Scholarships for First-Generation Students: A Complete Guide

Scholarships for First-Generation Students

Each year a large portion of college students are first-generation students. In fact, 1 in 4 undergraduates was a first-generation student in the 2019–2020 academic year. If you’re the first in your family to go to college, you probably know you have a long road ahead of you. One way to help finance college? Applying to scholarships for first generation students!

It’s an unfortunate fact that many first-generation college students are also classified as low-income, making financial aid a necessity. At the same time, there are numerous scholarships and funding opportunities out there precisely designed to meet this need.

In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know to start looking for scholarships for first-generation students. Specifically, we’ll answer questions like:

• What is a first-generation college student, and do I fit the definition?
• What are the different kinds of scholarships for first-generation students?
• What are some well known scholarships for first-generation students?
• What scholarships do I qualify for, and how can I find them?
• How and when do I apply for first-generation scholarships?
• How do the FAFSA and CSS Profile fit together with scholarships when paying for college?

If you’re looking for answers to these common questions, you’re in the right place. Let’s start our discussion of scholarships for first-generation students with the fundamentals: What does it mean to be a first-generation college student, anyway?

What is a first-generation college student?

If you’re researching scholarships for first-generation students, you should know exactly what the term entails. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, a first-generation student is someone whose parents don’t have any postsecondary education experience. There are some edge cases, though, such as:

• A parent attended college but didn’t graduate
• A parent earned a college degree outside the U.S.
• An older sibling attended college, but not their parent(s)

When it comes to scholarships for first-generation students, the above cases and more may still qualify. However, the precise qualifications can vary by institution. If you’re researching and applying for first-generation scholarships, check the eligibility requirements carefully. Never assume you qualify as a first-generation college student without confirming the requirements.

Another thing to note is that first-generation status often overlaps with financial need. Consequently, many first-gen scholarships factor in financial need. This may mean you need to submit documents or other proof of financial need for first-generation college student scholarships. Again, requirements differ among scholarships for first-generation students, so check carefully.

Need-Based vs. Merit Scholarships

Scholarships for first-generation students can be divided into two broad categories: need-based and merit-based. The category corresponds to differing application and eligibility requirements for first-generation scholarships.

Need-based first-generation college student scholarships are, as the name implies, based on financial need. Typically this need is determined by the student’s Student Aid Index (SAI), which is calculated based on their FAFSA. While there are many need-based scholarships out there, there’s also a number of them that specifically target first-generation college students.

Merit-based scholarships for first-generation students, on the other hand, are awarded based on things like grades, extracurricular achievements, and community involvement. Since they evaluate applicants based on qualitative factors, these scholarships tend to have relatively extensive applications. They may require essays, recommendation letters, and interviews.

Many scholarships for first-generation students consider both financial need and academic achievement. Don’t skip over a merit-based scholarship because of your background, or a need-based one because of your GPA. Just because some part of your application isn’t “perfect” doesn’t mean you’ll fail outright. If you fit the eligibility requirements, you have nothing to lose by applying.

First-generation college student scholarships often continue to provide aid. Need-based aid is typically renewed as long as the student continues to demonstrate financial need. Merit-based scholarships usually require the student to maintain a minimum GPA to maintain funding. These GPA thresholds vary by scholarship, of course, but they’re often in the range of 2.5 to 3.0.

Federal vs. Institutional vs. Private Scholarships

There are other ways to categorize first-generation scholarships aside from need-based vs. merit-based. Scholarships for first-generation students can also be identified by the source of the funding. Here’s a quick rundown of the differences between these different types of first-generation scholarships.

Comparing your Scholarship Opportunities

Federal aid comes from the government, meaning they require the FAFSA. Much of the aid offered through the government is loan-based, meaning they must be repaid after graduation. However, there are programs like the Pell Grant that function as scholarships for first-generation students. Pell recipients don’t need to repay the grant, which offers up to $7,395 (for 2025–2026) for students with demonstrated need. While many scholarships for first-generation students can easily stack with other aid, federal aid may change based on received awards.

