The road to a college degree is paved with countless detours for the average student, but if you are the first in your family to choose that path, you can anticipate more obstacles in your academic endeavors. Rest assured, there is ample financial support for those
who qualify.
ADVERTISEMENT
As a first-generation student, you are likely to be challenged with navigating the college process without the learning curve that comes from having a college graduate family member to lean on.
Parents who do not have much first-hand experience or insight on how to maximize your financial aid package or the importance
of internship opportunities, and networking can be difficult. While figuring out how to balance a full course load, a part-time job,
and social life are skills you will develop along the way, most colleges and quite a few organizations offer scholarships specifically for first-generation students to help them thrive in higher education.
Wherever you are in your college journey, Scholarships.com can help you reach your destination. Below is a list of some popular
first-generation scholarships from our database of over 2.7 million awards. You can find even more scholarships by conducting a
free college scholarship search and be well on your way to starting a new family tradition.
To apply for the Arnold White Memorial Scholarship, you must be a GED graduate, or be a current graduating senior or former graduate from high schools in the communities of Lyons, Lincoln and Fairbury in Nebraska. The applicant must demonstrate financial need. Preference will be given to those applicants that are first-generation college students. (This criterion will only be used as a [...] More
The Balkhi Foundation Higher Education Scholarship seeks to help talented young people make college more attainable through a $1000 scholarship. These ten annual renewable awards are granted to exceptional high school seniors accepted to a US-based college or university who demonstrate a financial need.
An ideal applicant for a Balkhi Foundation Scholarship is a student who has shown [...] More
To be eligible for the Benjamin and Patricia Allen Scholarship, applicants shall be enrolled in the Ivy College of Business full-time. Preference shall be given to first generation students which is defined as a student whose parents have not graduated from an institute of higher education with a four-year degree. This scholarship shall be made available to undergraduate students. This [...] More
The Hispanic Education Endowment Fund (HEEF) shares your dream of a college education. We offer a wide range of scholarships for students working to fulfill their educational goals. HEEF welcomes students who are undocumented. The HEEF Scholarship Program considers applicants based on a combination of financial need, academic achievement and involvement in extracurricular activities, community [...] More
This scholarship was established by the friends, family, and colleagues of Carol Hurley, a VSAC outreach counselor who helped first-generation college-bound students prepare for college. Applicants must be high school seniors graduating from Randolph Area Vocational Center, Randolph Union High School, Rochester Union High School, Whitcomb High School, Windsor High School, or Woodstock Union High [...] More
CCAPW scholarships provide financial assistance to Asian and Pacific Islander (API) women pursuing higher education who are from the following California counties: Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, or Tulare.
Applicants will be evaluated based on the following: first generation student, academic achievement, leadership, contribution to API community, and ethnic [...] More
The mission of the Clarkston Scholars program is to create equitable access and opportunities for low-income, first-generation college students with the intention of developing a future Clarkston steward. To be eligible, applicant must be a sophomore at one of Clarkston's Core Schools (University of Michigan, Babson College, UNC Chapel Hill, NC State, Georgia Tech, Agnes Scott College, Spelman [...] More
The Colorado Mesa University First Generation Scholarship is an annual scholarship for those students that meet the following criteria: be an incoming freshmen student whose parents have not graduated with a four-year degree, or a first-year student may have up to 24 accepted credit hours from another institution not including credits earned during high school. Completing an additional [...] More
The purpose of the Colorado State University First Generation Award is to encourage participation in higher education by first generation college students who have significant financial need (as defined by standard calculations based on financial aid application information), and to promote diversity within the University’s student population.
