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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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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Anthony C. Ogden & Hsiu-Zu Ho & Yeana W. Lam & Angela D. Bell & Rachana Bhatt & Leslie Hodges & Coryn Shiflet & Donald Rubin, 2024. "The Impact of Education Abroad Participation on College Student Success Among First-Generation Students," The Journal of Higher Education, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 95(3), pages 285-312, April.
    2. Fortin, Bernard & Ragued, Safa, 2017. "Does temporary interruption in postsecondary education induce a wage penalty? Evidence from Canada," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 58(C), pages 108-122.
    3. Tomasz Handler & Aneta Bonikowska & Marc Frenette, 2024. "Pathways of Black, Latin American and other population groups in bachelor’s degree programs," Economic and Social Reports 202400500003e, Statistics Canada, Analytical Studies and Modelling Branch.
    4. Ross Finnie & Richard E. Mueller, 2017. "Access to post-secondary education: How does Québec compare to the rest of Canada?," L'Actualité Economique, Société Canadienne de Science Economique, vol. 93(3), pages 441-474.
    5. repec:stc:stcp8e:2024005e is not listed on IDEAS
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    Keywords

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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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