Being the first in your family to pursue a college education is an impressive achievement and about a third of students are those first generation college students. According to FirstGenForward, 54% of undergrads in 2020 were children of parents who did not have a bachelor’s degree. While these first-gen students do not necessarily came from low-income families, the large majority come from households with a median income of about $41,000. Several stats suggest that first generation college students are more likely than their counterparts to hold jobs while in school and feel they lack the support needed to reach graduation.
To help support this group of underrepresented students, many private organizations offer first generation college student scholarships or first-in-family scholarships. These scholarships aim to encourage first-gen students to keep going and to reward them for their persistence.
Each of the first generation scholarships listed below helps students overcome the financial challenges often associated with being a first generation college student.
10 Scholarships for First-Generation College Students
1. DORRANCE SCHOLARSHIP
Award Amount: $12,000
Deadline: February 5, 2025
One of the most generous first-generation scholarships available, the Dorrance scholarships awards $12,000 per academic year, which is renewable for 4 years. The recipient receives a total of over $100,000 in award money by the time they graduate, provided they meet the criteria.
To apply for this award, you must be an Arizona resident and first-generation student with neither parents nor stepparents holding a 4-year degree from any country. You must also be a current graduating senior, have a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA and demonstrate financial need.
Winners of the award must sign a Scholar Participation Program, which includes conditions such as living in on-campus housing during freshman and sophomore years. The winner must also successfully complete the Dorrance Summer Bridge Program.
Scholarship renewal is based on academic standing and participation in all mandatory program activities including maintaining a 3.0 GPA, performing volunteer service, and submission of a year-end report.
2. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP
Award Amount: $5,000
Deadlines: March 6, 2025 and October 10, 2025
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Awarded twice a year, this scholarship aims to encourage students to study and intern abroad. The goal of the organization is to help students gain the skills needed for the U.S. to remain economically competitive. It also helps to broaden the horizons of students by helping them to become exposed to unique, overseas experiences.
You must be an undergrad student in good student enrolled at an accredited 2-year or 4-year institution and must also be accepted to or in the process of applying to a credit-bearing study abroad or internship program. You will need to submit proof that you will be receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the term of your study abroad or internship.
Though the scholarship isn’t exclusively for first generation students, it strives to provide financial assistance to groups generally underrepresented, including minorities and those coming from low-income households.
3. FONTANA TRANSPORTATION INC. SCHOLARS PROGRAM
Award Amount: $5,000
Deadline: March 14, 2025
Fontana Transportation Inc., a trucking company based in Southern California, is offering a scholarship to students looking to use their education as a means of making an impact in their own communities.
The award is offered to low-income, first generation college students pursuing a degree at a 4-year university and also interested in pursuing a career in any of the following fields:
- Transportation
- Math
- Science
- Engineering
- Architecture
- Environmental Design
- Pre-Med
- Psychology
- Spanish Language/Literature
To be eligible for this opportunity, you must have a minimum 3.5 weighted GPA. You must also submit proof that you will be attending college starting in the fall. While optional, submitting a Letter of Recommendation by a faculty member can help add weight to your application.
4. ODYSSEY SCHOLARSHIP
Award Amount: Varies
Deadline: Not specified
The Odyssey Scholarship provides financial support for first generation college students who are incoming University of Chicago students. U of Chicago alumni and other friends of the university completely support the fund through generous donations.
Odyssey Scholars are students who come from low-income backgrounds and are first in their family to attend college. In some cases, they are also eligible for additional funding to cover the expenses related to study abroad programs and health insurance. Recipients also receive the opportunity to network with donors of the program as well as other key alumni.
You must apply for need-based financial aid to be considered for the Odyssey Scholarship.
5. UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO BOULDER FIRST GENERATION GRANT
Award Amount: $100 – $1,000
Deadline: March 15, 2025
The University of Colorado’s First Generation Grant is awarded to residents of Colorado whose parents have not received a college degree or advanced technical training equivalent. Recipients of the award must also already be accepted into an undergraduate program and have financial need. Awards range from $100 – $1,000 and depend on the financial need of each individual student.
