First-Generation College Students in Saudi Universities

Samah Alshrief, Seton Hall University

Abstract

First-generation college student experience in Saudi Arabia exposed a significant gap. No literary work or research is dedicated to this demographic; their story remains untold. This dissertation highlighted the characteristics of first-generation and continuing-generation college students in Saudi universities compared to the global characteristics of first-generation college students. This dissertation is structured as two similar but unique papers, parallel studies. The first study used a quantitative approach and analyzed Survey data of college students in Saudi universities. The second study used a qualitative approach and analyzed interview data of admission deans and vice deans in Saudi universities.