Scholarships for First-Generation Students
Explore scholarship opportunities for students who would be the first in their family to attend or complete college. Learn how scholarship providers define “first-generation,” and how this status often combines with other eligibility factors to open up additional funding.
What Counts as “First-Generation” Can Vary
There is no single, universal definition of a “first-generation” student. Many scholarship providers define it as a student whose parents or guardians did not complete a four-year college degree, even if a parent attended some college. Others use a narrower definition limited to students whose parents never attended any college at all.
Because the definition can differ from one scholarship to another, it is important to read each program’s specific eligibility language rather than assuming your situation automatically qualifies or does not qualify. Some scholarships also ask about the education level of a legal guardian or the parent a student lived with most, which can matter for students from blended or non-traditional family structures.
Find First-Generation Scholarships for Your Stage of Education
First-generation scholarship eligibility often depends on where you are in your education. Explore the category that matches your current stage for more specific guidance.
First-Generation High School Students
Scholarships for high school students who would be the first in their family to attend college.
Explore High School Scholarships →First-Generation College Students
Scholarships for first-generation undergraduates at any class year, including transfer students.
Explore College Scholarships →First-Generation Graduate Students
Scholarships and fellowships for first-generation students pursuing a graduate or professional degree.
Explore Graduate Scholarships →First-Generation Status Often Combines With Other Factors
Many scholarships pair first-generation status with another eligibility factor, which can open up additional opportunities beyond general first-generation awards.
First-Gen & Financial Need
Scholarships that consider both first-generation status and demonstrated financial need.
First-Gen & STEM
Opportunities for first-generation students pursuing a STEM major or career path.
First-Gen & Immigrant Families
Scholarships for first-generation students from immigrant or refugee family backgrounds.
First-Gen & Transfer Students
Opportunities for first-generation students transferring from a community college or another institution.
First-Gen & Underrepresented Backgrounds
Scholarships that consider first-generation status alongside race, ethnicity, or other underrepresented backgrounds.
First-Gen & Rural Students
Opportunities for first-generation students from rural communities or small towns.
What Makes First-Generation Scholarship Eligibility Different?
Unlike scholarships tied to a major or activity, first-generation status is based on family education history rather than something a student does. Because the exact definition varies by scholarship, some students may qualify for one program but not another, even though both describe themselves as serving first-generation students.
Many colleges also use information from the FAFSA or a student’s admissions application to identify first-generation status for their own institutional scholarships, so it can be worth confirming how your school defines and verifies this status in addition to researching outside scholarships specifically for first-generation students.
Why Your ScholarDollarz Profile Matters
Two first-generation students may qualify for very different scholarships depending on their major, financial need, location, and other background factors. ScholarDollarz uses profile information to help narrow the search toward opportunities that may better fit the student.
How First-Generation Students Can Improve Their Scholarship Search
Read each scholarship’s exact definition
Confirm whether a scholarship defines first-generation as neither parent attending any college or neither parent completing a four-year degree, since this can affect your eligibility.
Search combined eligibility categories
Pair “first-generation” with your major, financial circumstances, or background in your searches to surface scholarships that consider multiple factors together.
Check your school’s first-gen support office
Many colleges have a first-generation student office or program that maintains its own list of scholarships and resources not always found in general searches.
Use your story as a strength in essays
Many first-generation scholarships value essays that speak directly to navigating college as the first in your family, rather than treating it as a background detail alone.
Keep your profile current as your situation evolves
Your major, financial circumstances, and education level may change. Updating your profile can help surface new opportunities over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “first-generation student” mean for scholarships?
Definitions vary by scholarship. Many define it as a student whose parents or guardians did not complete a four-year college degree, while others require that neither parent attended any college at all.
Do I qualify if one of my parents attended some college but did not graduate?
It depends on the scholarship’s specific definition. Some programs still consider you first-generation in this situation, while others may not. Always check the exact eligibility language.
Are first-generation scholarships only for college freshmen?
No. First-generation scholarships can be available to high school students, current undergraduates at any class year, transfer students, and graduate students.
Can first-generation status be combined with other scholarship categories?
Yes. Many scholarships pair first-generation status with other factors such as financial need, major, or background, which can open up additional opportunities.
Do I need to prove my first-generation status?
Some scholarships ask applicants to self-report parental education level, while others may request documentation or verification. Requirements vary by program.
How often should first-generation students search for scholarships?
Students should search regularly, since new opportunities appear throughout the year and eligibility can change as your education level, major, and financial circumstances evolve.
Does ScholarDollarz show every scholarship publicly?
The ScholarDollarz website provides scholarship information, category guidance, and college-planning resources. An account is required to access scholarship search and matching features available through the ScholarDollarz application.
Find Scholarships That Match Your Profile
Create your free ScholarDollarz account and provide information about your family education background, education level, financial circumstances, and other profile characteristics to start discovering scholarship opportunities that may fit you.
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