Top Scholarships for First-Generation College Students in 2025

Why Scholarships Matter for First-Generation Students

The college year has started, and social media is full of pictures of happy parents, excited kids, decorated dorm rooms, and maybe some tears. However, for first-generation college students, the experience can be very different.

First-generation college students are more likely to drop out, with their dropout rate four times higher than those with at least one parent with a degree. Only about 25% graduate in four years, and most take around six years.

After graduation, they often have fewer professional connections and make less money than their peers with college-educated parents. Despite earning a degree, many still face a heavy debt load without the higher salary that usually comes with it.

This is where specialized first-generation college student scholarships come in.

First-gen scholarships are financial aid options for:

• students who are the first in their family to attend college OR
• whose parents don’t have a college degree

The requirements for first-generation college student scholarships can vary from scholarship to scholarship, and some may have additional eligibility criteria. It’s important to carefully read the requirements for any first-gen scholarships you’re interested in.

Different organizations may define “first-generation” in different ways, so you need to check the details to make sure you qualify.

Here are some common definitions of a first-generation college student that scholarship committees may use:

• Neither parent has a Bachelor’s degree or higher
• Neither parent has an Associate’s degree or higher
• Neither parent has any college degree or certificate
• Neither parent nor any siblings have ever attended college
• No immediate family members (parents, siblings, or children) have earned a degree or attended college

Which definition is used depends on the organization, so some students might be considered first-gen by one scholarship committee but not another.

In this post, we will explore the top scholarships for first-generation students in 2025. We will also suggest a few practical tips on securing these scholarships.

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How to Qualify for First-Generation Student Scholarships

So, who is a first-generation student?

The answer depends on who you ask. The definition of a first-generation college student (FGCS) can vary and is often debated. The term was first coined by the Council for Opportunity in Education in 1980, but its definition still varies from campus to campus.

Some colleges define it as a student whose biological parents never attended college. For others, the term refers to students whose parents didn’t graduate from college, which is also the standard for determining eligibility for some federal support programs.

Other schools might define it differently—some consider students whose parents didn’t graduate from a four-year U.S. college or those whose parents completed their degrees later in life, after age 25.

These shifting definitions can create challenges. First-gen students might qualify for financial aid for first-generation college students at one school but not another.

Yet, here are the characteristics that remain consistent across most definitions of a first-generation college student:

• Often older than their peers, with many balancing school, work, and family responsibilities.
• Nearly a third have dependents.
• Many attend school part-time or work full-time.
• Typically, they come from lower-income backgrounds (median parental income for first-gen students is $41,000 vs. $90,000 for non-first-gen students).

While eligibility criteria can vary between programs, there are some common factors many of the best scholarships for first-gen students look for in their applicants:

1. Income Level: Many first-gen scholarships are designed for students from low-income families. This can often be verified through your Free Application for Federal Student Aid or other types of financial aid.
2. GPA: Maintaining a certain GPA (Grade Point Average) is a common requirement. Some scholarships may require a minimum GPA, often around 2.5 to 3.0, but others might be more competitive and ask for a higher GPA. A good GPA is usually a sign that you’re serious about your education.
3. Field of Study: Some scholarships apply to specific fields of study, including STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), business, or education. If you’re pursuing a degree in one of these fields, it might give you an edge.
4. Community Service: Many scholarship programs value students who give back to their communities. Volunteering or being involved in extracurricular activities shows that you’re committed to making a positive impact on others, which is an attractive quality for scholarship committees.
5. Essays & Personal Statements: Many scholarships require essays or personal statements. This is where you get to explain why you deserve the scholarship. It’s a chance to highlight your challenges, triumphs, and aspirations, especially as a first-generation student.

Before discussing the top first-generation college student scholarships, let us explain the two types of scholarships available:

1. Merit-based scholarships for first-generation students

• Awarded for academic achievements, such as high GPA or outstanding extracurricular involvement.
• Available to first-gen students who excel academically, regardless of financial need.

2. Need-based scholarships for first-gen students

• Given based on financial need, typically for students from low-income families.
• Aimed at making college more affordable for first-gen students facing financial challenges.

Top Scholarships for First-Generation College Students in 2025

Hendrick Scholarship Foundation

• Award Amount: Up to $15,000
• Application Deadline: March 15, 2025
• Awards Available: Varies by semester
• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Open to low-income Plano ISD high school seniors who have overcome adversity.
  • Must have a GPA of at least 3.0 and demonstrate financial need.
  • Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
  • Scholarship amounts vary by GPA, credits, and whether the student starts at Collin College or a 4-year university.
• How to Apply:
  Complete the application via the Hendrick Scholarship Foundation website, including any required documents.

University of Colorado-Boulder First-Generation Scholarship

• Award Amount: $32,000
• Application Deadline: March 15, 2025
• Awards Available: Varies
• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Open to incoming first-year or transfer undergraduate students, both resident and nonresident, whose parents or legal guardians do not have a bachelor’s degree.
  • Applicants must demonstrate significant financial need and complete the FAFSA.
• How to Apply:
  Complete the CU Boulder Scholarship Application and, when prompted, the CU Boulder First Generation Scholarship application by March 15. Nonresidents must be offered the Presidential or Chancellor’s Achievement Scholarship.