Institutional scholarships for first-generation students are offered by colleges and universities to their students. These first-generation scholarships come in many different forms, from financial grants to fellowship programs with additional offerings. Many schools consider incoming students for certain scholarships without any additional materials. However, more involved programs often require supplemental application materials like essays or financial documents. Regardless, these awards require students to remain in good academic standing as well as demonstrate financial need. There’s also institutional financial aid awards, which depend on the FAFSA and may come as loans or grants.

Private first-gen scholarships encompass a vast array of grants, awards, and programs. It’s challenging to make generalizations about all private scholarships. Some support students throughout their education, while others are only for one semester or academic year. While many are only based on need or merit, some target first-gen students in particular fields like healthcare or engineering. Going forward, we’ll cover both specific scholarships for first-generation students as well as resources to aid in your scholarship search.

10 Scholarships for First-Generation Students

Searching for first-gen scholarships can feel daunting. Luckily, we have a list of 10 scholarships for first-generation students that you can use to get started. We’ll go through the list, providing some brief information about eligibility and application requirements as well as scholarship perks.

10 First-Generation Student Scholarships

1. Fontana Transport Inc. Scholars Program

This $5,000 scholarship is for aspiring first-generation college students who demonstrate both academic excellence and financial need. Eligible students must be from an underrepresented community; they must attend a U.S. high school, but non-citizens may apply. Other requirements include a GPA of 3.5 or above as well as an anticipated major from the program’s list (see the link above).

2. HACU & Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarship

Seventeen incoming and current college students receive this $5,000 scholarship annually. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or above, and they must attend or plan to attend an HACU member institution. Applications are due around May each year for the upcoming fall semester.

3. NSHSS First Generation Scholarship

The National Society of High School Scholars awards ten $2,000 first-gen scholarships to NSHSS members every year. The application is extensive, requiring an essay, academic resume, academic transcript, and recommendation letter from an educator. The scholarship also prizes leadership, so applicants are encouraged to submit media demonstrating leadership activities.

4. Kadzai Law Group First Generation College Student Scholarship

This scholarship awards one first-generation college student with $2,500. Applicants must be U.S. permanent residents or citizens, but there is no GPA or major requirement. To apply, students must submit a transcript and a 3- to 5-minute video response to a given prompt.

5. OCA-UPS Gold Mountain Scholarship

This is a non-renewable $2,000 scholarship for high school seniors whose parents didn’t complete a degree. The application requires a short bio, transcript, several written responses, list of leadership/employment/volunteering experience, and two references. Recipients must submit proof of acceptance to a university and may need to submit a tax return (the scholarship is considered taxable income).

6. Hatfield Foundation Scholarship

This scholarship awards not only $5,000, but also additional educational, mentoring, and support resources. Applicants need a 2.5 or higher GPA, proven attendance in a college readiness program, and demonstrated financial need. Moreover, the student must take the SAT or ACT, and their parent(s) must not hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.

7. Akerson Family Foundation Scholarship

This is the biggest scholarship so far, awarding up to $50,000 over four years to recipients. Applicants must be college-bound seniors in Northern Virginia, have a 3.25 minimum GPA, and FAFSA eligible. Recipients are chosen based on their academic achievement, community and school engagement, and interview performance.

8. Dorrance Scholarship

This renewable scholarship offers $12,000 per year for up to four years, along with exclusive academic and leadership opportunities. Applicants must be college-bound seniors residing in Arizona who plan to attend ASU Tempe, NAU Flagstaff, or UA Tucson. Scholars must maintain a 3.0 GPA, attend all Scholar meetings and events, and perform volunteer service each year.

9. New Jersey New York First Generation Scholarship

True to its name, this $4,000 scholarship is for students in New Jersey and New York. Applicants can be college-bound seniors or undergraduates, as long as they have a 3.5 GPA and are active in extracurricular activities. The application also requires a short essay and demonstrated financial need.

10. Edna McGrowder Memorial Scholarship

This $2,500 scholarship is for high-achieving students who are immigrants or the child of immigrants. Applicants must intend to pursue a four-year degree and have at least a 3.8 GPA. Similar to the previous scholarship, this award requires a short essay to apply.

