The Condition of Education" summarizes important developments and trends in U.S.

education using the

latest available data. The 2001 edition had a special focus essay on the access, persistence, and success
of first-generation students (students whose parents did not attend college). To make the essay available
to audiences interested in how academic preparation in high school can increase postsecondary
education opportunities, the essay is reprinted in this document. The essay summarizes findings of a
recent series of National Center for Education Statistics studies about the experiences of high school
graduates and postsecondary students whose parents did not attend college. Data are from the National
Education Longitudinal Study, the beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study, and the
Baccalaureate and Beyond Longitudinal Study. These studies show that such students are at a distinct
disadvantaged when it comes to accessing postsecondary education, and those who overcome barriers
and enroll in postsecondary education remain at a disadvantage with respect to staying enrolled and
attaining degrees, even when there is control for other factors. Rigorous high school course-taking
mitigates, but does not completely close, the gaps in access and persistence. For students who do earn a
degree, labor market outcomes in the short term are similar regardless of their parents' education.
(Contains 11 figures, 8 tables, and 14 references.) (SLD)

Descriptors: Academic Achievement, Academic Persistence, College Preparation, College Students,

Course Selection (Students), Curriculum, Educational Attainment, High School Students, High Schools,
Higher Education, Parent Background

ED Pubs, P.O. Box 1398, Jessup, MD 20794-1398. Tel: 877-433-7827 (Toll Free); Fax: 301-470-1244; e-
mail: edpubs@inet.ed.gov.

Authoring Institution: National Center for Education Statistics (ED), Washington, DC.; MPR Associates,
Berkeley, CA.