Student Support Services
Find support in your transition to college as you work towards your four-year degree with help from your advisors, faculty and mentors.
Take the next step toward achieving your dreams of going to college.
Be the First
If you’re a prospective first-generation student, you will be in good company here at Dean. More than 30% of all our undergraduate students – and nearly 50% of the incoming Class of 2027 – are the first in their family to attend college.
At Dean, you’ll find the people and the resources who will help make your dreams a reality. From student support services and financial aid counseling to academic programs and mentors, we have a close-knit community that will support you every step of the way as you break barriers, accomplish your goals and reach unimagined heights as a first-generation college student.
Financial Aid
College affordability is something every family needs to consider. We’ll support you every step of the way, no matter where you are in the process.
Hear from First-Generation Students and Alumni
Click on the boxes below to view videos and read stories from fellow first-generation students and alumni to see what it’s like being a first-generation student at Dean.
Q&A with First Generation Students
Learn more from our first-generation students.
First-Generation Faculty & Staff
We’re also home to many faculty and staff who were first-generation college graduates. Click on the boxes below to read their stories and see what being a first-generation student means to them.
Assistant Professor, Management and Criminal Justice
“In the late ’70s, my entire family immigrated to America from Italy. My parents (with their four children) knew that America would offer wonderful opportunities for the whole family and a better way of life. Although my parents and the family could not speak any English, we learned and adapted quickly to survive. As a young teenager, it was extremely difficult to leave my friends and everything I knew in Italy. Having difficulty speaking, reading and writing English had a deep impact on my confidence in not only the classroom but in any social event.
I recall being in high school and not having the confidence that I could earn my high school diploma. It was at that point that my parents would always tell me here in America, with hard work you can achieve anything you want! My parents were both custodial workers and they always told me, “An education will ALWAYS offer you unimaginable and wonderful opportunities and a better way of life.” At that time, I didn’t have the maturity to fully understand, but now, I can see how very right they are. As a result of my parent’s support and sacrifices, their children became a college professor, a police officer, a bank executive and a senior computer engineer.
In addition to my parents, I was fortunate to have had a few high school teachers that not only inspired me but would always check in on me periodically. They continued to stay in touch and give me encouragement throughout my college graduations as I earned my bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees. My passion for teaching stems from those few teachers and their ability to inspire me to achieve unimaginable heights. I want to guide and inspire all my students to also achieve unimaginable heights and dreams.”
Operations Manager, Office of Residence Life
“I navigated college on my own by asking a lot of questions of advisors and professors. Although my parents very much supported and encouraged me to go to college, they did not intervene in any way to help me in this effort once I arrived on campus. Given the era, this was not an uncommon approach. Parents were not called upon or expected to advocate for their student. My older sister went to college first, and she was a good source of information for me. I remember feeling anxious to leave home, but once I did, I kind of adopted a ‘sink or swim’ attitude and figured I could do it! I encourage students (including my own children) to advocate for themselves. This builds confidence!”
First-Gen Student Information
