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First-Gen: Financial Aid Overview

November 15, 2022

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min read

There are scholarships and grants available that are geared specifically toward first-generation college students, which may be provided by specific schools, private companies, or nonprofit organizations. For more information on scholarship websites and how to start your scholarship search, click here and here for the scholarship page.

💸Steps to Finding and Getting Scholarships and Grants

1. Get Organized

Before applying for scholarships, you need to research and identify potential options. Some organizations offer scholarships year-round, but deadlines often occur during the first half of the year. Generally, you should start researching up to a year before the semester for which you want scholarship funding.

2. Develop a List of Targeted Scholarships

You should narrow the list of awards you can realistically pursue since there are hundreds of scholarships for minority students. Applying for as many awards as possible usually does not make the best strategy. Instead, you should create a targeted list of scholarships catering to their personal background and academic interests.
Think local too! Many of these scholarships are overlooked but are amazing opportunities!

3. Prepare Scholarship Application Packets

Many applications have similar general requirements. For example, most require academic transcripts, which you can request from your current college or high school. Others call for proof of community engagement, such as volunteer experience. Give yourself plenty of time to gather application materials.

4. Submit Your Application

Have another person review essays, personal statements, and other writing requirements to help catch typos and other mistakes.
Deadlines and varying submission requirements can be really overwhelming. Double-check a scholarship’s deadlines and requirements to ensure you include everything and submit the application on time. Better early than missing it!

5. What to Do After Receiving a Scholarship

Take some time to relax after applying to scholarships, but remember that scholarships may require additional obligations. You may need to officially accept the scholarship by a set deadline in order to claim the funding. Do not forget this important official step!!

📝Financial Aid Resources for Minority Students

Resources

Name	Description
Arab American Women’s Business Council Scholarship	The AAWBC offers a $1,000 scholarship to female Arab Michiganders staying in the state for college. Recipients must volunteer for at least six hours of community service each week.
Dr. Adawia Alousi Scholarship	This Center for Arab American Philanthropy awards this scholarship to Muslim women in accredited STEM programs. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and a minimum 3.4 GPA.
National Association of Black Journalists Scholarships	NABJ offers annual awards to Black students pursuing undergraduate or graduate programs leading to a journalism career. Applicants must hold NABJ membership and a minimum 2.5 GPA. Candidates need a demonstrated interest in newsgathering and reporting.
Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship	This NAACP-sponsored scholarship awards $2,000 to Black undergraduate or graduate students. Current NAACP members under 25 who can demonstrate financial need qualify. The scholarship requires a minimum 2.5 GPA for undergraduates and a minimum 3.0 GPA for graduate students.
Blacks At Microsoft Scholarships	Microsoft awards several scholarships to Black high school seniors planning to enter a four-year college or university. These scholarships require applicants to hold a minimum 3.3 GPA. Candidates must plan to pursue a bachelor’s in computer science, engineering, or business-related field.
American Indian Undergraduate Scholarship	Applicants must provide official documentation of personal or parental tribal enrollment, academic transcripts, and test scores. Recipients must maintain an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.0.
Daughters of the American Revolution American Indian Scholarship	DAR offers a scholarship to Native American students of all ages, with preference given to undergraduate students. Applicants must provide documentation of tribal enrollment or Native ancestry, demonstrate financial need, and possess a minimum 2.5 GPA.
Indian Health Service Scholarships	Applicants must be members or descendants of recognized or terminated tribes who intend to serve Native communities after graduation, pursuing education in the health sciences. These scholarships serve students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Alliance/Merck Ciencia Hispanic Scholars Program	The foundation offers scholarships to Hispanic students at the high school, undergraduate, and graduate level, students enrolling in college programs, particularly in STEM fields.
Association of Latino Professionals For America Scholarships	ALPFA offers various scholarship opportunities to Hispanic students enrolled in business, finance, accounting, or STEM programs. Applicants must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and submit a short essay.
American Meteorological Society Minority Scholarship	The AMS provides these scholarships for minority students entering bachelor’s programs in atmospheric, oceanic, or hydrologic sciences. Applicants must hold a minimum 3.0 GPA. The scholarship awards $3,000 each year for the first two years of a bachelor’s program.
Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship	The APIA Scholarships award $2,500-$20,000 to Asian and Pacific Islander students facing underrepresentation on college campuses. The scholarship focuses specifically on first-generation college students, those demonstrating financial need, and those representing geographic and ethnic diversity.
Asian Pacific Fund Scholarships	The Asian Pacific Fund administers 10 scholarship programs to incoming or current college students. Scholarships range from $1,000-$20,000 and set their own eligibility criteria. All require a 3.0 GPA and U.S. citizenship unless otherwise noted.
American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education	The organization features many member resources, including professional development, fellowships, conferences, and a leadership academy for Hispanic professionals.
American Indian College Fund	The College Fund offers connections to scholarships, tribal colleges, internships, and other resources. Any member or descendent of a federally recognized tribe can benefit from The College Fund’s scholarship resources.
Hispanic Scholarship Fund	The organization offers resources on scholarships, federal financial aid, and the application process. HSF hosts various college preparedness programs and workshops.
Human Rights Campaign	Serving LGBTQ+ students, HRC’s scholarship database compiles financial opportunities, including fellowships, grants, and scholarships. This comprehensive database enables students to search by state or browse a national list of undergraduate and graduate LGBTQ+ scholarships.
Minority Student Achievement Network	The organization offers college financial resources, including scholarships for minority students, financial aid, education, and informational workshops and seminars. MSAN hosts conferences for high school students planning to attend college.
NAACP	The organization offers educational resources for Black students, including college scholarships for both undergraduates and graduates. Most scholarships prioritize current NAACP members.
The Jackie Robinson Foundation	Scholarship winners receive a four-year grant to attend the U.S. undergraduate college of their choice. Winners receive mentorship, academic advising, and support services.
Native American Rights Foundation	NARF promotes human rights for Native Americans, develops Native American law, and holds governments accountable to Native Americans. The organization offers financial and professional opportunities to Native American law students, including fellowships, scholarships, clerkships, and internships.
National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering	NACME seeks to increase diversity in STEM fields. The organization focuses particularly on engineering and computer science. Along with scholarships for minority students, the organization offers career development, trade publications, and an executive speaker series connecting NACME students with engineering professionals.

