A Guide to First-Generation College Student Scholarships
First-Generation College Student Scholarships: Being the first in your family to attend college is a tremendous achievement but it can also feel overwhelming. Without family members who have navigated the path before you, the process of applications, financial aid and campus life can be challenging. During the 2019-2020 academic year, over 25% of all undergraduates in the U.S. were first-generation college students.
Thankfully, scholarships created specifically for first-generation students can help lighten the load. Beyond crucial financial support, many of these awards also provide mentorship, peer networks and other resources designed to help you excel academically and adjust to college life with confidence.
What Are First-Generation Scholarships?
First-generation scholarships are financial awards designed specifically for students who are the first in their immediate family to earn a four-year bachelor’s degree. The goal is to expand opportunities for students who may not have the same level of family guidance or financial backing as those whose parents are college graduates.
In most cases, you are eligible if neither of your parents (or legal guardians) completed a bachelor’s degree. This typically means you still qualify even if:
- Your parents attended a four-year college but did not graduate.
- Your parents earned a degree from a two-year community college or a trade school.
How to Apply for First-Generation Scholarships
Applying for these scholarships is a straightforward process, especially when you are organized and know what to expect.
- Use Scholarship Search Tools: When you create an account on scholarship platforms, be sure to indicate your first-generation status. This will automatically filter and match you with relevant awards.
- Confirm Your Status: Most applications will require you to confirm that neither parent has a bachelor’s degree. This is often verified through the FAFSA.
- Complete the FAFSA: Many scholarships require the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which collects information about your family’s education and finances.
- Tell Your Story: The essay is your chance to shine. Be prepared to write about your family’s background, your personal journey and what being a first-generation student means to you. This is where you can stand out.
- Read Instructions Carefully: Always double-check each scholarship’s requirements to ensure you provide all necessary documentation. If you are unsure, contact the scholarship provider or your school’s financial aid office for clarification.
Top 25 First-Generation Scholarships with Upcoming Deadlines
Here is a list of excellent first-generation scholarship opportunities to kickstart your search.
- Renaissance Scholars Program
- Amount: $20,000
- Deadline: February 1, 2026
- Details: A renewable scholarship of up to $5,000 per year for high-achieving, low-income, first-generation students.
- Dorrance Scholarship
- Amount: $48,000
- Deadline: February 4, 2026
- Details: A renewable award of $12,000 per year for first-generation Arizona students with financial need including networking and travel opportunities.
- Clarkston Scholars Program
- Amount: $10,000
- Deadline: February 6, 2026
- Details: Provides a $10,000 award to a first-generation college sophomore with financial need and an interest in consulting.
- Carol A. Hurley Memorial Scholarship
- Amount: $1,000
- Deadline: February 12, 2026
- Details: For high school seniors, with preference given to first-generation students, who have a 2.5 GPA and demonstrate community involvement.
- VSAC Taigh Scholarship
- Amount: $1,000
- Deadline: February 12, 2026
- Details: Supports residents of Peacham, Vermont, especially first-generation students, who are pursuing post-secondary education.
- SVCF Krishnan-Shah Family Scholarship
- Amount: $10,000
- Deadline: February 28, 2026
- Details: Seeks to support financially needy students with academic potential and community involvement.
- Hendrick Scholarship Foundation
- Amount: $20,000
- Deadline: March 6, 2026
- Details: Open to Plano ISD (Texas) high school seniors who have overcome adversity and have financial need.
- King-Barton Scholarship
- Amount: $1,000
- Deadline: March 7, 2026
- Details: For graduating seniors from Harrison County High School, with preference for first-generation students.
- Fontana Transport Inc. Scholars Program
- Amount: $5,000
- Deadline: March 14, 2026
- Details: A $5,000 award for a first-generation high school senior planning to attend any U.S. college.
- ITE Diversity Scholars Program
- Amount: $20,000
- Deadline: March 15, 2026
- Details: Supports underrepresented students pursuing careers in transportation engineering or planning.
