A Content Analysis of YouTube College-Advice Videos: How They Can Help First-Generation College Students Navigate the Hidden Curriculum

First-generation college students (FGCS) often require guidance to navigate the unwritten expectations, values, and norms of higher education (i.e. the hidden curriculum). Social media has made college advice widely accessible. However, no study has systematically explored its potential for demystifying the hidden curriculum for FGCS. To this end, this content analysis examined 50 YouTube college-advice videos. The findings showed that these videos demystified the hidden curriculum by discussing transitioning to college, academic skills, social connections, institutional resources, and financial literacy. Through these videos, FGCS can develop the necessary capital to navigate college and support their success.