💡Tips for Saving Money in College

1. Go to Community College First

You can save money in college by fulfilling prerequisite credits or degrees at community colleges before transferring to four-year schools.

2. Buy Used or Digital Textbooks

New textbooks often cost $50-$150, but you can save money by ordering used or digital textbooks through sites like BookFinder.com and Amazon.

3. Use Public Transportation

Given the high costs of gas prices, you can often save money by using buses, trolleys, subway, and/or train systems to get to school. Finding housing close to campus can also reduce commuting expenses.

4. Limit Eating Out and Choose Your Meal Plan Wisely

Most schools offer several meal plans in different price ranges. You can save money by choosing a lower-cost meal plan and eating some meals at home. Also, shop at affordable grocery stores and cook your own food, it makes a big difference!

5. Take Advantage of Campus Amenities

Many colleges offer free services, such as health clinic care, counseling, career planning, and campus recreation. You can save money by using these free, on-campus services instead of paying for similar services at off-campus locations.

6. Live at Home or Find a Roommate

Living at home often costs less than paying for on-campus housing. Also, if you live on or near campus, you may save money by finding roommates to split rent costs with.

7. Get a Part-Time Job or Side Hustle

Balancing a full-time job with full-time study may prove too challenging. Try working part-time jobs or opening side businesses to cover living expenses while in school.

8. Use Your Student Discount

Some entertainment venues and businesses offer student discounts. Taking advantage of these discounts can help you save money.

9. Find Free and Cheap Entertainment

Many schools provide cheap or free entertainment for students. You can also explore inexpensive off-campus entertainment and activity options, such as hiking, community theater, and club sports.

