There is a lack of significant literature that highlights the lives of students who identify as Black women who are also first-generation college students. The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore the impact higher education has on the development of the sense of self of first-generation Black women. More specifically, this study sought to understand the lived experiences of first-generation Black women who attended and graduated from predominantly white institutions in the United States. To complete this study, 10 Black women who are first-generation college graduates were interviewed and asked to discuss their experiences while working towards completing their undergraduate degree. The stories told by these women were analyzed to answer the following research questions: How would first-generation Black women alumna describe the development of their sense of self? How do first-generation Black women alumnae describe their experiences in college? The second question had two sub-questions: How do they characterize these experiences? And what aspects of those experiences do they identify as facilitative or restrictive of their feelings of belonging or marginalization? Upon analysis, themes were created that highlighted the lives of these women as they were preparing for college, working to get through college, experiencing levels of negativity, having community, and being proud of their accomplishments. Recommendations for higher education institutions to serve this student population include developing intentional visibility of first-gen students and programs, providing adequate support to students, creating intersectional programs and services, and providing experiences to these students before they enter college and while they are attending our institutions. [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://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]