What are First Generation Scholarships?

First generation scholarships are awards for students who are the first in their family to go to college. The National Center for Education Statistics defines first generation college student as those whose parents never enrolled in post secondary education.

Why First Generations Should Apply for a Scholarship?

A first generation scholarship or grant can take some of the stress out of paying for college. Once you graduate, a college degree may open up job opportunities and earning potential.

First Generation College Scholarships

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Written by Dave Moniz

✔️ Edited by Unigo Staff

This guide is your key to finding scholarships made just for first-generation college students. It's packed with tips on how to apply and where to find the best scholarships. There are plenty of financial aid opportunities for first generation students. Ready to dive in? Let's find you some college money.

List of First Generation College Scholarships | Complete List

Check out our list of 696 First Generation College Scholarships | Complete List worth $3M.

CESDA Diversity Scholarship Application

$1,000 Award Amount

7 Awards

Jan 18 Deadline

This award is available for graduating high school seniors from the state of Colorado who plan to enroll in an accredited college or university in Colorado. Applicants must have a grade point average of 2.8 or higher, and must be a member of a minority group or a first-generation college student.

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Richard W. Mitchell Memorial Scholarship

$1,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Apr 1 Deadline

This award is available for current high school seniors in Dutchess County, New York. Selection is based on providing financial assistance to students who must overcome economic, physical, developmental or emotional barrier(s) to pursue a higher education.

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Melissa D. Bisaccia Memorial Scholarship

$1,500 Award Amount

1 Award

Apr 1 Deadline

This award is available for high school seniors graduating from Roy C. Ketcham High Schoool in Wappinger Falls, New York. Applicants mus demonstrate academic merit, financial need, and achievement in overcoming personal obstacles.

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Patty & Melvin Alperin First Generation Scholarship

$4,000 Award Amount

2 Awards

Apr 26 Deadline

This scholarship is available for Rhode Island high school seniors whose parents did not graduate from college. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and community service.

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The Villa Esperanza Scholarship

$2,000 Award Amount

3 Awards

Apr 30 Deadline

This scholarship is available for first-generation college students of Hispanic heritage. Applicants must be accpted to or enrolled at a college or university in the Austin, Texas area.

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Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarship

$5,000 Award Amount

1 Award

May 31 Deadline

This scholarship is available for U.S. college freshmen who are American Indian or Alaska Native with proof of enrollment or descendancy. Students must be the first in their immediate family to attend college, have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, and plan to attend a tribal college.

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Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Tribal College Scholarship

$2,750 Award Amount

27 Awards

May 31 Deadline

This scholarship is open to U.S. college freshmen who are of American Indian or Alaskan Native descent and are the first generation in their family to attend college. Students must be enrolled at a tribal college/university and have a grade point average of 2.0 or higher.

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First Generation Scholars

$1,000 Award Amount

10 Awards

Jun 1 Deadline

First Generation Scholars is a scholarship program set up at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota for high-need, high-potential, first-generation students from partner Lasallian and Jesuit high schools. These students must complete the Countdown to College program, our unique academic preparatory camp, held each summer during their high school years. The program serves students at two possible stages in their education, high school and college. High school students from partner Lasallian and Jesuit high schools have the opportunity to participate in the Countdown to College, an annual summer program that helps boost academic skills necessary for college readiness. First-generation students who enroll at Saint Mary's for undergraduate studies have access to academic, social, and cultural support. First-generation students need not participate in the Countdown to College program to be eligible for services.

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Frances C. and William P. Smallwood Foundation Scholarship

$4,000 Award Amount

4 Awards

Oct 15 Deadline

This scholarship is available to University of Nevada, Reno students who hold a 3.0 GPA or higher, graduated from a Carson City, Douglas, or Washoe County high school, are first-generation and/or demonstrate high financial need (EFC under $8000), and have completed their MyNevada General Scholarship Application by February 1.

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Northeastern University Torch Scholars Program

$72,932 Award Amount

1 Award

Jan 1 Deadline

This award is available to U.S high school students who are planning to attend Northeastern University, MA. Each applicant must be a first-generation college student who has overcome exceptional odds and who demonstrates the potential to excel academically.

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Largo Lions Foundation Scholarship

$1,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Jan 15 Deadline

This scholarship is available for high school seniors residing in Largo Florida who have overcome a significant personal obstacle. Selection is based on academic record, community service participation, and financial need.

