What counts as a first-generation student when applying to engineering colleges?

Usually, a first-generation college student is someone whose parents did not earn a bachelor’s degree. If one of your parents attended college but did not complete a four-year degree, many colleges would still consider you first-gen.

That said, definitions are not identical everywhere. Some colleges define first-gen as neither parent having completed any college degree at all, while others count students as first-gen if neither parent earned a bachelor’s degree, even if a parent earned an associate degree or took some college classes.

For engineering colleges, there generally is not a separate first-gen definition just because the program is engineering. The definition usually comes from the university’s admissions office, financial aid office, or diversity and access programs.

The safest approach is to read the exact wording on each application. If it says “neither parent has earned a four-year college degree” or “bachelor’s degree,” then you would likely answer yes. If it says “neither parent attended college,” then your answer may be no.

In your situation, if your parent started college but did not finish a degree, you may very well qualify as first-gen at many schools, but you should still check each college’s specific definition.