Being a first-generation college student comes with unique challenges. One big issue is finding money to pay for school. Many organizations create scholarships for students like you. First-generation college scholarships help reduce financial strain and provide tools for academic success. This article shares 10 scholarships that all first-generation college students should know about.
1. The QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship 10 Scholarships
QuestBridge has a competitive scholarship program. It connects high-achieving, low-income students with top colleges and universities in the country. The QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship covers tuition, room, board, and other expenses. It helps students go to top schools like Stanford, Yale, and the University of Chicago. This scholarship is a great chance for first-generation college students. It’s for those who do well in school and need financial help.
Eligibility:
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Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
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First-generation college student.
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Demonstrates financial need.
2. The Coca-Cola Scholars Program
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program gives out 150 scholarships each year. These are for high school seniors. To qualify, students must show leadership, strong academics, and dedication to community service. The program isn’t for first-generation students. It’s a great choice for anyone who has worked hard to succeed despite tough situations.
Eligibility:
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U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
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High school senior with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
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Prove leadership in school or community activities.
3. The TRIO Scholarships
TRIO includes federal programs aimed at helping students from underprivileged backgrounds. This support especially targets first-generation college students. Several TRIO-related scholarships are available to help reduce the cost of college. These programs provide grants and scholarships at both national and state levels. You can use them for tuition and other college costs.
Eligibility:
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First-generation college student.
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Eligible for federal financial aid.
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Must take part in a TRIO program (e.g., Upward Bound, Talent Search).
4. The Dell Scholars Program
The Dell Scholars Program supports students who face challenges and value their education. The program offers funding for six years of undergraduate education. You also get a laptop, credits for textbooks, and access to a community of students and mentors who can help you.
H2: Eligibility:
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First-generation college student.
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Must have a GPA of 2.4 or higher.
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Prove financial need and perseverance.
5. The Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship
The Elks National Foundation offers the Most Valuable Student Scholarship. High school seniors in the U.S. can apply, including first-generation college students. They award the scholarship based on academic achievements, leadership skills, and financial need. The program has scholarships that can be one-time or renewable. They range from $1,000 to $12,500 each year.
Eligibility:
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U.S. citizen.
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High school seniors are planning to attend college.
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Demonstrates academic achievement and community involvement.
6. The Horatio Alger Scholarship
The Horatio Alger Scholarship helps students who have faced and overcome difficult challenges. The scholarship supports students who want to succeed, even in tough situations. This includes students from low-income families and first-generation college students.
Eligibility:
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First-generation college student.
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U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
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Demonstrates financial need and has overcome adversity.
7. The Asian and Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund (APIASF)
The APIASF Scholarship helps first-generation college students. It focuses on those from Asian American and Pacific Islander backgrounds. This scholarship supports students with good grades and community service. It helps them reach their college goals, even with financial challenges.
Eligibility:
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U.S. citizen, national, or legal resident.
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First-generation college student.
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Member of an Asian or Pacific Islander American community.
8. The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship
This scholarship is for first-generation college students. It supports those transferring from a community college to a four-year school. The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation offers an Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. This scholarship provides up to $40,000 each year for three years. It pays for tuition, living costs, books, and more.
Eligibility:
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Must have completed at least one semester at a community college.
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First-generation college student.
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Demonstrates financial need.
9. The Gates Scholarship
The Gates Scholarship, from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, offers full tuition. It is for outstanding minority students who excel and are the first in their families to go to college. You can renew the scholarship for five years. It covers tuition, fees, room, board, and other college costs.
Eligibility:
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U.S. citizen, national, or legal permanent resident.
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First-generation college student.
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Demonstrates leadership, academic excellence, and financial need.
10. The First-Generation College Student Scholarship by UNCF
The UNCF First-Generation College Student Scholarship helps first-generation college students from underrepresented communities. UNCF provides financial aid to students. This support helps cover tuition and fees at HBCUs and other qualifying schools. Eligibility:
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First-generation college student.
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U.S. citizen or legal resident.
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Demonstrates financial need.
Conclusion
As a first-generation college student, you may face challenges. But these 10 scholarships can provide the financial support you need to succeed. These scholarships help students who will shape future generations. They include merit-based awards and need-based opportunities. Apply early, stay organized, and use as many scholarships as you can. This will help lower your education costs.
Begin your scholarship search now! It’s the first step to a more affordable college education.