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Regents' Scholarship

$12,000 Award Amount

2 Awards

Jan 15 Deadline

The Regents' Scholarship is designed to assist first-generation college students in achieving their educational goals at Texas A&M University. Students who entered fall 2019 or earlier will receive up to $5,000 per year for up to four years. Students entering fall of 2020 or later will receive up to $6000 per year for up to four years.

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Fannie & Sam Constantino First Generation Scholarship Program

$21,220 Award Amount

1 Award

Jan 15 Deadline

The First Generation Scholarship Program provides financial aid to high school students who exhibit a high degree of motivation and academic potential, and whose parents did not graduate from college. Recipients receive yearly awards of one-half the total cost of tuition and room and board. Since a large percentage of their alumni stay in the Rochester area, the program serves to reinforce the College’s commitment to the greater Rochester community. The first-year program of coursework and advising at the College is ideally suited to meet the needs of first generation students. Fisher offers students access to an outstanding faculty who can enable students to discover their natural abilities and to develop their minds. First Generation Scholarship recipients participate in a Learning Community designed to assist them in making a successful transition to a college environment. They also take part in an academic mentoring program in the Rochester community. This program allows them to mentor younger students in ways that encourage their interest in and pursuit of a college education.

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Jasdeep Singh Scholarship

$2,000 Award Amount

2 Awards

Jan 15 Deadline

Applicants need to be the first in their household family to attend post-secondary education at a certified institution, Matriculating freshman or sophomores as of Summer or Fall of 2021. One scholarship will be awarded to a Connecticut resident, the other can be from any other state or the District of Columbia.

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Fund for Education Abroad

$20,000 Award Amount

2 Awards

Jan 20 Deadline

Up to $10,000 are offered for students who plan to study abroad for a full academic year; $5,000 for students who plan to study abroad during the fall or spring semester; and awards that are prorated by number of weeks in-country for studying abroad in summer $1,250. Click to learn more and apply today!

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Financial Executives International (FEI) Scholarship

$10,500 Award Amount

3 Awards

Feb 14 Deadline

The Financial Executives International (FEI) Scholarship is available for U.S. and international students at Santa Clara University. Applicants must have a history of academic excellence, leadership, and must demonstrate an interest in finance or accounting.

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Norman and Pat Hayes Scholarship

$1,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Feb 14 Deadline

This scholarship is available for high school seniors graduating in Middletown or Monroe, Ohio. Students must be the first member of their families to pursue a college education.

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Cargill Global Scholars Program for U.S. Students

$7,500 Award Amount

10 Awards

Mar 1 Deadline

U.S. first- and second-year college students who are attending select universities and demonstrate high academic achievement are eligible for this award.

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Stolba/Sukkary Family Scholarship

$1,500 Award Amount

1 Award

Mar 12 Deadline

The Stolba/Sukkary Family Scholarship is provided to Sacramento area students who demonstrate unmet financial need. Additional preference will be given to first-generationl college students and enrollees at two-year colleges.

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Hard Work Pays Off Scholarship

$1,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Mar 31 Deadline

The scholarship is open to any student presently enrolled in an accredited community college, undergraduate, or graduate program in the United States. This includes incoming first-year college students who are either high school graduates or in possession of a GED.

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The Lentin Scholarship Fund

$10,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Apr 8 Deadline

The Lentin Scholarship Fund is available for Jewish high school juniors and seniors in the greater St. Louis area who have unmet financial need. Click here to learn more about how to apply today!

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Rene Hernandez Scholarship

$2,500 Award Amount

1 Award

Apr 15 Deadline

The Rene Hernandez Scholarship is available for first-generation Hispanic students who attend a high school in Travis and Williamson counties of Texas. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.

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Taigh Scholarship

$1,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Feb 11 Deadline

This scholarship is open to undergraduate students from Caledonia County, Vermont; preference is given to students who are residents of Peacham and/or among the first generation in their families to attend college. Students must demonstrate financial need and education/work ethic.

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College Success Program

$11,000 Award Amount

500 Awards

Feb 11 Deadline

The TELACU Education Foundation combines important financial assistance with highly effective programs that aim to ensure students’ academic success. It was originally set up to revitalize urban, underserved areas throughout the US. The College Success Program is funded by TELACU and their partner businesses, colleges, universities, nonprofits and private donors. Historically, about 75% of TELACU Scholars earn degrees in a STEM-related or Business discipline. They have also awarded scholarships to nearly 400 first-generation Latinx college students from underserved communities in California, Illinois, Texas, and New York. Applicants entering college as first-year students are eligible to apply for an Award that can be renewed for up to four years.

