@austinmshauri - SUNY has an EOP program which takes students with lower stats. Some colleges also offer some first gen options. A SUNY my son declined invited him to a free, three day stay with etc, etc, based on his status as a first gen student. I am not sure where the school got that idea - his Common App clearly indicates that H and I both have post-grad degrees. He declined that invitation with a note. However, EOP eligible students often get PELL and TAP and have other benefits. My D worked for Upward Bound for 2 summers, which is a program that brings HS students on to college campuses to live and study for 6 weeks. The students, who are potential first gen and EOP admits, pay nothing. A number of the students D worked with are in college now.
I do agree that it may be hard for many students to accumulate 30 credits per year but the program is a start. Education is the key to getting into the middle class.