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Alyssa Schulz Image Written By: Alyssa Schulz | Edited By: Cara Goldstone | Updated: July 3, 2025

First-Generation Scholarships

Key takeaways:

  • Many first-generation scholarships are offered by specific schools, while others can be used at any or multiple institutions.
  • Some scholarships for first-generation students also provide support and mentorship to help students navigate college.
  • Financial need is often a primary factor in first-generation scholarships; however some may consider academic merit, leadership, or community involvement.

During the 2019-2020 academic school year, over 25% of all undergraduate students in the U.S. were first-generation college students. For many, being the first to navigate college can feel overwhelming— not only because of rigorous academics, but also due to a lack of family guidance in regards to applications, campus life, and how to manage tuition costs.

Luckily, scholarships created specifically for first-generation students can lessen this burden. In addition to financial support, many awards also offer mentorship, peer networks, and other resources to help students excel academically and adjust to college life.

The 25 Best First-Generation Scholarships with Approaching Deadlines in 2025

  • 1

  • HUSTLE Hearts Foundation Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineJuly 31, 2025

The HUSTLE Hearts Foundation supports outstanding Latino students with college scholarships, while empowering students to be trailblazers and make an impact in their community. Scholarship Details Three scholarships awarded annually: two for $1,000 and one for $500 Scholarship funds distributed to the recipient's college by August 22nd Recipients will be honored at a

  • 2

  • Simon Scholar Physician Assistant Program

  • Amount$175,224
  • DeadlineAugust 30, 2025

The Simon Scholar Physician Assistant Program offers full-tuition scholarships to first-generation, underserved college students pursuing their MMS degrees through Chapman University's Physician Assistant (PA) Program. Scholarship Details The program involves the opportunity to graduate in 2 years Alumni work in all kinds of healthcare fields 10 scholarships are awarded each

  • 3

  • University of Miami Ronald A. Hammond Scholarship

  • Amount$242,880
  • DeadlineNovember 1, 2025

The Ronald A. Hammond Scholarship is awarded to high school seniors who have demonstrated academic excellence and who intend to continue their academic pursuits through graduate education. Hammond Scholars receive the full cost of tuition for four years of undergraduate study at UM. A Hammond Scholar must complete a full-time undergraduate program of study with no fewer than 12 credit hours

  • 4

  • Texas A&M University Regents' Scholarship

  • Amount$24,000
  • DeadlineDecember 1, 2025

First awarded in Fall 2004, the Regents' Scholarship is designed to assist first-generation college students in achieving their educational goals at Texas A&M University. To be considered for the Regents’ Scholarship, you must be: admitted as a freshman to Texas A&M University College Station; be a first-generation college student (neither parent has earned a bachelor’s degree); come from a

  • 5

  • New York University AnBryce Scholarship

  • AmountVaries
  • DeadlineJanuary 5, 2026

Scholarships and grants are types of financial aid you don’t have to pay back. NYU offers or recognizes many scholarship options, including programs for new students, current NYU undergraduates, and scholarships from outside sources. The AnBryce Scholarship is awarded to academically-motivated students who demonstrate financial need and who are the first generation in their family to attend

  • 6

  • University of Alabama Coca-Cola First-Generation Scholarship

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 15, 2026

The Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarship at The University of Alabama supports incoming in-state freshmen who are the first in their families to pursue higher education. This competitive scholarship is awarded through an interview process during the senior year of high school and provides financial support for up to four years, provided recipients maintain program requirements. Scholarship

  • 7

  • Dorrance Scholarship

  • Amount$48,000
  • DeadlineFebruary 5, 2026

The Dorrance Scholarship is a renewable award of $12,000 per academic year for first-generation Arizona students with financial need. Scholarship Details Renewable for up to 4 years Events, networking, and international travel are all built into the award Eligibility Criteria Arizona resident High school senior First-generation Demonstrated financial need Minimum GPA of

  • 8

  • Clarkston Scholars Program

  • Amount$10,000
  • DeadlineFebruary 7, 2026

A Clarkston Scholar is a highly-driven, first-generation college student who excels in the classroom, has an interest in consulting or the industries Clarkston serves, and has demonstrated financial need. The Clarkston Scholars Program will provide one sophomore attending a four-year college/university undergraduate program at a qualifying school a $10,000 scholarship award ($5,000 per year for

  • 9

  • Colorado Mesa University's First Generation Scholarship

  • Amount$4,000
  • DeadlineFebruary 10, 2026

The Colorado Mesa University First Generation Scholarship is an annual scholarship students whose parents have not graduated with a four-year degree. Completing an additional application is not required for first-time students. This scholarship may be stacked on top of any other merit or transfer scholarships offered by Colorado Mesa University. To be eligible for the First Generation

  • 10

  • VSAC Taigh Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineFebruary 12, 2026

The Taigh Scholarship was established to inspire and encourage residents of Peacham to pursue a post-secondary education, especially among rural students who may be the first in their families to attend college. Applicants must attend an accredited school approved for federal Title IV funding (Pell grants, Stafford loans, PLUS loans); reside in Caledonia County and demonstrate financial need and

