First-Generation Students at Rutgers-Camden

Being the first of your family to go to college isn’t just a big opportunity, it can feel like a big responsibility. But put all that aside and take pride in being a first-generation college student and know that you are not alone. In fact, 55% of Rutgers-Camden student body are first-generation students.

RUC 1^st Gen

“RUC 1^st Gen” is where you can connect with students with similar collegiate experiences. It’s also where you can find support programs and networking opportunities such as the Alpha Alpha Alpha Honor Society. It’s part of our “WeRfirst” campaign which celebrates First-Gen Students.

College can feel like a different and unfamiliar world. If you have questions, ask. If your parents have questions, ask on their behalf. We have an 80% graduation rate among our first-generation students, far higher than the national average of 54%. There’s a reason for that: we care. During your time at Rutgers-Camden, we want you to build your skills, build your network, and truly feel supported in achieving your goals.

Our Programs

There are a number of financial and personal support programs available to Rutgers-Camden first-generation students and their families.

Educational Opportunity Fund

State funded academic and financial support for economically disadvantaged students.

More About EOF

TRiO Student Support Services

Federally funded resources and support for first-generation, low-income, and undergraduate students with disabilities.

More About TRiO

Students with Disabilities

Accommodations, resources, and support to ensure an accessible environment for all.

More About Disability Services

A student studies in the library, smiling as they look at their laptop.

Camden Fellows

Community and financial support for undergraduate students with lived experience in the foster care system.

More About Camden Fellows

Resilience for Resource Peer Counselor III Celines Garcia takes calls

NJ STEP / Mountainview

Every person in prison who qualifies for college has the opportunity to take college classes while incarcerated and continue that education upon release.

More About NJ STEP/Mountainview

B1GS (Bridging First Generation Students)

B1GS is a student organization dedicated to recognizing and creating a supportive community of first-gen students here at Rutgers-Camden. Check out their engage page to see what events they have this semester!

B1GS Engage Page

RUC 1^st Gen Families

Welcome RUC 1^st Gen Families! Having a student who is among the first to attend college brings a great sense of pride. As the family of a first-generation college student at Rutgers University-Camden, we want to help you navigate this transition and journey for both you and your student. While we invite you to explore the entire Student Academic Success website to get an understanding of the services and support Rutgers University-Camden offers, this page will provide families of RUC 1^st Gen students with specific resources and information that may be especially helpful to those who did not attend college.

This includes what to expect as students transition academically and socially and understanding common university systems and language. There are many unknowns about your student’s college journey, and it can be overwhelming to figure out how to support your student throughout their academic career, but we are here to help. Rest assured, that if you’re reading this, you’re already on the path to helping your student be successful!