In this article, we will explore the top resources and websites to find first-generation scholarships. Topics include practical tips and strategies that will help you land a few of them.
Why First-Generation Scholarships Matter
Who are first-generation students? Generally, it means that your parents did not earn a four-year college or university degree. Yet, some colleges and universities may define them slightly differently.
The biggest problem these students face is paying tuition.
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College costs are on the rise and will continue to increase even more in the coming years. Get this: According to the Education Data Initiative, public 4-year institutions have increased their tuition by 36.7% from 2010 to 2023. Unless you’re enrolled in a college using a sliding scale tuition, you must pay the same amount of tuition as your peers, even if your family earns significantly less than theirs.
Yes, need-based financial aid and loans can reduce out-of-pocket costs. But will it really be enough?
The financial stress doesn’t end there.
According to a Pew Research Center survey, the financial rewards of earning a degree aren’t the same for everyone. First-generation college grads do earn less in salary compared to grads with degree-earner parents. In fact, households led by first-gen grads earn a median income of $99,600, while those with college-educated parents earn $135,800.
This is where scholarships for first-generation students become very important.
Open scholarships, which are great opportunities, are usually very competitive. They can often put students like you at a significant disadvantage. They will get you competing with students with resources, connections, or knowledge about the application process.
Landing first-generation scholarships can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Most of them can pay up to 70% of your semester tuition. Some of them can even cover 100% of your tuition—sometimes they include room and board, too!
By not worrying much about how you will pay your tuition, you get to have more time to focus on your studies. This increases your chances of graduating on time and increasing your return on investment.
Let us start exploring the most reliable online scholarship databases where you can find the best first-generation scholarships. It’s important to be very wary in your search as several websites and organizations will scam students like you.
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Best Online Resources to Find First-Generation Scholarships
The internet—being a treasure trove of scholarship programs—is a good place to start finding the right one for first-generation students.
Here’s a roundup of some of the best online resources to find first-generation scholarships. They’re also great providers of tips on how to find scholarships for college students of all types.
Fastweb
Fastweb is one of the best and most reliable sources for first-generation scholarships. It has been around for so long, having been established in 1999.
Fastweb can actually match you with scholarship opportunities that match your description. It takes the hassle out of searching for scholarships by asking a few simple questions about your location, college preferences, major, academic achievements, and extracurricular activities.
What makes Fastweb different from other scholarship platforms?
Fastweb stands out because they have a team of researchers behind their database of 1.5 million scholarships. A real person carefully reviews every scholarship listed to ensure it’s legitimate. They also continuously update their database to make sure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information when applying.
How can students apply for scholarships?
To apply for scholarships, students just need to sign up for a free Fastweb membership, which only takes a few minutes. So, what happens after? Well, you will receive a list of first-generation scholarships that match the profile you created. It will also include a detailed application instruction for each financial aid for first-generation students.
Scholarships.com
Holding the title of one of the largest databases of scholarship opportunities, Scholarships.com is a top resource for first-generation scholarships. It’s also a great provider of information about the financial aid process. Similar to Fastweb, Scholarships.com will also match you with a scholarship opportunity that matches your description instead of having you rummage through thousands of postings.
What makes Scholarships.com different from other scholarship platforms?
Scholarships.com is a top-rated scholarship search engine that has been operating since 1998. It offers one of the most user-friendly platforms, which is especially useful for first-generation students who lack guidance and knowledge of the application process.
The website’s tools also allow students to track their scholarships, making the process more organized and manageable. Plus, it has a special page for scholarship search tips.
How can students apply for scholarships?
You have to start by creating an account, which is free, by the way. You will have to complete a series of processes listing your personal information, including your educational background, goals, and interests (academics, sports, arts). From there, you will be directed to scholarships that have been filtered to fit your description.
Appily
Appily, formerly known as Cappex, is another one of the best websites for scholarships for first-generation students. It’s known to have one of the most meticulous college scholarship search processes, using a particularly user-friendly search engine. It can match you with scholarships that specifically align with your academic profile, test scores, and interests.
What makes Appily different from other scholarship platforms?
Appily features a College Match tool that helps you find colleges that best fit your preferences, budget, and academic background. This and its excellent match-making scholarship search engine can pave the way to a more comfortable college journey. Appily gives you access to a simplified college discovery, application, and decision process.
How can students apply for scholarships?
Visit the Appily website and then create an account. It’s that simple—just like the other mentioned websites. You will also be asked to fill out an online form that asks for details like GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, and college preferences.
Once students identify the scholarships they are eligible for, they can follow the application instructions provided, which are often linked directly to the scholarship’s official website.
