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.
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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 Orange County (OC) Hispanic Educational Endowment Fund (HEEF) serves US Citizens, Permanent Residents and Dream Act/ AB 540 students who live in Orange County, California only. HEEF offers competitive academic scholarships for OC high school and community college transfers who qualify for need based financial aid and who enroll at a 4-year college or university. For more information or to [...] 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, [...] More
In partnership with Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF), Colgate-Palmolive is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with its annual Haz la U™ (Make the U ) educational grant program. Winners will be selected by the Hispanic Heritage Foundation based on their academic excellence and dedication, and demonstration of leadership within their community. For more information or to apply, please visit the [...] More
CMU's First Generation Scholarship is valued at $1,000 per academic year. This award is available to all incoming freshmen students whose parents have not graduated with a four-year degree. Applicant must complete a FAFSA and have earned a 3.0 GPA. The scholarship can be renewed for a maximum of 120 credit hours as long as the student maintains a 3.0 cumulative GPA and full-time status (12 Credit [...] 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 First Generation Matching Grant Program (FGMG) is a need-based grant program available to degree-seeking, resident, undergraduate students who demonstrate substantial financial need, and are enrolled in eligible participating postsecondary institutions. Eligible students have a parent(s) who has not earned a baccalaureate or higher degree. Program is available at Florida state universities [...] 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 mission of the Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) is to provide scholarships and ongoing support to students who are underrepresented among the U.S. study abroad population. The BASAA Scholarship will be awarded to a deserving student who attends a U.S. university/college located in the BASAA area (Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island or Connecticut). For more information [...] More
The DC Area Scholarship is available to a deserving student who attends a U.S. university/college located in the District of Columbia, Northern Virginia, or suburban Maryland. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident currently enrolled as an undergraduate at a U.S. college or university. Though not a requirement, FEA gives preference to students with demonstrated financial need, [...] More
The Fund for Education Abroad - Minnesota Scholarship scholarship will be awarded to a deserving student who attends a U.S. university/college located in Minnesota. Students must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate at a college or university in the U.S. (graduate students are not eligible). Though not a requirement, strong preference is given to students of color, first in family college [...] More
The PDX Abroad Scholarship scholarship will be awarded to a deserving student who attends a U.S. university/college located in the Portland, Oregon area. Students must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate at a college or university in the U.S. (graduate students are not eligible). Though not a requirement, FEA gives preference to students with demonstrated financial need, and strongly [...] More
Georgia State University offers the Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarship for students whose parents or siblings have not attended college.
Recipients will receive $5,000 per year, renewable for four years dependent on maintaining a 3.0 institutional GPA, full-time enrollment, participation in a Freshman Learning Community their first semester, and active involvement in specific events [...] 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
The Laila Uthman Scholarship supports graduating seniors at Oceana High School who have overcome academic and personal difficulties or who have shown unusual concern for those less fortunate. Applicants must be planning to enroll in community college, four-year university, or vocational school on a part- or full-time basis. Student has overcome academic or personal difficulties or has shown [...] 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
This scholarship is awarded to academically-motivated students who demonstrate financial need and who are the first generation in their family to attend college. The award will cover up to the cost of tuition and is renewable over four years of undergraduate study at NYU. Students are expected to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5 and must remain active in program activities.
The Next Young Leaders Program is an all-new program focused on providing high school juniors with an opportunity to navigate the college process, be mentored by a professional, and receive a scholarship towards their college education. One $20,000 scholarship will be awarded to an outstanding individual who exemplifies the qualities of leadership, and academic excellence. Five $1,000 [...] More
The OCA-UPS Gold Mountain Scholarship is open to Asian Pacific Americans (APAs) who are the first person in their immediate family to attend college and are entering their first year of college in the fall of the year the scholarship is awarded To qualify, applicants must demonstrate financial need, be a permanent resident or U.S. citizen and must have a cumulative GPA 3.0 or above (unweighted). [...] More
Since its initiation, the OCA - UPS Gold Mountain Scholarship has provided 164 scholarships to Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) high school seniors who are the first in their family to attend an institution of higher education. Applicants must be admitted to a college or a university and plan to attend in the Fall of the year the award is offered, and have a Social Security number or [...] More
The OCA-UPS Gold Mountain Scholarship for Rising College Seniors awards $2,500 to Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) college students who are rising seniors for the upcoming Fall Term. Applicants must identify as AAPI, be enrolled as an undergraduate student, be starting their senior year during the upcoming Fall term, and be the first in their immediate family to attend college.
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
The Pathway to Success Scholarship is for first-generation female students entering their freshman year. The scholarship will cover the remaining costs of attending the in-state university of choice for four years. Applicant must be a Florida resident applying to a four-year, public in-state university. Applicant must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid. (FAFSA) and a Florida [...] More
The Red Thread Foundation for Women offers this amazing scholarship for women of an international background, including foreign students, immigrants, or first-generation Americans, who are first-year entrants to a U.S. college or university program in the upcoming fall. There are no GPA or U.S. residency requirements. Tuition money can be used for anything related to the applicants' education - [...] 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 College Success Program was created in 1983 to develop and empower new generations of leaders in the communities TELACU serves.
Along with guidance and professional development, TELACU Scholars receive awards that range from $500 to $5,000 to help pay for college. Applicants entering college as first-year students are eligible to apply for an award that can be renewed for up to four [...] More
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, including the McAllen Higher Education Center, Engineering Academy at Blinn Bryan or Engineering Academy at Galveston. 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.
Rhode Island College's Miranda Scholarship supports first-generation, under-served students in realizing their dreams of earning a bachelor’s degree in the performing arts. Rising juniors or seniors will have the opportunity to earn a two-year scholarship made possible by the Miranda Family in the honor of Lin-Manuel and his work. Applicants must be full-time juniors or seniors enrolled full-time [...] More
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 provides financial resources and individual support with the primary goal of graduating first generation, low-income undergraduate students. By addressing systemic barriers and challenges, the Machen Florida Opportunity Scholars program provides a full grant and scholarship financial aid package as well as a comprehensive support program to ensure [...] 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 Norman Topping Student Aid Fund offers supplemental scholarships to incoming freshmen, incoming transfer, and incoming graduate students at USC. The criteria for selection is a focus on high financial need students who demonstrate extraordinary levels of community awareness. First-generation college students and local area applicants are given primary consideration in the scholarship [...] More
The Virginia Tech Presidential Scholarship Initiative (PSI) is a competitive scholarship program designed to offset the costs of college for in-state Virginia high school students with significant financial need. The program will recognize and reward academically talented students who have shown persistence and a commitment to academic excellence. This is renewable upon full-time enrollment [...] 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
College is just around the corner, but you still have plenty of time to win scholarships for high school seniors. Now is the best time to start applying because it is your last chance to qualify for awards available only to high school students. Scholarships are one of the best ways to pay for college because you don’t have to pay them back. [...]
College is a big commitment and burnout is easy if you don’t pace yourself. That said, taking a semester off is a normal thing to do while pursuing your degree. Whether you need a quick break for personal reasons or exciting opportunities, like a once-in-a-lifetime trip or work experience, here’s what you need to know about your scholarship money before taking time off.
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The Free Application for Federal Student Aid — more commonly known as FAFSA is the key to funding your college education. Not only can the FAFSA connect you to grants, scholarships, and work-study opportunities, but filling out the form is
also the first step to applying for federal student loans. Even though filling out the FAFSA is simple and straightforward, several misconceptions still fly around it. Here are the top FAFSA myths you need to stop believing. [...]
