students (73.66%) compared with first-generation students (68.60%). Furthermore, the persistence rate—the proportion of students in the entry cohort who are still enrolled in the program at the designated graduation threshold time—is 4.30% for non-first-generation postsecondary students, compared with 5.44% for first-generation students. Breaking down the results by selected characteristics, larger differences are observed by education qualifications, sex, student entry age and racialized population group.

Suggested Citation

  • Landry Kuate & Amélie Lafrance-Cooke & Jenny Watt, 2026. "The educational pathways of first-generation postsecondary students," Economic and Social Reports 202600200004e, Statistics Canada, Analytical Studies and Modelling Branch.
    • Handle: RePEc:stc:stcp8e:202600200004e
    DOI: https://doi.org/10.25318/36280001202600200004-eng
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    JEL classification:

    • J23 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Demand
    • M21 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Economics - - - Business Economics

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