The Gates Scholarship & Other Major First-Gen Awards
The Gates Scholarship is a highly sought-after award for first-generation students. However, it is one of the most highly selective college scholarships for first-gen students. Although they are open to all high school seniors with excellent academic standing, its scholarships are partially geared toward students from underserved minority backgrounds.
What makes The Gates Scholarship unique?
The Gates Scholarship is unique because it’s a “last dollar” scholarship. This means it covers any remaining costs after other financial aid, like Pell Grants, has been applied. But it goes beyond many other last-dollar scholarships by covering not just tuition but also room and board (because everyone needs a place to stay and eat!), fees, books, transportation, health insurance, a computer, and even, in some cases, summer courses.
Essentially, the Gates Scholarship bridges the gap left by other financial aid, sometimes covering a significant amount that might otherwise go unpaid.
How can students apply for scholarships?
The application process for the Gates Scholarship is divided into two phases. The first phase is open to anyone who meets the basic eligibility requirements. During this phase, you’ll be mainly focused on submitting documents—there’s a lot of information needed, but you won’t have to create a lot of original content just yet.
To begin, you’ll need to create a myTGS profile, which is where you’ll submit all your application materials.
When Phase I opens on July 15, you’ll have until September 15 to submit the following:
- A copy of your most recent high school transcript (submitted by your school counselor)
- Your Student Aid Report (SAR) from completing the FAFSA
- Your CSS Profile (colleges and scholarship organizations use the CSS Profile to award non-federal financial aid)
- A headshot photo (make sure to smile!)
- A resume (check out some tips to help you create a great one)
A selection committee reviews all applications in the myTGS profile and narrow it down to 2,000 semifinalists, who will move on to Phase II. You’ll find out if you’re selected on December 1.
If you’re chosen as a semifinalist, congratulations! You’ve made it to a very exclusive group.
When Phase II opens on December 1, you’ll need to complete the following by January 15:
- Submit letters of recommendation or academic evaluations from two of your high school teachers
- Write several essays in response to prompts from the Gates Foundation
- Submit additional documents, such as Education and Involvement updates, which provide information about your 12th-grade classes and activities.
- Your updated FAFSA form to confirm you’re still Pell-eligible
It’s a lot of work—but that’s because the Gates Scholarship is highly competitive, and the application process is designed to reflect that. Just imagine how rewarding it would be to be one of the 300 recipients who earned this prestigious award!
Here are more major first-generation scholarship opportunities:
- FirstGen Fellows
- VAMOS Scholarships
- UNCF Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarship
- I’m First! Scholarship
- ISFA First Generation College Student Program
College and University Websites
Your own college and university are great tools, too, especially if you want specialized help applying for first-generation scholarships. Often, they are much easier to navigate as you can ask for a one-on-one session with a financial aid officer.
Financial aid officers can even help you find exclusive opportunities, such as institutional scholarships and those offered by partnering organizations. They can also help you with your FAFSA application, which is a big deal in landing need-based scholarships for first-generation students.
Navigating search engines for scholarships and grants for first-generation students can be overwhelming. Here are a few more tips that can help you make the search more manageable:
1. Create a strong profile.
This is very important. This might be your only chance to show off your skills, talent, academic excellence, and background. Make sure that you don’t miss out on any required information. List down everything that is asked accurately.
2. Filter scholarships.
By using a filtering system, you can streamline the process. Filters such as location, field of study, academic level, or specific demographic requirements allow you to target only those opportunities that are most relevant. This helps you avoid wasting time on scholarships that don’t fit your situation.
3. Understand deadlines and prioritize high-value scholarships.
Scholarships have different deadlines, so it’s easy to lose track if you’re applying to multiple opportunities. Set reminders on your phone or create a spreadsheet to track everything.
Prioritize the high-value scholarships that could make the most impact on your education. But don’t forget to apply for smaller ones, too—every little bit helps!
Key Strategies for Applying to Scholarships
Write a strong essay.
Your essay is your chance to shine. Share your story, goals, and unique experiences, especially as a first-generation student. Be authentic and clear.
Get powerful recommendations.
Ask teachers, mentors, or community leaders for letters that highlight your character and potential. Give them enough time and context for a strong recommendation.
Stay organized.
Make a checklist of the required materials and deadlines. Make sure you’re prepared so you can avoid last-minute stress.
Conclusion: Taking Action to Secure Financial Aid
Applying for scholarships as first-generation students can be hard, we know. But it is very doable. You just have to know where to start and to start early.
Also, don’t limit yourself to just one or two scholarships. Apply to as many as possible! The more scholarships you qualify for, the more time you have for studying.
Lastly, remember that your financial journey doesn’t stop after your first year. You should continue applying for scholarships until you graduate to avoid hefty student loan debts.
It’s hard, but remember that the rewards will be ten times bigger than your sacrifices.