University of Florida Machen Florida Opportunity Scholars

• Award Amount: Full-Tuition
• Application Deadline: March 15, 2025
• Awards Available: Varies
• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are first-generation, low-income undergraduate students.
  • Applicants must be admitted to the University of Florida and complete the FAFSA by December 15.
• How to Apply:
  Apply for admission to the University of Florida and complete the FAFSA. Eligible students will get an invitation to complete the MFOS Supplemental Form.

Colorado State University First Generation Award

• Award Amount: $20,000
• Application Deadline: April 1, 2025
• Awards Available: Varies
• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Open to students who demonstrate financial need and are admitted by March 1.
  • Applicants must have parents who did not receive bachelor’s degrees and meet all other eligibility criteria.
• How to Apply:
  Applications open on October 1 and close on April 1. Apply via the CSU scholarship portal.

Jeffery Isaiah David Memorial Foundation Education Scholarship

• Award Amount: Varies
• Application Deadline: April 15, 2025
• Awards Available: Varies
• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Open to graduating high school seniors and continuing education students seeking to continue their higher education goals.
  • Funds must be used for tuition, fees, and other related expenses at college, vocational, or trade school.
• How to Apply:
  Complete the application on the Jeffery Isaiah David Memorial Foundation website.

Central California Asian Pacific Women Scholarship

• Award Amount: $2,000
• Application Deadline: April 30, 2025
• Awards Available: Varies
• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Open to Asian and Pacific Islander women from these areas pursuing higher education: Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Tulare County
• How to Apply:
  Apply through the Central California Asian Pacific Women (CCAPW) scholarship website.

Editor World First-Generation Student Scholarship

• Award Amount: $1,000
• Application Deadline: May 1, 2025
• Awards Available: Varies
• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Open to first-generation graduate students (master’s or doctoral programs) pursuing higher education.
  • Funds can be used for books, supplies, or other educational necessities.
• How to Apply:
   Apply via the Editor World website with the required documentation.

Dolores Bush Scuderi and Richard J. Scuderi Scholarship

• Award Amount: Varies
• Application Deadline: May 3, 2025
• Awards Available: Varies
• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Open to undergraduate or graduate students at any Penn State campus who demonstrate academic success, financial need (determined by FAFSA), and good standing.
  • Preference is given to first-generation students.
• How to Apply:
   Submit applications via the Penn State scholarship portal.

Forward Freethought First in the Family Humanist Scholarship

• Award Amount: $5,000
• Application Deadline: June 21, 2025
• Awards Available: Varies
• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Open to graduating high school seniors of color (African American, Latinx, Native American, Asian/Pacific Islander) who identify as agnostic, atheist, humanist, freethinker, or secular.
  • Students who are in foster care, undocumented, homeless, disabled, or LGBTQI+ are encouraged to apply.
• How to Apply:
   Apply through the Forward Freethought website with the required documents and essay responses.

David C. Lizárraga Fellowship

• Award Amount: $5,000
• Application Deadline: June 15, 2025
• Awards Available: Varies
• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Open to first-generation college students pursuing a master’s degree in business or engineering (other graduate degrees may be considered at the Foundation’s discretion).
  • Must have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
  • Must be enrolled in a graduate program full-time for the entire academic year.
  • Applicants must be permanent residents of an underserved community in Los Angeles, Orange, or San Bernardino counties.
• How to Apply:
  Apply via the David C. Lizárraga Fellowship website, including any required documents.

Tips for Successfully Applying for First-Gen Scholarships

There are many first-generation college student scholarships, but applying for them can feel overwhelming. This is especially true since many first-generation students don’t have the same support system as others—like parents who are familiar with the college application process or how to find financial aid.

Here are a few tips on how to apply for first-gen scholarships successfully:

1. Write a strong scholarship essay.

Here are two important things to remember when writing an essay:

1. Highlight your unique experiences as a first-generation college student.
2. Talk about the challenges you’ve faced and the goals you’re working towards.

These will show your determination and resilience, which will catch scholarship review boards’ attention.

And don’t forget to go over your scholarship applications carefully to catch any typos or mistakes. Asking teachers, parents, or mentors for feedback can really help you polish everything and make your application stand out.

2. Gather the necessary documents early.

Most scholarships and college grants for first-generation students will ask for additional documents like transcripts and recommendation letters. It’s a good idea to gather these materials ahead of time as it can help the committee review your application smoothly and ensure you don’t miss any deadlines. It also gives you time to double-check everything and make sure your application is complete and accurate.

3. Utilize student resources.

Besides the scholarships themselves, many resources are available to help you as a first-generation college student. Several colleges and universities have dedicated offices and programs for first-generation students. They are offering guidance on academics and career development.

Online communities and support groups are also available to help you connect with other first-generation students and share experiences.

For example, look for programs like the TRIO program, which helps you navigate the FAFSA and first-generation student scholarships. You can also check out websites like Scholarships.com or Fastweb.com to find a list of available scholarships.

Conclusion: Taking the Next Steps

As a first-gen college student, you’re already proving how determined and driven you are. Going for higher education isn’t easy, but scholarships can help take some of the pressure off and give you a better shot at success. Make sure to do your research, apply early, and don’t be shy about sharing your story.