Let’s be real—college is expensive. Between tuition, books, dorms, and late-night ramen noodle runs, the costs add up fast. Now, if you’re the first in your family to go to college, it can feel even more overwhelming. But here’s the good news: there’s free money out there just for people like you. Yup, we’re talking about scholarships for first-generation college students.
These scholarships are designed to help students whose parents didn’t go to college. It’s a way to support your hustle and make sure that your dreams don’t get crushed by student loan debt.
So, if your parents didn’t go to college and you’re blazing that trail all by yourself—this guide is for you. Let’s dive into what these scholarships are, where to find them, and how to apply.
What Does “First-Generation College Student” Even Mean?
Before we go too deep, let’s clear up what being “first-generation” actually means. A first-generation college student is usually someone whose parents (or guardians) did not earn a college degree—not even an associate’s degree.
But the definition can vary depending on the scholarship or school. Some might say it counts if your parents went to college in another country but didn’t graduate in the U.S. Others might say it depends on your legal guardian’s education level.
So always check the specific requirements of the scholarship or program you’re applying to. But if your parents didn’t get a college degree, chances are—you qualify.
Why Are There Scholarships Just for First-Gen Students?
Great question. Here’s the thing: first-gen students often face extra challenges. You might not have someone at home who knows the college process or can help with FAFSA forms, essays, or even which classes to take.
Colleges and organizations recognize this, so they’ve created scholarships to:
Support your academic journey
Reduce financial pressure
Reward your motivation and hard work
Level the playing field
Basically, they want to see you win. And scholarships are one way they show that support.
Top Scholarships for First-Generation College Students
Here’s a list of some popular and legit scholarships you should check out:
1. The Gates Scholarship
Who it’s for: High school seniors who are minorities and first-gen
What you get: Full ride (yes, 100% covered)
Deadline: Usually around September
Website: www.thegatesscholarship.org
2. Dell Scholars Program
Who it’s for: Low-income, first-gen students with grit
What you get: $20,000 + laptop + mentorship
Deadline: December–January
Website: www.dellscholars.org
3. First Generation Matching Grant (Florida residents)
Who it’s for: First-gen Florida students attending public state universities
What you get: Varies, but it’s a matching grant (state + school funds)
Deadline: Varies by school
4. Coca-Cola Scholars Program
Who it’s for: High school seniors with leadership and academic excellence
Bonus: Many recipients are first-gen!
What you get: $20,000
Website: www.coca-colascholarsfoundation.org
5. Horatio Alger National Scholarship
Who it’s for: Students who’ve faced adversity (many are first-gen)
What you get: Up to $25,000
Website: www.horatioalger.org
Where to Find More First-Gen Scholarships
Sure, big-name scholarships are awesome—but don’t stop there. There are tons of smaller scholarships with fewer applicants (aka better odds).
🔍 Use Scholarship Search Engines:
Scholarships.com
Fastweb
Cappex
Niche
Going Merry
💡 Tip: Filter your results by “first-generation” to narrow it down.
How to Apply (And Stand Out)
Okay, so now you’ve found a bunch of scholarships. Now what? Time to apply like a boss.
1. Know the Deadlines
Set reminders on your phone or write them down. Deadlines sneak up fast, and missing one can cost you thousands of dollars.
2. Write a Bomb Essay
Most scholarships ask for a personal statement or essay. Here’s how to make yours shine:
Tell your story (your struggles, your goals, what drives you)
Be real and authentic
Talk about why being first-gen matters to you
Share how the money would help you
3. Get Letters of Recommendation
Ask teachers, mentors, or community leaders who know you well. Give them a heads-up early and tell them what the scholarship is about.
4. Proofread Everything
Typos make you look sloppy. Use Grammarly, read it out loud, or ask a friend to review it.
5. Apply to A LOT
Don’t just apply to one or two. Apply to 10, 20, or more. The more you apply, the better your chances.
Other Free Money Hacks for First-Gen Students
Besides scholarships, here are a few other ways to snag free money:
✅ FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
This is step one. Always fill it out. You might get grants (aka free money), loans, and even work-study offers.
✅ State Grants and Aid
Some states offer special funding for first-gen students. Google “[your state] first-generation college grants” to see what’s out there.
✅ School-Specific Scholarships
Colleges often have their own scholarships just for first-gen students. Talk to your school’s financial aid office or look on their website.
Final Thoughts
Being the first in your family to go to college is a big deal. It’s brave, it’s bold, and yeah—it’s kinda scary. But remember, you’re not alone. There are tons of resources, scholarships, and people who want to help you succeed.
So take a deep breath, make a plan, and go after those scholarships like your future depends on it (because in some ways, it does).
College is hard, but paying for it doesn’t have to be—not if you know where to look.
Q&A Section
Q: What’s the easiest first-generation scholarship to get?
A: There’s no “easy” one, but smaller local scholarships usually have less competition. Start by asking your school counselor or checking community organizations.
Q: Can I apply for multiple scholarships at once?
A: Yes! In fact, you should. The more you apply to, the better your odds of winning something.
Q: What if my parents took some college classes but didn’t graduate?
A: You still might qualify. Some scholarships only care if your parents earned a degree—not if they just took a few classes.
Q: Do I have to be low-income to qualify for first-gen scholarships?
A: Not always. Some are based only on your “first-generation” status, while others also consider income. Read the eligibility rules carefully.
Q: What happens if I get more than one scholarship?
A: That’s awesome! Some schools might adjust your financial aid package, but most of the time, it just means less out-of-pocket for you.
Need help with your scholarship essay or want a list of deadlines? Just ask! 🎓📚