Quality of Life Differences: First-Generation and Generational College Students at Baylor University

Abstract

This study addresses Impostor Syndrome and class differences through an analysis of the quality of life for first-generation and generational college students at Baylor University. Within 158 anonymous survey responses, 60 first-generation experiences and 98 generational experiences were represented. Participant responses were coded with IBM SPSS to conduct Chi Square and Fisher’s Exact tests in RStudio that reveal statistical trends distinct to each student population. It was hypothesized that the difference in quality of life for these two student populations on the Baylor campus would be an issue of socioeconomic class differences. Results confirmed this hypothesis as financial independence and financial instability are most visible in Baylor’s first-generation college student population. These findings suggest that a students’ college experience is impacted by their socioeconomic status, which then facilitates impostor feelings within first-generation college students.