The factors that influence the first-year persistence of first generation college students at four-year institutions were studied using data from the Beginning Postsecondary Students (BPS) database. The BPS is a longitudinal study of first-time students in the 1995 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study. First generation students are those whose parents did not attend college. Based on logistic regression results, first generation status is a factor in the persistence of college students. First generation students are 4% less likely to persist than second generation students. Several social capital variables, such as attending a private high school, type of high school curriculum, taking remedial courses, and having siblings in college were not statistically significant in the logistic regressions. Not having e-mail, which could be construed as a form of social capital, and delaying entry into college had statistically significant negative effects on the odds that students would persist to their second year. Being from a family where a language other than English was spoken had a positive influence on the odds of persisting. Not participating in a study group with other students and dissatisfaction with college costs and intellectual development had negative impacts on persistence. The study discusses some implications for educators attempting to increase student persistence. (Contains 7 tables and 38 references.) (SLD)