  • 11

  • Carol A. Hurley Memorial Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineFebruary 12, 2026

To be eligible for the Carol A. Hurley Memorial Scholarship, applicants must: be a high school senior who will graduate from an eligible school (preference is given to applicants who are among the first generation in their families to attend college); be pursuing an undergraduate degree; be enrolled full-time; have a 2.5 GPA; demonstrate financial need; demonstrate school/community involvement;

  • 12

  • SVCF Krishnan-Shah Family Scholarship

  • Amount$10,000
  • DeadlineFebruary 28, 2026

The Krishnan-Shah Family Scholarship was established by Ajay Shah, Lata Krishnan and their family. This scholarship program seeks to support financially needy students with academic potential and demonstrated community involvement, and provide meaningful and ongoing financial support to ensure that students complete their undergraduate degree. Applicants must be/have: Graduating high school

  • 13

  • Red Thread Foundation Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineFebruary 28, 2026

The Red Thread Scholarship Program supports women of international backgrounds, including foreign students, immigrants, and first-generation Americans, who are beginning their college or university education in the U.S. This annual scholarship fund promotes international leadership and academic excellence by providing financial assistance to students with diverse cultural identities. Graduate

  • 14

  • King-Barton Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineMarch 7, 2026

The King-Barton scholarship was established to provide scholarships to graduating high school seniors attending Harrison County High School who demonstrate significant financial need and have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. Preference is given to first-generation college student. This scholarship is non-renewable. Other than that, this scholarship doesn't have too many restrictions.

  • 15

  • Emma E. Buckley Scholarship

  • Amount$10,000
  • DeadlineMarch 7, 2026

The Emma E. Buckley Scholarship was established in honor of Emma E. Buckley, a long-time philanthropist in Kentucky. This renewable scholarship is awarded to high school seniors attending Woodford County High School and Fayette County Public Schools who demonstrate significant financial need. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Preference is given to first-generation college

  • 16

  • W.O. Davis Memorial Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineMarch 7, 2026

The W.O. Davis Memorial scholarship was established to provide scholarships to graduating high school seniors attending Woodford County High School who demonstrate significant financial need and have a cumulative GPA 2.5 or higher. Preference is given to a first-generation college student. This is a non-renewable scholarship and the award amount varies each year. Applications run from early

  • 17

  • The Kim and Harold Louie Family Foundation Scholarship Program

  • Amount$2,000
  • DeadlineMarch 14, 2026

The Kim and Harold Louie Family Foundation (the “Foundation”) anticipates awarding approximately $100,000 in scholarships. The Foundation intends to set the number of actual scholarships and the amount of an individual scholarship based on a consideration of certain factors, including without limitation, the financial resources and the qualifications of the scholarship recipients. This

  • 18

  • Fontana Transport Inc. Scholars Program

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineMarch 14, 2026

Fontana Transport Inc. offers a scholarship award of $5,000 for one first-generation high school senior planning to enter their undergraduate studies upon graduation. Scholarship Details The application opens every November Fontana Transport Inc. features winners online Candidates do not need to be U.S. citizens Eligibility Criteria High school senior at a U.S. high school Plan

  • 19

  • University of Florida Machen Florida Opportunity Scholars

  • AmountVaries
  • DeadlineMarch 15, 2026

The Machen Florida Opportunity Scholars program boldly reimagines the first-generation student experience by providing transformative access, comprehensive scholarships, and elite support programs. The Machen Florida Opportunity Scholars program provides financial resources and individual support with the primary goal of graduating first generation, low-income undergraduate students. By

  • 20

  • University of Colorado-Boulder First-Generation Scholarship

  • Amount$32,000
  • DeadlineMarch 15, 2026

The First Generation Scholarship is awarded to undergraduate residents and nonresidents who have financial need and whose parent(s) or legal guardians do not have a bachelor's degree. During the first year, recipients are required to participate in the First Generation Scholars Program, offered through the Center for Inclusion & Social Change. The number of recipients will vary. Applicants

  • 21

  • Hendrick Scholarship Foundation

  • Amount$15,000
  • DeadlineMarch 15, 2026

Having financial access to college does not guarantee success in college. To support our students, we provide ongoing guidance and assistance throughout their time in college. Students are awarded scholarships up to a maximum total of $15,000. Scholarship amount per semester varies based on GPA and credits, as well as whether the student starts at Collin College or a 4-year university. A typical

  • 22

  • Diversity Scholars Program

  • Amount$20,000
  • DeadlineMarch 15, 2026

The purpose of this program is to increase underrepresented populations participation in the transportation profession by supporting increased diversity at the undergraduate level. Diversity in transportation is critical as practitioners seek to fully understand the transportation needs of communities in the development of equitable mobility improvements to many areas of our society.

