This study investigated how first-generation, loan-borrowing college graduates from a California public college or university viewed the continued increase in college tuition and its impact on their financial well-being. College tuition has continued to increase and outpace the United States rate of inflation, and the mindfulness of student loans to pay for college has led to debt issues for individuals, resulting in an awareness of the return on investment associated with a college education. This study interviewed eight first-generation, loan-borrowing college graduates to determine how their financial well-being was affected by the sustained increase in college tuition prior to, during, and after graduation. This study utilized the student financial well-being model developed by Shim et al.'s (2009). The collected data indicates that participants questioned the value of attending a traditional 4-year institution and their return on investment. However, the participants acknowledged the significance of attending college to advance one's professional career as a critical factor for upward mobility as well as a need for continued education. The findings provided insight into the determination and sacrifices each participant's upbringing had on them by being the first in their families to graduate from a United States institution, as well as how the education affected their perspective on the educational system. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]