Eligible applicants must: be Colorado residents; [...] More
Through The David C. Lizárraga Fellowship, TELACU recognizes graduate students who demonstrate the potential and commitment to advance TELACU's mission of building self-sufficient communities through economic empowerment. Applicants must be a first-generation college student, pursuing a master's degree in business administration or engineering (students pursuing other graduate degrees may also be [...] More
The Dorrance Scholarship for first-generation students is a need-based award providing financial and academic support for Arizona high school graduates pursuing an undergraduate degree at one of Arizona’s public universities. The award is renewable for a total of eight semesters (four years) of funding. Applicants must be high school seniors who are Arizona residents, first-generation college [...] More
The Emma E. Buckley 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 students. For more information or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider’s website. [...] More
The EmPOWERED Scholars program awards scholarships to enrolled undergraduate students who volunteer in their communities to use toward their education expenses. Scholars give their time to community-based organizations, student-led organizations and other groups that address food insecurity, safe housing, job opportunities, access to health care and other conditions that can result in health [...] More
The Fontana Transport Inc. Scholars Program is open to underrepresented, low-income and first-generation college-bound students. Students must be pursuing an undergraduate degree full-time in transportation, math, science, engineering, architecture, environmental design, pre-med, psychology, or Spanish language/literature. The applicant does not have to be a U.S. citizen but must have a minimum [...] More
Black Skeptics Los Angeles will award scholarships to students of color (African American, Latino, Asian/Pacific Islander, Native American) who identify as agnostic, atheist, humanist, and/or secular. Preference will be given to applicants who are the first in their families who go to college, are or have been in foster care, are homeless or undocumented, or identify as LGBTQI+ students. [...] More
The Frederick and Demi Seguritan Scholarship is offered to first generation Asian Americans who have a demonstrated interest in business (business major not required). Eligible applicants must be an incoming freshman enrolled full-time at an accredited four-year college/university with a minimum 3.0 GPA and must be able to demonstrate financial need. Must also be a resident of Alameda, Contra [...] More
The Hatfield Foundation Scholarship is a program for first-generation college students and provides a $5,000 scholarship along with educational resources and mentoring to recipients. Applicants must be a graduating high school senior who is applying to 4 year colleges. Neither parent holds a bachelor's degree or higher; applicant must be first in family to attend college. Must have a minimum 2.5 [...] More
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 [...] More
The Jane Allen Newman Scholarship Fund awards scholarships to high school seniors in Fayette, Harrison, or Union counties, Kentucky with significant financial need who wish to further pursue their education by attending college. Applicant must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. Preference given to first-generation college students. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years of [...] More
The Jeffery Isaiah David Memorial Foundation Education Scholarship was established to honor the memory of PFC Jeffery Isaiah David who on February 22, 2021, closed his eyes on earth and opened them in heaven. Jeffery was just 23 years old and was a son, brother, mentor, father, and soldier in the United States Army who reached many personal accomplishments and left a great impact on the lives of [...] More
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 3.0 or higher. Preference is given to first-generation college students. This scholarship is non-renewable and the award amount varies each year. For more information or to apply, please [...] More
Awards are based on a combination of academic merit and financial need. Applicants who do not provide current and complete transcripts and financial information documentation will be disqualified. Please contact our scholarship coordinator if you have any questions about your documentation before the application deadline. Applicants can apply for up to two (2) scholarships and reapply every year. [...] More
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 [...] More
OCA offers scholarships for graduating high school seniors, rising college seniors, and students pursuing a Masters in Public Administration. Founded in 1973, OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates is a 501(c)(3) national member-driven nonprofit based in Washington, D.C. with 50+ chapters and affiliates across the U.S. For almost 50 years, OCA-Asian Pacific Americans has been dedicated to advancing [...] More
Thanks to the incredible generosity of the anonymous donor “Homer” and additional gifts from alumni and friends of the University, for over 15 years the Odyssey Scholarship program has provided enhanced academic, social, and career support to students who are from lower-income families or the first in their families to attend college. Odyssey Scholars are selected on the basis of financial need [...] More
We are a group of women from diverse corners of the world, ranging from Europe to Africa, from Asia to Latin America. We represent former international students, immigrants, and first generation Americans who have benefitted tremendously from the academic and professional support we have received. Now, we are eager to extend mentorship and scholarship support to women who draw strength from a [...] More
Thanks to the generosity of our community of donors, the Rhode Island College Foundation can offer an array of scholarships to help our students pay for their education. These scholarships are endowed, which means they provide a source of permanent funding for student support. We are a regional leader in performing and fine arts education. These scholarships are available to students interested [...] More
The Stantec Equity & Diversity Scholarship will contribute to the creation of a critical mass of talented students that will fully represent our industry—it will provide an environment in which all can thrive academically and professionally. Through this scholarship, Stantec will award $200,000 annually. We believe everyone has a right to education, and we are committed to providing people in [...] More
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. The scholarship is renewable for up to four [...] More
The College Success Program is funded by TELACU and the generous contributions of our partners—corporations, colleges and universities, non-profit organizations and individuals—who have joined us over the past 35 years in advancing educational opportunities for our community. Because TELACU believes that the future leaders of our community must be engaged in meaningful careers that will change [...] More
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 [...] More
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.