  • 23

  • OCA Gold Mountain Scholarship

  • Amount$2,000
  • DeadlineMarch 18, 2026

The title of this scholarship program calls back to a time when many Asian immigrants looked upon America as a mountain of golden opportunities for themselves and their families. Awardees of the scholarship seek dreams of higher education, which are not only the dreams of the students but also of their parents and extended family. Scholarship Details Scholarship award: $2,000

  • 24

  • OCA-UPS Gold Mountain Scholarship for Rising College Seniors

  • Amount$2,500
  • DeadlineMarch 18, 2026

The OCA-UPS® Gold Mountain Scholarship recognizes first-generation college students who are pursuing their final year of higher education. Since its establishment, this program has awarded over 160 scholarships to high school and college students, providing essential financial support to those striving to achieve their academic dreams. In 2025, selected college seniors will receive a $2,500 award

  • 25

  • Balkhi Foundation Higher Education Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineMarch 26, 2026

The Balkhi Foundation Higher Education Scholarship is designed to make college more accessible for talented high school seniors with financial need. Each year, the foundation awards ten renewable scholarships to exceptional students who have demonstrated academic dedication, leadership, and a drive to succeed through personal goals or community involvement. Scholars are expected to be

What are first-generation scholarships?

First-generation scholarships are awards designed specifically for students who are the first in their family to complete a 4-year college degree. These scholarships aim to expand opportunities for students who may not have as much family guidance or financial backing as those whose parents have college degrees.

In most cases, students are eligible for first-generation scholarships as long as neither of their parents have earned a bachelor’s degree. This means that students likely qualify even if their parents attended a 4-year college but did not complete their degree, or even if they graduated from a 2-year college or trade school instead.

How to apply for scholarships for first-generation students

When you create an account on Scholarships.com and add your demographic information, you will receive a list of scholarships you’re eligible for, including scholarships for first-generation students. Sort matches by awards with the soonest deadlines or their amounts to find scholarships as efficiently as possible. You can also use our scholarship directory to look at all of the first-generation scholarships we offer.

Most of these awards will require you to confirm that neither of your parents have earned a bachelor’s degree. You may need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which shows your family’s education and financial background. The scholarship could also ask for an essay about your family’s background or your experience navigating college as a first-generation student.

Always read each scholarship’s instructions carefully to ensure that you provide all required documentation. If you are unsure of what information you need to supply, contact the scholarship provider or your school's financial aid office.

What are the best first-generation scholarships?

The best scholarships will depend on your major, location, background, interests, and the school you plan to attend. For example, the Dorrance Scholarship provides up to $48,000 to first-generation college students admitted to a public university in Arizona. Applicants must also be recent graduates from a high school in Arizona, demonstrate financial need, have a minimum GPA of 3.0, and have received at least an 1110 on the SAT or a 22 or higher on the ACT.

Other awards for first-generation college students have much more general requirements. The Fontana Transport Inc. Scholars Program asks for first-generation high school seniors who plan to attend any U.S. college or university. However, scholarships like these are often highly competitive.

Some first-generation scholarships are specific to a particular institution. For example, the Texas A&M University Regents' Scholarship is for admitted freshmen at Texas A&M University who are first-generation college students who demonstrate financial need.

Even if you are applying for awards that are not exclusively for first-generation students, you should still mention your status in your application if there is an opportunity to do so. This may help you stand out among other applicants.

For example, the Diversity Scholars Program is a scholarship of up to $20,000 open to any U.S. high school or community college student transferring to a 4-year university who is also part of an ethnic minority group. Applicants must plan to study transportation engineering, planning, or a related field. While students are not required to be first-generation, the scholarship does give preference to these students.

Frequently asked questions about scholarships for first-generation students

In most cases, having a sibling who graduated from college will not affect your eligibility for these awards. First-generation scholarships are typically intended for students whose parents or legal guardians have not earned a bachelor's degree, and generally do not take siblings’ education into account.

However, it is important to remember that each first-generation scholarship may have different requirements. If you are unsure of whether or not you qualify for a specific award, contact the scholarship provider directly.

The definition of a first-generation college student will likely vary by scholarship. Some awards might consider you first-generation if neither parent completed a bachelor’s degree from any college or university, while others define it as students whose parents have not completed a bachelor’s degree from an institution in the United States.

This means that if your parents earned a degree from an institution abroad, you may still meet the criteria for some first-generation scholarships. Be sure to read each awards’ requirements in detail and reach out directly to the scholarship provider or your school’s financial aid office if you have questions about your eligibility.

Generally, students are only considered first-generation if neither of their parents have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. This means that even if you are the first in your family to continue your education after undergraduate school, you will typically not be considered a first-generation college student.

However, there are some scholarships designed specifically for first-generation students who want to pursue education beyond a bachelor’s degree. For example, the Simon Scholar Physician Assistant Program is a full-tuition scholarship for students who plan to enroll in the Chapman University Physician Assistant Studies Program and whose parents have not graduated from a 4-year college or university.

There are some first-generation scholarships that have a preference or are exclusively for certain majors. For example, the David C. Lizárraga Fellowship provides a $5,000 award to students working toward graduate degrees in business or engineering from underserved communities in Southern California.

Most first-generation scholarships will ask you to confirm that neither of your parents or legal guardians have completed a bachelor’s degree. This might mean that you have to verify that you are a first-generation college student by completing the FAFSA, which asks about your parents’ education. Always read each scholarship’s instructions carefully so you can provide any documentation or context needed to support your status.