There are other big scholarships for college like the RSM US scholarship, but we’ll talk more about finding them later. Now that we’ve looked at several examples of scholarships for first-generation students, let’s look closer at the application process. Each scholarship has its own eligibility requirements and definition of first-gen, but there are some common steps to apply.

How to Apply for First-Generation Scholarships

There are a few steps pretty much all first-generation college student scholarships require, like the FAFSA. The FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is the first thing most students should complete for first-generation scholarships. Some scholarships for first-generation students require a completed FAFSA as part of the application. Many institutional and state programs allocate aid on a first-come first-served basis, so completing your FAFSA early is important. The CSS Profile, which may come up in your search, is only used for private schools. Usually, first-generation scholarships don’t ask for a CSS Profile.

When applying to scholarships for first-generation students, assemble your materials ahead of time. If you know generally how to apply for college, you know that these materials are important to gather early. Many first-gen scholarships require similar things, like transcripts, proof of first-gen status, personal essays, and recommendation letters. Especially when applying to multiple awards, having core components ready makes the process much smoother. It also leaves you more time to write essays and prepare for interviews.

Scholarships for first-generation students require proof that the applicant is a first-generation college student, showing that neither parent has a college degree. Exactly what this entails varies by application. Some only take FAFSA documentation, while others may only require a signed statement. For every scholarship, confirm both their first-gen eligibility requirements and proof of status requirements before applying.

That leads us into our biggest tip for applying: read all the requirements first. So many elements can differ: GPA cutoffs, first-gen requirements, intended enrollment status, citizenship and residency status, and more. You don’t want to labor for hours on a perfect essay only to realize you’re not in the right state.

Tips for Writing a Strong Scholarship Essay

Essays for first-generation college student scholarships almost always ask for reflections on the weight of going to college. After all, being the first in your family to go to college is a huge step. For these essays, it’s paramount to include specific details about your own experience to stand out from other applicants. Focus on highlighting your personal circumstances and what this achievement will mean for you.

Strong essays tie the student’s background to their academic and career goals. Why? Scholarship committees want to see that the money will make a difference. Ask yourself, how could a degree positively impact not just you, but also your family and community? This could come in the form of lofty goals like becoming a doctor or lawyer to serve your community. You may also dream more broadly of giving back to many communities like yours through your career.

Some scholarships for first-generation students also emphasize leadership experience or community service. Their essays may prompt you to reflect on lessons learned from those experiences and how you’ll carry them forward. Again, consider ways to link them to your first-generation status: how will they help you blaze a trail? If you can further connect them to your overall academic or career aspirations, your essay will be even stronger.

Whatever you do, get a second — or third, or even fourth — opinion. Teachers, counselors, mentors, advisors, these are all good candidates for people to ask for feedback. They can comment on your clarity and voice, and they may be able to point out things you missed. Choose people who know you and your topic, and let them know what scholarships for first-generation students you’re applying for. That way, they have direction when they’re giving comments.

When to Apply for First-Generation Scholarships

Ideally, you should start your scholarship search in your junior year of high school. Starting early gives you time to build a list of scholarships for first-generation students along with deadlines and requirements. You can also draft essays based on available prompts and start asking potential recommenders for their support in advance. Laying the groundwork for your applications can make things run smoother when the senior year crunch hits.

Most private scholarships for first-generation students have deadlines between October and March, with the highest concentration in January and February. This is another reason it’s important to get a headstart on researching and applying for first-gen scholarships. An early start lets you pace yourself, gives you time to create strong applications, and maximizes your chances of success.

Earlier, we mentioned that some first-generation college student scholarships require a completed FAFSA. The FAFSA typically opens on October 1. As with everything else in the application process, the FAFSA should be done as early as possible. Once it’s finished, you can easily submit it to first-gen scholarships that require it.

Many scholarships for first-generation students are renewable, and they often require a renewal form or some application every year. Once you receive an award, take note of these renewal deadlines. You’ve already done the hard work to get the scholarship — don’t let it slip away because of paperwork!