The Thomas D. Urmston scholarship was established to provide scholarships to female students who are graduating high school seniors attending Harrison County High School, who demonstrate significant financial need and have a cumulative 3.0 GPA. Preference is given to first-generation college students. For more information or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider’s [...] More
The University of Alabama understands that each student’s path to and through higher education is unique. The Capstone Center for Student Success is home to the First Generation Scholarship Programs that serve a diverse group of students across a wide range of academic, social, and economic backgrounds. Our First Generation Scholarship Programs are highly competitive and a limited number of [...] More
The University of Colorado-Boulder First Generation Scholarship is awarded to undergraduate residents and nonresidents who have financial need and whose parents or legal guardians do not have a bachelor's degree.
This award may be renewed up to 10 semesters or 150 credit hours. For more information or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider's website. [...] More
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 [...] More
The University of Washington Diversity Scholarship is offered for four years to high-achieving high-need students who are entering the UW as freshmen from communities that are traditionally underserved in education. The following factors may be considered in the selection process: academic record; Washington residency; personal background and community service; financial need; and, being part of [...] More
The NTSAF offers supplemental scholarships to entering freshmen, transfer and graduate students based on the individual USC Financial Aid package. Applicants residing in areas surrounding the University Park Campus and Health Sciences campus and first-generation college students are given primary consideration in the selection process. Please note that the scholarship is not limited to these [...] More
Upon completing an application for admission, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions provides students with their applicant credentials for use with Scholarship Central. Students will have access to this portal before an offer of admission. For maximum scholarship consideration, prospective students must submit the General Scholarship Application by January 22. In addition to the General [...] More
The Taigh Scholarship was established to inspire and encourage residents of Peacham, Vermont, 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 [...] More
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 3.0 or higher. Preference given to a first-generation college student. This is a non-renewable scholarship and the award amount varies each year. For more information or to apply, [...] More
The Women With Promise Scholarship Program offers North Texas women the opportunity to begin or restart their journey toward a college degree. Support is available for full or part-time students from Dallas and Collin counties attending or planning to attend educational programs at accredited institutions of higher learning in Dallas or Collin counties. Also, they must have a nonprofit [...] More
That’s right, if you live in one of 68 Texas counties and are graduating high school this year, you qualify for a $20,000 scholarship over four years of college. You still have time to complete the profile and upload the necessary documents online. Make sure your FAFSA has been completed and review all the other eligibility requirements as well. You could be one of the 79 students awarded this scholarship and take a huge chunk out of your tuition each of the next four years at any accredited, not-for-profit Texas college or university. [...]
The new Invest in My Education program has been created to help provide access to education as well as ongoing support to the underserved Black and Latino community. [...]
It’s nearly mid-January already and by now you all should have completed the FAFSA and, if you are on top of things, be applying to scholarships on a daily or at least semi-weekly basis. Even if you haven’t started the scholarship application process yet, you still have a ton of opportunities ahead of you. We are in the heart of scholarship season, with the most scholarships coming online in January of any month in 2023. Below, we put together a list of five great examples of very significant scholarships ranging from ten grand all the way up to $40,000. [...]
