Top First Generation Scholarships in 2021
Will Geiger is the co-founder of Scholarships360 and has a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. He is a former Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at Kenyon College where he personally reviewed 10,000 admissions applications and essays. Will also managed the Kenyon College merit scholarship program and served on the financial aid appeals committee. He has also worked as an Associate Director of College Counseling at a high school in New Haven, Connecticut. Will earned his master’s in education from the University of Pennsylvania and received his undergraduate degree in history from Wake Forest University.Will you be the first person in your immediate family to attend college? If so, you are a first-generation college student! There are numerous colleges and private organizations that offer first generation scholarships for students who will be the first in their family to attend college!
Generally, first generation scholarships are open to students whose parents have not earned a four year undergraduate degree. However, specific organizations and colleges may define first generation differently, so always double-check.
Jump ahead to:
- Top First Generation Scholarships in 2021
- Need-Based Financial Aid for first generation students
- Frequently Asked Questions for first generation students
- Summary of First Generation Scholarships in 2021
- Upcoming First Generation Scholarships
Keep on reading to learn more about eligibility, award amount, and tips for how to find and win first generation scholarships!
Top first generation scholarships in 2021
College Board “Complete Your FAFSA” Scholarships
- Eligibility: High school seniors
- Amount: 500 awards worth $500
- Deadline: October 31, 2021
#WeBelongInCollege Scholarship
- Eligibility: Participation is limited to residents of the 50 United States and District of Columbia who are currently attending an accredited postsecondary institution in the United States or plan on attending prior to December 31, 2022.
- Amount: Up to $2,500
- Deadline: October 31, 2021
First Generation Matching Grant Program
- Eligibility: Open to high school seniors in Florida who have demonstrated financial need. Students must be planning on attending a Florida state college or university (4 year or 2 year)
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: Varies depending on the college
Newman’s Own Scholarships
- Eligibility: First generation high school students who are applying to Kenyon College
- Amount: Varies (this scholarship eliminates the loan portion of a student’s financial aid package and replaces it with a grant)
- Deadline: Varies (depending on whether the student applies Regular Decision, Early Decision 1, or Early Decision 2).
Odyssey Scholarships
- Eligibility: First generation high school students who are applying to the University of Chicago.
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: Varies (depending on whether the student applies Regular Decision, Early Action, Early Decision 1, or Early Decision 2).
Regents’ Scholars Program
- Eligibility: High school seniors with demonstrated financial need who apply to Texas A&M.
- Amount: $6,000 per year for up to four years
- Deadline: January 1st (this is the date that students submit the FAFSA in order to be eligible)
Frequently asked questions about first-generation scholarships
Am I first generation if my siblings went to college?
Some organizations may define first generation as students whose parents and siblings do not have four year degrees. Others may say that you are only first generation if your parents have not received any degree at all (including two year degrees).
However, the most common definition is students whose parents have not completed four year college degrees. If you are interested in learning more about why being a first generation college student matters, check out this post!
Am I first gen if a parent started college, but did not finish?
Yes, the key part of being first generation is that your parents did not complete college. If they took a few classes or semesters, but did not ultimately graduate, you are first generation.
Do you have any application tips for first generation colleges students applying for scholarships?
Yes, we do! Our Ultimate Guide to Finding and Winning Scholarships is just what you’re looking for. This guide will help you also discover and apply for other great scholarships.
First generation college students can also apply for need-based financial aid through the FAFSA and for some colleges, the CSS Profile. This can allow students to access grants like the Pell Grant, federal student loans, state financial aid, and work-study.
Summary of first generation scholarships
- College Board Opportunity Scholarships
- #WeBelongInCollege Scholarship
- First Generation Matching Grant Program
- Newman’s Own Scholarships
- Odyssey Scholarships
- Regents’ Scholars Program
Upcoming first gen scholarships
Fontana Transport Inc. Scholars Program
- Eligibility: First generation high school seniors who are underrepresented and need financial assistance
- Amount: $5,000
- Opens: November 2021
Questbridge National College Match Scholarship
- Eligibility: Open to high school seniors who have demonstrated financial need (while Questbridge is not exclusive to first generation students, 70% of finalists are first generation students)
- Amount: Full funding (including tuition, room, and board) for four years
Thurgood Marshall College Fund Scholarships
- Eligibility: Incoming/full-time college students at one of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund’s (TMCF) 47 publicly-supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities
- Amount: $500 to $15,000