10. Don't Fail Class

Most schools charge a per-credit tuition rate, which means that you must pay to retake any failed classes. Sign up for a manageable course load and seek help from professors and on-campus tutoring services when needed.

💸Grants/ Scholarships

For a full table of tons of grants and scholarships, check out this guide!

🏦Loans

Enrollees who need loans to help finance their college education should consider borrowing from the federal government rather than private loan companies. Federal subsidized and unsubsidized loan programs typically offer lower interest rates than private loans. Additionally, federal loan programs usually allow students to defer payment under certain conditions. [Learn more about the best fit loan for you!

💼Work-Study

Federally funded work-study programs allow college students to earn additional money without the income affecting their federal aid eligibility. Most work-study programs are on-campus jobs, but some nonprofits and community organizations participate in federal work-study programs. Guide to work-study for college students!

🤔Advice from a Financial Aid Program Officer

From Dr. Nicki Washington

What are the biggest mistakes minority students make when it comes to financial aid and scholarships?

"The biggest mistake minority students make is not exhausting the financial aid search. Most will perform a basic search during their senior year, without giving it the effort it requires to be successful. Once they arrive at the university, they don’t take advantage of the resources available to current undergraduates that aren’t available to prospective students. This includes department-specific opportunities, which may include working with faculty.

Are there unknown resources or underutilized funding sources for minority students?

"Some majors have more funding available because there are fewer minorities in these areas. These will typically be science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)-related disciplines. Students should ask department chairs and faculty about opportunities, even as incoming accepted students. There may be book scholarships or other awards available (which is why it’s important to also have a resume prepared).
Students should always look into institutional and departmental scholarships, as these funds often go unused. As an example, I had a research grant to fund five undergraduates for two years (junior and senior years) to conduct research with me. It included a $10K scholarship plus an $8k stipend (paid directly to them). I couldn’t get students to apply for this opportunity. Many students don’t want to take the time to complete the application, which often includes completing a personal statement. This goes for high-school students as well."

What advice do you have for prospective minority students starting the financial aid process?

I strongly urge students to create three generic essays during the college admissions process. These serve as blueprints to edit for any future applications. Because all admissions and scholarship applications have this requirement, it’s good to have three well-written essays (that were edited by English teachers and a few others) to be able to tweak, as appropriate. I note this in my books.
Every state has a higher education web page with resources for college-bound or current students who are residents of the state. This should always be searched. Every sorority/fraternity has scholarship opportunities available as well that do not require a parent to be affiliated with the organization. Check each local chapter’s website. In addition, credit unions and different companies have scholarships related to their discipline.
Tech students can find scholarships from Google, Microsoft, and AnitaB.org, for example. Students interested in law can find scholarship opportunities through the National Bar Association, and the same goes for accounting, journalism, and other majors. Professional societies are great avenues. Lastly, most local alumni chapters provide some scholarships. Check the local chapter in your area to find out this information as well."

📝Budget Resources for College Students

NameDescriptionURLFederal Student AidThis website connects students to federal financial aid such as grants and loans. It also offers various tips for creating and maintaining an appropriate budget.https://studentaid.gov/resources/prepare-for-college/students/budgeting/budgeting-tipsDebt.orgThis organization provides online information relevant to debt and financial decisions. Prospective students may benefit from this site's information on financial aid and debt management.https://www.debt.org/students/InChargeThis company offers credit counseling, debt consolidation and management programs, debt relief solutions, and financial literacy resources. It also offers a free budgeting lesson.https://www.incharge.org/financial-literacy/resources-for-teachers/college/YNABThis resource helps debtors manage their money and get ahead financially. The app emphasizes planning and intentional spending.https://www.youneedabudget.com/

🔎Need-Blind Admissions

Look for colleges that have need-blind admissions, but be aware that not all need-blind policies are created equal. Need-blind admissions don’t consider financial need in their decisions; they won't necessarily offer loan-free financial aid. Some colleges guarantee all students full loan-free financial aid. Check with the specific colleges on your list to get a detailed picture of the financial aid they might offer you.

TIP: Always apply for scholarships and grants first since these funds do not require repayment!

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