This study investigates whether there are differences in first-year college success patterns (retention) between first-generation students and non first-generation students attending a multi-campus community college. The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of remediation, family income, and the influence of a parent's highest level of education upon retention of first-generation students. The study consisted of 713 student cases taken from the cohort of all students who enrolled and applied for financial aid during the fall semester of 1994 at the Wayne County Community College District, Michigan. The sample included 397 first-generation and 258 non first-generation students. The majority of the students (61.4%) were between 25 and 44 years old, and African American (68.7%), with family incomes between $5,001 and $15,000 (43.7%). Approximately 80% of the student population of 9,638 applied for financial aid. The results of data analyses showed significant differences between first-generation and non first-generation students relative to the number of semesters attended and cumulative grade point average. Based on the findings, the author recommends using a longitudinal study to determine the academic outcomes of first-generation students beyond the first year. Research instrument appended. (Contains 29 tables and 129 references.) (NB)