Those who are the first in their families to attend college have been identified as being academically under prepared and are twice as likely to not attend college or to drop out of college after the first year.  

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When being a first generation college student is coupled with being low income  and/or from an underrepresented population, the likelihood of college attainment decreases and the concept of completing a four year degree and persisting to earn an upper level degree diminishes. This demographic lacks the generational experience of understanding the college application process, submission of strong essays, and lack of competitive SAT/ACT test scores. They also do not possess the financial means or social capital to attain assistance.  These students are most impacted by their lack of knowledge to navigate the financial aid process, enabling them to find additional scholarship funding to off-set college cost and lower the need for student loans that lead to the accumulation of student debt.

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Highest Degree is focused on assisting this population with their attainment to post-secondary opportunities, helping them to receive maximum financial aid to lesson college debt,  as well as support and guidance as they persist to their highest degree.