Who is a First‑Generation Student at USC?
At the University of South Carolina, a first‑generation student is any student whose parent(s) did not complete a bachelor’s degree. This includes students whose parents earned an associate degree or attended some college but did not graduate. First‑generation students bring unique strengths, perspectives and leadership to the Carolina community and are a vital part of USC’s academic mission.
First‑generation students represent more than 20% of USC’s undergraduate population, and the university is committed to ensuring they have access to the resources, relationships and opportunities needed to thrive from enrollment through graduation.
University‑Wide Support for First‑Generation Students
First‑Generation Center
The First‑Generation Center, housed in Maxcy College, serves as USC’s central hub for first‑generation student support. The center provides academic, social and personal support; mentoring opportunities; faculty and staff engagement; and a First‑Generation Living and Learning Community for incoming students.
The center brings together campus partners to reduce barriers, strengthen belonging and support student persistence and graduation. USC’s first‑generation efforts have been nationally recognized through the FirstGen Forward Network Champion designation.
Learn more about the First‑Generation Center.
TRIO Programs
USC has supported first‑generation and low‑income students for more than 50 years through its federally funded TRIO Programs. TRIO provides sustained academic, financial and personal support from middle school through graduate school, including programs such as Upward Bound, Educational Talent Search, Opportunity Scholars, and the Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program.
TRIO programs remain a cornerstone of USC’s first‑generation success strategy and demonstrate the long‑term impact of structured, high‑touch support.
Learn more about TRIO Programs at USC.
First‑Generation Living and Learning Community (LLC)
The University of South Carolina offers a First‑Generation Living and Learning Community (LLC) designed to support incoming first‑generation students as they transition to college life. The LLC is connected to the First‑Generation Center and is located in Maxcy College, creating a residential environment where students live, learn and build community together.
Students in the First‑Generation LLC benefit from:
- A cohort‑based residential experience with other first‑generation students
- Faculty‑ and staff‑led programming focused on academic success, well‑being and belonging
- Direct connections to mentoring, advising and campus resources through the First‑Generation Center
The LLC reflects USC’s commitment to embedding first‑generation support into students’ daily academic and residential experiences, reducing barriers and strengthening persistence from the first year forward.
Learn more about the First‑Generation Center and Living and Learning Community.
Faculty and Staff Engagement
Faculty and staff play a critical role in first‑generation student success at USC. Through mentorship, visibility and advocacy, faculty and staff help students navigate university culture and connect to resources. USC encourages faculty and staff who identify as first‑generation college graduates to share their experiences and serve as mentors for students.
Learn more about opportunities for Faculty and Staff to support First-Generation Students.
USC’s comprehensive approach to first‑generation student success reflects a university‑wide commitment to access, belonging and graduation. Through coordinated leadership, evidence‑based practices and cross‑campus collaboration, the University of South Carolina continues to strengthen pathways for first‑generation students and their families.