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George A. Miller Scholars Program

$10,000 Award Amount

10 Awards

Feb 11 Deadline

The George A. Miller Scholars Program provides outstanding community college transfer students the opportunity to develop leadership, research or community service skills and apply them in practice. Every year ten low-income, first-generation students are selected based on their leadership potential, academic excellence, and commitment to community service and education. As a close-knit group of students, Miller Scholars participate in the program for two years receiving individualized personal attention and guidance that helps them transition to Berkeley, succeed academically, and develop skills to ensure long term success. Based on financial need, each year Miller Scholars receive up to $5000 in scholarship for Fall/Spring, and up to $2000 for the summer between year one and year two. Students spend an entire academic year developing research and leadership skills while they plan an academic research or community service project, which they conduct under the guidance of a faculty mentor during the summer after their first year at Berkeley. The second year of the program prepares scholars for life after graduation, either in preparing them to apply for graduate or professional school, or in searching for and securing a job in their area of interest. Miller Scholars select one of two tracks: academic research or community service.

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What Are First Generation Students?

First generation scholarships are awards for students who are the first in their family to go to college. The NCES defines first generation college students as those whose parents never enrolled in post secondary education.

To qualify for a scholarship as a ‘first generation’ or ‘first scholar’, neither of your parents:

Obtained a certificate or college degree
Earned an associate degree or more advanced degree
Attained a bachelor’s degree or a more advanced degree

Apart from your ‘first’ status, there tend to be other rules about eligibility in place. An acceptable GPA and financial need (as determined by your FAFSA application) are factors commonly considered. Also, volunteer work and leadership qualities are often important to earn a first generation scholarship. There are scholarships for first generation students of color too. For these, the provider may specify you must identify as a certain race or ethnicity.

There are also scholarships for low income, underserved students. So, cast a wide net while also focusing on ones with ‘first gen’ in the title. Take the American Indian College Fund for instance. They sponsor the Coca Cola First Generation Scholarship. It is a $5,000 annual, nonrenewable award for American Indian and Alaska Native college students. Some providers also offer first generation scholarships to students in specific states or communities. These tend to ask for proof of residency and like others, your citizenship status.

Who Are First Gen Students?

First generation students now make up the majority of all college students. As of 2023, 56% of all undergraduate students were first generation. Three of the five states with the highest proportion of first generation students are out West – California (1st), Arizona (3rd), and Nevada (4th). Not all first generation students are traditional college age students. In fact, nearly 30% of all first generation students are 30 or older, according to the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA). First generation students tend to be students of color, identify as female, come from low earning or immigrant households, and have served in the military.

Financial Aid

There are many state and federal financial aid programs designed to help first generation students make access to an affordable college education a reality. The most popular is the federal Pell Grant, which provides students with up to $ 7,395 in 2024-25. The exact amount of a Pell Grant is based on family income as determined by the FAFSA.

Federal financial aid programs, including the Pell Grant, are reserved for U.S. citizens or legal residents. If you are a dreamer or your parents are undocumented immigrants, even though you may not qualify for federal grants, many states offer grants or tuition waivers including California, New York, Minnesota, Washington, and Texas, just to name a few. Many states have specific applications for Dreamers as the FAFSA is only available for U.S. citizens and legal residents.

College Grants and Scholarships for First Generation Students

In addition to federal and state financial aid opportunities, many public and private colleges and universities provide generous scholarships and grants to first generation students to encourage attendance by making the cost of education much more affordable. Unlike student loans, grants do not need to be repaid – so they can play an important role in addressing the gap between financial aid grants from the federal and state governments and tuition, fees, and other educational expenses.

While grants and scholarships awarded by colleges and universities can be generous, many first generation students find there will still be a gap. This is why private scholarships are so important for first generation students to consider.

Who Offers Scholarships for First Gen Students?

An example of a first generation scholarship is the Regent’s Scholar Program which is available at Texas A&M University. It provides up to $6,000 per academic year. To qualify, you need to be the first in your immediate family to pursue a college degree. Additionally, a student’s family income must be under $40,000. . The scholarship is renewable up to a max of eight semesters. Recipients must be in good standing with their academics to renew this scholarship.

