We use cookies on our website to support technical features that enhance your user experience, and to help us improve our website. By continuing to use this website, you accept our
privacy policy.
Find the Florida campus nearest you with resources like clinical and medical labs, faculty and peer collaboration, computer labs, student lounges and more.
Find the Illinois campus nearest you with resources like health sciences labs, faculty and peer collaboration, computer labs, student lounges and more.
Find the Minnesota campus nearest you with resources like clinical and medical labs, faculty and peer collaboration, computer labs, student lounges and more.
Explore the Fargo campus near the Minnesota border with resources like in-person labs, faculty and peer collaboration, computer labs, student lounges and more.
Choose your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program based on your specialization interest, from Leadership, Education or Technology to advanced Nurse Practitioner fields.
Choose an additional Master’s level specialization based on your nursing career goals, from Leadership, Education or Technology to advanced Nurse Practitioner fields.
On August 4, 2026, American Public University System combined with Rasmussen University and Hondros College of Nursing to form a single higher education institution. American Public University System (the System) now includes American Public University, American Military University, Rasmussen University, and Hondros College of Nursing. The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Public Education, Inc. (APEI). We are continuing to update our website to reflect our new structure.
According to a study by the Higher Education Research Institute, one in six college students in 2005 were first generation college students. These students came from a household where neither parent (or even grandparents) have a college degree. First-generation students may be less likely to know about the college application process and college traditions, so extra student support from college representatives may be helpful. If you are the first member of your family to pursue a higher education, here's what you can expect in a college program:
Working Hard Everyone is expected to work hard in school, but you may feel a bit of extra pressure from your parents, especially if they encouraged you to attend college. You don't want to disappoint them, which could make you worry more than you have to about your academic performance. Keep in mind that if you were accepted into school, there shouldn't be a reason to doubt your capabilities.
If you're covering your own college tuition, you may find that working through school is necessary, whether part-time or full-time. You may have to be creative about scheduling in order to fit everything in.
Mixed Emotions It's completely normal to be excited and a little anxious about college, but you may feel slightly more so because of the pressure to succeed. Just remember that you deserve to be at school and your parents will love you no matter what happens. Keep a positive outlook and never be afraid to ask for help from peers, your instructors, and your college's support staff.
You may feel a bit guilty about being the only one in your family who is getting an education - especially if you see your parents working so hard to make a living at home. Instead of letting these feelings slow you down, put your efforts into your work so you can make the best of your own situation. Keep in mind that when you are armed with a college degree, you are improving your chances of career success and stability!
Get Support It's important to surround yourself with a strong support system, which can include your family, friends, instructors, and classmates. If you share what you're going through, you may find that they can help you adjust. Consider joining groups and clubs on campus so you can stay involved and have plenty of resources.
Remember that time management is essential, especially if you're planning to juggle school, family, and work all at once. If you ever find yourself struggling, don't be afraid to reach out for help. Financial aid assistance, career services, tutoring, and academic advisors are all there for you to utilize, so take advantage of them.
This article was transcribed by the Rasmussen University Blog team. Are you ready to take the plunge into a new, successful future? If so, learn more about our degree programs today.
This piece of ad content was created by Rasmussen University part of American Public University System to support its educational programs. Rasmussen University may not prepare students for all positions featured within this content. Please visit www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/ for a list of programs offered. External links provided on rasmussen.edu are for reference only. Rasmussen University does not guarantee, approve, control, or specifically endorse the information or products available on websites linked to, and is not endorsed by website owners, authors and/or organizations referenced. American Public University System (the System) is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) (www.hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). The System is comprised of American Military University (AMU), American Public University (APU), Rasmussen University (RU), and Hondros College of Nursing (HCN).
.jpg?sfvrsn=737e50d2_1)
