Early Experiences and Integration in the Persistence of First-Generation College Students in STEM and Non-STEM Majors

  1. PEMC-STEM and other-STEM FGCSs were more likely to feel well prepared in chemistry (35% and 39%, respectively) than non-STEM FGCS peers (22%).
  2. Among the significant findings in each group by major category, the common thread is first-semester GPA as a predictor of persistence.
  3. Besides early academic performance, the only other significant factor for persistence of PEMC-STEM majors was perceived preparation in math.
  4. Perceived social fit was significant for persistence for the other-STEM and non-STEM majors, whereas perceived academic fit was only significant for non-STEM majors.
  5. Grades matter when predicting FGCSs’ potential of returning for the second year in any major, including the two STEM subcategories.
  6. There are differences by major grouping that must also be better understood in terms of integration.