The First Generation Grant is available at University of Colorado, Boulder. It is a $2,000 award or $4,000 if living on campus for the first year only. To qualify, you must be either an incoming freshman or transfer student and a Colorado resident.

You must also complete the FAFSA and be someone whose parent(s) or legal guardians do not have a bachelor’s degree. If you qualify, you can apply for the grant through the CU Boulder Scholarship Application.

Organizations that Help First Generation Students

There are many private scholarship programs that provide funding opportunities for first generation students. A few examples include:

Beyond 12 A national nonprofit founded in 2009. Their mission is to increase the number of low income first-gen and underserved students who graduate from college. To do this, they have several programs in place including a “MyCoaching” App.

College for Every Student, Brilliant Pathways CFES is a nonprofit that aims to help underserved youth prepare for, gain access to and succeed in college. They now work with rural and urban schools in 24 states. Each school will work with low income youth, many of whom are first gen students.

First Scholars The Firsts Scholars model blends a business mindset with college student success strategies. It intends to have a national impact and boost the graduation rate of first generation students. They also empower students to build self awareness.

Questbridge An internet platform that connects bright students from low income backgrounds with colleges. As a facilitator, they hope to see an uptick in the number of low income students who attend college. The Questbridge National College Match program is an opportunity for students to receive admission and a full four-year scholarship to over 50 highly regarded colleges.

Strive for College The UStrive platform connects you to a mentor online who can walk you through the college application process. While they do not offer first generation scholarships, your mentor can guide you to ones that may suit your goals. They also power the I’m First online network of first gen students.

Why First Gen Students Should Apply For Scholarships

A first generation scholarship or grant can take some of the stress out of paying for college. Unlike a loan, scholarships don’t need to be repaid as long as you follow the terms. Over 65% of first generation students rely on financial aid, according to First Generation Student Success. Many first generation students work full time while enrolled in school. However, many students in a first generation situation never make it to college.

Apart from the financial help, there is another possible benefit. Once you graduate, a college degree may open up job opportunities and earning potential. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that having a college degree boosts lifetime earnings. In fact, workers with a bachelor’s degree may earn twice as much as those who finished high school.

Tips for Applying for Scholarships

While there are many scholarship opportunities for first generation students, these scholarships can be competitive so a solid game plan and strategy can go a long way. These tips can enhance your chances of success when applying for scholarships.

Start Early: Begin searching for scholarships well ahead of when you plan to enroll in college, as many scholarship programs have early submission requirements. Some grant programs and scholarships, provide awards and benefits as early as the 9th grade. This is especially true for scholarships focused on first generation students. So, start your search early, as soon as the 9th or 10th grade.

Stay Organized: Keep track of deadlines, required documents, and application criteria using a spreadsheet or planner.

Personalize Your Approach: Tailor your essays and personal statements to highlight your achievements, goals, and how they align with each scholarship’s mission and unique requirements.

Recommendations: Obtain strong letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or community leaders who can speak to your unique qualifications.

Showcase Your Achievements: Emphasize your academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities, athletic abilities, unique talents, interests, leadership roles, and community service in your applications. Make sure and do so in the context of any unique experiences or adversity you have overcome.

FAFSA Completion: Many scholarship programs require applicants to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form is also essential for federal grants and other financial aid programs including grants and scholarships you might receive from your college. You should complete the FAFSA as early as you can in your senior year of high school and/or before you plan to start your degree program.

First in Family Students and Student Loans

While scholarships and grants are ideal for first generation students because they do not require repayment, they may not cover all educational expenses. Federal student loans offer favorable terms compared to private loans and can help bridge the financial gap. However, it’s important to consider repayment obligations when taking out any type of student loan. Federal student loan programs do require completion of the FAFSA. It is important to note that federal student loans are only available to U.S. citizens and residents.

First Generation Students who are Dreamers

Although first generation students who are undocumented are not eligible for federal student loan programs or grants like the Pell Grant, as of August 2024, state financial aid and grant programs in 19 states do provide awards to undocumented students. Furthermore, many colleges and universities provide school-based grants and scholarships for undocumented students who are first in their families to attend college.

A number of private scholarships and organizations also provide funding, advocacy, and other resources to first generation students who are undocumented including:

United We Dream
Immigrants Rising
TheDream.Us
Upward Bound
“I Have a Dream” Foundation
First Gen Scholars