You must complete the FAFSA and demonstrate significant financial need to be considered for this opportunity. You can use the award to help cover expenses associated with any University of Colorado Boulder study abroad program. This award is renewable provided that you meet satisfactory academic progress (SAP) standards and continue to meet other eligibility requirements such as demonstrated financial need.
6. EDITOR WORLD FIRST-GENERATION STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP
Award Amount: $500
Deadline: May 1, 2025
The Editor World 2025 First-Generation Student Scholarship is awarded to students whose parents have not attended or completed a 4-year college or university degree. To be eligible for this award, you must be enrolled in or accepted to trade school, college, or university. You must also be able to demonstrate that you need financial assistance to cover your educational expenses.
As part of your application, you must submit a 600-word essay that covers two criteria. It must explain your motivation for completing your chosen certification or degree. Secondly, it must explain how you were able to solve or overcome a problem you’ve experienced.
The award winner is selected from among the finalists via random drawing. The winner will receive the check of US $500 directly to their account.
7. PATTY & MELVIN ALPERIN FIRST GENERATION SCHOLARSHIP
Award Amount: $1,000 to $1,500
Deadline: Not specified
The Patty & Melvin Alperin First Generation Scholarship supports students who are the first in their family to complete a higher education. Only Rhode Island high school seniors who are accepted or enrolled in a 2- or 4-year college may apply for this scholarship. Applicants must complete the Universal Scholarship Application. The scholarship takes financial need into account when determining the winner. Past recipients are eligible to apply.
8. FIRST GENERATION MATCHING GRANT PROGRAM
Award Amount: Determined individually
Deadline: Not specified
You are eligible for this need-based grant program if you are a Florida resident and your parents have not earned a baccalaureate or higher degree. This opportunity is different in that you must be enrolled in a participating postsecondary institution, which will determine the particulars of the scholarship. Your college will set out the application procedure, student eligibility, award amount, and application deadline. Speaking to your school’s financial aid office is the first step to applying for this award.
Completing the FAFSA is a mandatory requirement as it will be used to determine financial need.
9. BOLD.ORG FIRST-GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENTS SCHOLARSHIP
Award Amount: $500
Deadline: July 16, 2025
Bold.org offers a $500 scholarship to support and encourage talented first generation college students to pursue and complete their biggest educational milestone thus far in their life. You must be a high school senior or current undergraduate student to apply for this opportunity. There is no minimum GPA requirement neither is there an essay requirement, making the application easy and open to all first-generation students regardless of academic accomplishments
10. FANNIE AND SAM CONSTANTINO FIRST GENERATION SCHOLARSHIP
Award Amount: Half the total cost of tuition and room and board
Deadline: January 15, 2025
The Fannie and Sam Constantino Scholarship offers first-gen students who attend St. John Fisher College’s ongoing financial and academic assistance. Award winners receiving half the total cost of tuition and room and board for up to 4 years. That significantly cuts down the college costs for first generation students whose parents did not graduate from a postsecondary institution.
In addition to being a first-gen student, you must have demonstrated a high degree of academic success throughout high school. You must demonstrate community engagement and commitment to leadership. Most important of all, you must be planning to enroll at St. John Fisher College directly after high school.
Winners must maintain satisfactory academic progress throughout in order to renew the award for the following year.
Don’t let lack of resources or support stop you from pursuing your higher education dreams. There are several first generation and other scholarships that can help students with financial assistance for college along with academic support.
Use College Raptor’s scholarship finder database to find thousand in FREE scholarship money for college from various private, institutional, and government organizations.
| Lender | Rates (APR) | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
5.50%-16.12%* Variable
3.99%-15.61%* Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CITIZENS |
 |
5.54% - 15.70% Variable
3.99% - 15.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT SALLIE MAE |
 |
4.63% - 17.99% Variable
3.49% - 17.99% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CREDIBLE |
 |
6.00% - 13.75% Variable
3.99% - 13.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT LENDKEY |
 |
5.66% - 14.72% Variable
3.69% - 14.56% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ASCENT |
|
|
3.70% - 8.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ISL |
 |
5.62% - 16.85% Variable
3.69% - 16.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT EARNEST |
 |
5.00% - 14.22% Variable
3.69% - 14.22% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ELFI |
