Few studies have investigated the impact of the first semester freshman college experience on cardiovascular disease risk factors such as blood lipids and fasting blood glucose. Thirty one college freshman ages 18-22 (9 males and 22 females) completed blood lipid and fasting blood glucose screenings, as well as additional physical fitness assessments, at the beginning (week 2) and again at the end (week 14) of their first year freshman semester. At the beginning of the semester, mean total cholesterol level was 164.37 mg/dl, HDL cholesterol was 48.37 mg/dl, LDL cholesterol was 93.41 mg/dl, triglycerides were 148.32 mg/dl, and fasting blood glucose was 87.34 mg/dl. Results indicate statistically significant increases from pre- to post-semester on measures of total cholesterol (p<.000), HDL (p<.03), LDL (p<.001) fasting glucose levels (p< .03), weight (p<.02), and BMI (p<.005) for the overall group. Data were further analyzed to assess differences by gender and living status (dorm vs. off campus). While gender differences were not significant, triglyceride levels were significantly increased (p<.015) for students living in the dorm compared to those living off campus. Results of this study suggest that the first semester freshman college experience has a negative impact on total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and fasting glucose levels. In conclusion, continued research is recommended to further investigate cardiovascular risk factor development among freshman students during their first year college experience.Keyword(s): disease prevention/wellness, health education college/univ, research