This case study explores, from the student perspective, the difficulties and supports that empowers first-generation, female senior undergraduates at a United States (U.S.) 4-year institution of higher education (IHE) in their pursuit of degree attainment. The students denote diverse racial and socioeconomic demographics at the university study site. Much of the current research focuses on specific individual ethnic or socioeconomic groups versus female, first-generation IHE students. Students in this study described family income ranging from low income to upper middle class. The purpose of this study was to identify the self-described needs, strengths, supports and hindrances of a representative sample of female students at one university. The resulting themes of this study include continuing financial struggles, lack of available time due to work commitments, the importance of family and community support, inner strengths and resilience, relationships with professors, and family pride. The university mission emphasizes social justice, and the founder was a patron of immigrants. This study and the pursuit of social and economic justice align with that mission. Sharing the findings of this study may lead to improved recommendations to assist female students in higher education. The factors most salient to degree completion were identified through individual student interviews and small student focus groups, after completion of an initial survey. Rich student data was supplemented with additional insights and observations provided by individual university personnel interviews. Recommendations include mentoring programs and a first-generation manual for students and their families. The information derived from this research may contribute to additional recommendations. [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.]