First-Generation College Student 2025 Impact Report
Bridging the Gap to Membership
In 2020, the Phi Delta Theta Foundation Board of Trustees approved an initiative to fund $1,000,000 in first-generation new member scholarships over four years. Since then, 560 individuals from 157 chapters have received a first-generation new member scholarship: that’s 84 percent of eligible chapters! These scholarships are available to new members in their first year of membership and are first-generation college students.
First-generation college students* have a median household income that is less than 50 percent of their continuing-generation peers. This scholarship serves as a bridge to membership for those needing extra support during their first year. Students have shared that this scholarship allowed them to work fewer hours to spend more time studying, buy books needed for their classes, and take research trips, to name a few. While scholarships cannot pay directly for fraternity membership, they are offsetting the investment students are making in their commitment and exposure to an organization that can directly improve their social mobility through a values-based experience.
Phi Delta Theta outpaces both averages irrespective of whether a student is a first- or continuing-generation student.* The past three years, Phi Delta Theta freshmen have returned to campus for a sophomore year 99 percent of the time, whether first-generation or not. Compare this to the national average. According to the Center for First-Generation Student Success, 81 percent of first-generation students return to school for a sophomore year, compared to 87 percent continuing generation students.
* A first-generation college student is defined as a student who has not had a parent or guardian complete a four-year degree. A continuing-generation student is a student who has a parent or guardian who has completed a four-year degree.
Phi Delta Theta’s work includes understanding the makeup of the Fraternity’s undergraduate membership. Being transparent about our undergraduate member demographics has facilitated valuable conversations and impactful decision-making. It also led to a focus on attracting first-generation students to our organization.
Through our partnership with Dyad Strategies, we know that first-generation college students are less likely to prioritize the social aspects of the Fraternity and have different life experiences and perspectives. On average, they work twenty or more hours per week, pay their own dues, and need financial assistance. We also learned that their views are more inclusive, promote further diversification, and help our chapters focus on leadership and philanthropy, ensuring a better and healthier experience for all.
First-Generation Statistics
Primarily due to financial challenges, navigating unfamiliar environments, and a lack of on-campus mentorship, retention and graduation rates for first-generation college students are significantly lower than for students with parents who attended college.
Letter from the Executive Vice President and CEO
Dear Brothers, Parents, and Friends,
As we present the 2025 First-Generation College Student Impact Report, I am honored to reflect on another year of remarkable progress and transformation within Phi Delta Theta. Our commitment to supporting first-generation college students continues to shape the lives of our members and strengthen the fabric of our brotherhood.
This year, our initiative has reached new heights. More chapters than ever are welcoming first-generation students, and our scholarship program has empowered hundreds of young men to pursue their academic and leadership goals with confidence. The stories shared in this report are powerful reminders of the difference we can make together.
Our data shows that first-generation members are not only thriving academically but are also stepping into leadership roles at impressive rates. Nearly one-third of our scholarship recipients have become chapter officers in their first year, and many have attended milestone leadership conferences, further developing their skills and networks. These achievements are a testament to the resilience, ambition, and potential of our first-generation brothers.
Beyond individual success, our program is fostering a more inclusive and dynamic fraternity experience. First-generation members bring diverse perspectives, enrich our chapters, and help us build a culture rooted in support, accountability, and service. Their presence is driving positive change—not just within Phi Delta Theta, but across the campuses and communities we serve.
As we look ahead, we remain deeply committed to expanding opportunities for first-generation students. With your continued support—whether through financial contributions, mentorship, or advocacy—we can ensure that every young man who joins Phi Delta Theta has the resources and encouragement needed to reach their fullest potential.
Thank you for believing in our mission and for making a lasting impact on the lives of first-generation college students. Together, we are building a legacy of leadership, inclusion, and excellence.
Humbly and proud to be a Phi!
