This essay addresses persistence and success of an underrepresented group enrolled in college who are white, working-class first-generation students. The discussion examines these college students and the challenges they face. The discussion analyzes why first-generation college students persist while others do not. Additionally, the discussion explores issues of access to some public universities due to socioeconomic status backgrounds and rising costs of higher education. Finally, the discussion examines programs used at many colleges and universities which support first-generation students and how this information can be employed to assist white, working-class first-generation college students to persist and succeed in higher education.