First generation college students demographic, socio-economic status, academic experience, successes, and challenges at pharmacy schools in the United States.

INTRODUCTION: Identify the demographic, socio-economic status, academic performance, and challenges of first generation college students (FGCS) enrolled in pharmacy schools. Investigate students' perception on the strengths of available resources to support FGCS during their tenure in pharmacy school.

METHODS: About 342 FGCS and 248 non-FGCS (NFGCS) from 24 pharmacy schools participated in an online anonymous survey that evaluated students' demographics and socio-economic background, commitment to the pharmacy profession, strength of institutional support, and school experience. Students' responses were analyzed using t-tests for continuous variables and chi-square tests for categorical variables.

RESULTS: FGCS in pharmacy school are predominantly Caucasians (57.9%) and female (69%). About 15.5% of them come from families living below the federal poverty level; 2.5 times higher than their NFGCS counterparts (6%). While 35.6% of NFGCS come from families earning more than $100,000 per year, only 9.1% of FGCS belong to this group. No statistical difference between the grade point average of FGCS and NFGCS was found.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Although most FGCS come from a lower socio-economic background and experience many challenges throughout their tenure in pharmacy school, they still achieve academically as well as their NFGCS counterpart. The United States is rapidly becoming a more racially and ethnically diverse nation, therefore, it is critical that new strategies be designed to bring a stronger representation of minority groups in the field of pharmacy for the years to come.