- OCA Gold Mountain Scholarship
- Amount: $2,000
- Deadline: March 18, 2026
- Details: Recognizes first-generation Asian American students pursuing higher education.
- OCA-UPS Gold Mountain Scholarship for Rising College Seniors
- Amount: $2,500
- Deadline: March 18, 2026
- Details: For first-generation college students who are pursuing their final year of higher education.
- Hatfield Foundation Scholarship
- Amount: $5,000
- Deadline: April 15, 2026
- Details: Provides scholarships, mentoring and resources for first-generation college students.
- HACCOF Scholarship Grant
- Amount: $2,500
- Deadline: April 17, 2026
- Details: Funded by Miami-Dade County, this program provides $2,500 to each of 102 selected students.
- Central California Asian Pacific Women Scholarship
- Amount: $2,000
- Deadline: April 30, 2026
- Details: For Asian and Pacific Islander women from central California counties pursuing higher education.
- Editor World First-Generation Student Scholarship
- Amount: $1,000
- Deadline: May 1, 2026
- Details: For first-generation students pursuing a graduate degree (master’s or doctoral).
- Starlight Scholarship Fund for Girls
- Amount: $4,000
- Deadline: June 1, 2026
- Details: Provides financial support to first-generation immigrant girls pursuing higher education.
- Black Skeptics First in the Family Humanist Scholarship
- Amount: $5,000
- Deadline: June 20, 2026
- Details: For graduating high school students of color who identify as agnostic, atheist or humanist.
- TELACU College Success Program
- Amount: $5,000
- Deadline: June 30, 2026
- Details: A scholarship and support program for students from underserved communities.
- David C. Lizárraga Fellowship
- Amount: $5,000
- Deadline: June 30, 2026
- Details: Supports first-generation graduate students in Business or Engineering from Southern California.
- HUSTLE Hearts Foundation Scholarship
- Amount: $1,000
- Deadline: July 31, 2026
- Details: Supports outstanding Latino students who are trailblazers in their community.
- Fund for Education Abroad Scholarships
- Amount: $10,000
- Deadline: Varies
- Details: Helps underrepresented students including many who are first-generation, study abroad.
- University of Alabama Coca-Cola First-Generation Scholarship
- Amount: $5,000
- Deadline: Varies
- Details: Supports incoming in-state freshmen at the University of Alabama who are first-generation students.
- Dolores Bush Scuderi and Richard J. Scuderi Scholarship
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: Varies
- Details: A Penn State scholarship with a preference for first-generation students who demonstrate financial need.
- University of Colorado-Boulder First-Generation Scholarship
- Amount: $32,000
- Deadline: Varies
- Details: Awarded to undergraduates with financial need whose parents do not have a bachelor’s degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I qualify if my sibling graduated from college?
Yes, in most cases. These scholarships typically focus on the education level of your parents or legal guardians, not your siblings. Having a sibling with a degree does not usually affect your eligibility.
What if my parents went to college in another country?
It depends on the scholarship. Some define “first-generation” as students whose parents do not have a bachelor’s degree from any institution worldwide. Others may define it as not having a degree from a U.S. institution. Always read the specific eligibility requirements carefully and contact the provider if you are unsure.
Am I still first-generation if I’m going to graduate school?
Typically, no. The term “first-generation” usually applies to students pursuing their first bachelor’s degree whose parents do not have one. However, there are some scholarships specifically for first-generation students pursuing graduate degrees, so be sure to search for those opportunities.
Are there first-generation scholarships for specific majors?
Yes. Some awards, like the David C. Lizárraga Fellowship for business or engineering graduates, are targeted at students in specific fields. Always filter your scholarship search by your intended major to find these opportunities.
How do I prove I’m a first-generation student?
Most applications will have a box for you to self-certify your status. Often, this information is verified through the FAFSA which asks about your parents’ education level. Rarely will you need to provide additional documentation but always follow the instructions provided by each scholarship.
Your status as a first-generation student is a testament to your resilience and ambition. Use it to your advantage in your scholarship search and applications. By taking the time to research and apply, you can secure the financial support and community you need to succeed in your college journey.
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