A student whose parents or legal guardians did not attend college before them, whether a 2-year or a 4-year institution, making them and their siblings the first in their families to attend college. It can also include students with parents/guardians who graduated from college and universities outside the United States who have limited experience and knowledge of the college experience in the United States.

Being "low-income" refers to coming from a lower socioeconomic background. For example, being Pell Grant eligible, qualifying for the AAMC Fee Assistance Program, or any of the following criteria:

1. Were or currently are homeless
2. Were in the foster care system
3. Were eligible for the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program for two or more years
4. Received support from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) as a parent or child
5. Grew up in one of the following areas:
   • a U.S. rural area, as designated by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Rural Health Grants Eligibility Analyzer, or
   • a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services-designated Low-Income and Health Professional Shortage Area