Finding First-Generation Scholarships: 5 Tips

We’ve discussed ten specific first-generation scholarships and some advice for applying. But you’re probably wondering, “How do I find more scholarships for college? What scholarships do I qualify for?” To help, we have a few tips for kickstarting your search for first-generation college student scholarships.

5 Tips to Find First-Generation Scholarships

1. Start with your high school counselor.

Your counselor knows how to apply for college, so they should have leads on scholarships for first-generation students. Ask them what scholarships you might qualify for based on your background, achievements, and intended major. Try to approach your counselor before senior year if possible, before they’re slammed with transcript and letter requests.

2. Use free scholarship search tools.

There are tons of free tools available to help you find first-generation college student scholarships. A few of them include Scholarships.com, Scholarships360, Bold.org, and Fastweb, as well as the CollegeBoard’s BigFuture site. They have robust databases that you can filter by metrics like award amount, location, major, and income. Many scholarships, including some we discussed earlier, are offered directly on the platform, making it easy to submit applications.

3. Look for local scholarships through community foundations, rotary clubs, and local nonprofits and businesses.

You might be surprised by how many organizations in your town offer local scholarships. This is another area where your guidance counselor might be a great resource. If you know anyone who applied to college recently, like friends or family, they might have ideas too.

4. Check with organizations your family is connected to — cultural, religious, civic, professional.

Finding first-generation college student scholarships in your area means asking around, and organizations your family’s part of are a great start. Your place of worship may not directly offer scholarships, but community members may know who does. Cultural heritage organizations often offer scholarships or may be able to direct inquiries to a larger regional body. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and ask.

5. Search by intended major or career field, not just first-gen status.

If you’re exploring a professional degree like pre-med or accounting, there are lots of scholarships out there. By expanding your search criteria, you can find even more scholarships for college. Furthermore, some major- and career-based scholarships include career development opportunities as part of the award. That makes them great for students who already have a clear vision of what they want to do.

In short, cast a wide net by searching near and far, big and small. By finding and applying to multiple first-generation college student scholarships, you better your chances of getting some award money. Scholarships combined with institutional financial aid can reduce your likelihood of needing loans.

What to Do If You Don’t Get the Scholarship

The unfortunate truth is you can’t win them all, and most scholarship rejections won’t tell you why. Rather than seeing them as a personal failure, though, try to see rejections as learning opportunities. They tell you there’s something to improve — not that your worth or potential are lacking.

College is only getting more expensive, even at well-funded public institutions. That means more and more students rely on scholarship funding when paying for college, meaning more competition for awards. Spread your applications across different award sizes and types, rather than putting all your energy into a couple big scholarships. Don’t just apply for one full ride scholarship and hope you get it. Applying to a mix of national, school-based, and local awards gives you a much better overall shot at getting something.

As an aside, when researching colleges, check what support they have for first-gen students. Many colleges have dedicated support programs and resources specifically for first-gen students. While financial assistance is great, there are many other areas where first-generation college students benefit from additional support. You’d be wise to look for these resources during your college search.

Some of the scholarships mentioned previously are available for both high school students and current college students. In fact, there are plenty of first-generation scholarships available for current college students too. You should continue exploring scholarship options throughout undergrad and beyond. Both renewable and non-renewable aid can be important parts of paying for college.

Scholarships for First-Generation Students – Final Thoughts

For many first-generation students, scholarships are a top priority in the college application process. In this article, we’ve discussed some of the fundamentals of scholarships for first-generation students. First-generation college student scholarships can come from a variety of sources, define “first-gen” differently, and require different application materials. While we covered 10 examples of scholarships for first-generation students, we also provided some resources to find more. By starting to search and prepare early, you can apply to many awards and increase your chances of getting scholarships.

Knowing how to apply for college, especially as a first-generation student, can feel overwhelming. That’s why CollegeAdvisor is here to help. Our admissions experts can guide you in every step of the process, from extracurricular planning to essay editing and interview practice. Our one-on-one advising even extends to applying for scholarships for first-generation students. We also have a Scholars Program, which provides personalized college advising for selected high school students with demonstrated financial need. Register today!

This article was written by Gina Goosby. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.