Scholarships for first-generation college students

The definition is the eligibility

There is no single official definition of "first-generation." The most common one: neither parent completed a bachelor's degree. But some programs count parents with associate degrees as first-gen, some look only at the parents the student lives with, and some extend it further. That means a student can be first-gen at one program and not at another — always check how each award defines it before deciding it doesn't apply.

These awards concentrate in places families don't usually search: the aid offices of individual colleges (many run their own first-gen programs), state grant agencies, community foundations, and employers. The famous national first-gen programs are real but crowded; the local and college-specific ones are where the odds improve.

Common questions

What counts as first-generation?

It varies by program. The most common definition is that neither parent completed a bachelor's degree — but some programs draw the line differently. Never self-reject based on one program's definition; check each award's own wording.

Are first-generation scholarships need-based?

Often paired with need, but not always. Some are pure first-gen awards regardless of income; others combine first-gen status with financial need or with merit. The mix differs award by award.

Where do these scholarships actually live?

Four main places: individual colleges (ask each aid office directly — many run first-gen programs they barely advertise), state agencies, community foundations in your area, and employers. The national programs get the headlines; the local ones get fewer applicants.

Should my student mention being first-gen even on general applications?

Yes. Committees read context. A student who did well without a parent who's been through the college process is a different story than the same numbers with one — essays and interviews are where that context lives.

Does first-gen status help with admission too, or just money?

Many colleges consider it as context in admissions as well, and some attach automatic aid to it. That's a reason to identify as first-gen consistently on applications rather than leaving the box blank.

Scholarships are half the picture

The other half is what college actually costs your family after aid. Check any college's real net price, or estimate your family's aid eligibility in about two minutes — free, and nothing about your family is stored.

Families like yours leave thousands in free aid on the table — see what you're missing.

These numbers are the diagnosis. Knowing what to do about your number — which strategies could lower it, which scholarships fit your student, what to say in an appeal — is what My School Advisor is for.