The Ultimate List of First Generation College Student Scholarships

Updated on October 3rd, 2024

What Are First Generation Scholarship Opportunities?

First-gen scholarships are a form of financial aid that focuses on students who are either the first in their family to go to college or whose parents don’t have college degrees. The exact qualifications can vary from one scholarship to the next, as some have additional eligibility requirements as well.

Often, these scholarships are meant to make college more affordable for families who may have lower income levels. Additionally, they serve as an incentive for students who want to further their education and will be the first in their family to pursue higher education.

As with all scholarships, it is important that your student read the requirements for any first-generation scholarship opportunities they want to pursue. Organizations may define “first-generation” differently, so your student needs to review the eligibility requirements to make sure they qualify.

Here are some possible definitions of first-generation college student a committee may use:

• Neither parent has a Bachelor’s degree or above
• Neither parent has an Associate’s degree or above
• Neither parent has a college degree or certificate
• Neither parent nor any siblings have ever enrolled in or attended any college
• No immediate family members (parents, siblings, or children) have obtained a degree nor attended college

Which definition is used is up to the awarding organization. As a result, some students may be considered as first-gen by one committee but not another.

Related Video: Scholarships for First Generation College Students

Eligibility Requirements for First Generation Scholarships

Eligibility requirements for first-generation scholarships can vary widely depending on the scholarship provider. Generally, these scholarships require that the student’s parents or guardians did not attend or graduate from a four-year college or university. Some scholarships may also have additional criteria, such as a minimum GPA, community service involvement, or leadership experience. Additionally, certain scholarships may be targeted towards students from low-income backgrounds or underrepresented minority groups. It’s crucial to carefully review the eligibility requirements for each scholarship to ensure that you qualify before applying.

The Ultimate List of First-Generation College Student Scholarships

The scholarships in this list either target first-generation college students specifically or tend to give undergraduate students special consideration, increasing the odds that a first-generation college student is selected.

General 1^st Generation Scholarship Opportunities

Some first-generation scholarship options can help students at a variety of schools pay for college. They aren’t limited to just one college, though they may limit applicants based on a set of schools or other criteria. Here are some first-generation scholarship opportunities that fall in this category:

• Choose Your Future Scholarship Fund
• FirstGen Fellows
• Florida FGMG
• Fontana Transport Inc. Scholars Program
• I’m First! Scholarship
• ISFA First Generation College Student Program
• Sallie Mae and Hispanic College Fund First in My Family Scholarship
• Smith Scholarship Foundation
• StudySoup First in Family Scholarship
• TIP Grants
• TELACU Education Foundation College Success Program
• TMCF Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarship
• TMCF Walmart Foundation First Generation Scholarship
• UNCF Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarship
• VAMOS Scholarships

School-Specific 1^st Generation Scholarships

Certain scholarships for first-generation college students are available through specific schools. If your student plans to attend any of these colleges and is considered a first-gen student, they are definitely worth exploring.

• Grand Valley University – Frederik Meijer First Generation Honors Scholarship
• Iowa State – Benjamin and Patricia Allen Scholarship
• McLennan Community College First Generation Scholars
• John Fisher College – Fannie & Sam Constantino First Generation Scholarship
• Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota– First Generation Initiative Scholarship
• Texas A&M – Regents’ Scholarship
• UC Berkeley – George A. Miller Scholars Program
• University of Chicago – Odyssey Scholarships
• University of Colorado Boulder – First Generation Grant

How to Apply for First Generation Scholarship Opportunities

Applying for first-generation college student scholarship awards isn’t unlike applying for any other scholarship. Your student will need to make sure they are eligible and then follow the instructions provided by the awarding organization.

Additionally, completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is crucial for unlocking various financial aid opportunities, including federal and state grants, as well as subsidized loans.

If your student is starting the process, it’s wise that they create a system that allows them to organize scholarship materials to save time. This ensures that critical documents are kept in a safe place and remain accessible, streamlining their applications.

Additionally, it is wise for your student to learn about writing scholarship essays. Nearly every legitimate scholarship will require at least one essay. Sometimes it helps to look at samples of essays that won money, as these can give your student direction. Additionally, doing some research about scholarship scams can help ensure your student focuses on genuine opportunities.

It’s also important to remember that, once your student wins a scholarship, their work isn’t done. There are additional steps they need to take after they’ve won a scholarship, including some that ensure the money ends up in the right place and that your student properly shows their appreciation for the award.

If you and your student want to learn more about where to find first-generation scholarship opportunities or other scholarships, sign up for our free college scholarship webinar! Head over to https://thescholarshipsystem.com/freewebinar to reserve your spot today.