First Generation Scholarship

The First Generation Scholarship is awarded to first-generation and transfer students with significant financial need. 

A student is first generation if both parent(s) do not have a four-year college degree or if they were raised by a single parent who did not earn a four-year college degree. We understand this definition may not fully encompass all circumstances and students are welcome to explain their situation in their scholarship application. 

Common examples:

• Students who attended college at the same time as their parent(s)
• Students who were raised by individual(s) other than their degree-holding parent(s)
• Students whose parents earned degrees outside of the U.S. and who are therefore unable to use those degrees in the U.S. 

Deadline

To be considered for 2025-26, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) (or apply for aid as an undocumented student) and the CU Boulder Scholarship Application.

• First-year students: apply by March 15 
• Transfer students: apply by June 15 

For first-year students, priority is given to those who apply by March 15. Applications submitted after this date may be considered, but award offers are not guaranteed. Transfer students should apply before the application closes on June 15. After you complete the general scholarship application, you'll be prompted to complete the CU Boulder First Generation Scholarship Application, if eligible. 

Amount

Colorado residents: $4,000 per year for up to 10 semesters or 150 credit hours, whichever comes first
Nonresidents: $8,000 per year for up to 4 years

Eligibility

• Incoming first-year resident or nonresident, or resident transfer student
• Neither parent has received a bachelor's degree
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or apply for aid as an undocumented student
• Complete the CU Boulder Scholarship Application, and when prompted, complete the CU Boulder First Generation Scholarship application by March 15
• During the first year, recipients must participate in the First Generation Scholars Program, offered through the Center for Inclusion & Social Change
• Scholarship application and essay are considered as part of a comprehensive review; not all students who are eligible will be awarded the First Generation Scholarship
• Nonresidents must be offered the Presidential Scholarship or CU Boulder Chancellor's Achievement Scholarship

Renewal Criteria

• Continue to meet eligibility requirements (i.e. undergraduate, demonstrated financial need).
• Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards. Academic progress will be reviewed at the completion of each semester.
• Meet the program requirements provided through the Center for Inclusion & Social Change.
• Must have received the scholarship in a previous year.
• Residents: This scholarship may be renewed up to ten semesters or 150 credit hours (whichever comes first.)
  • Transfer credits accepted by the university are included in the 150 credit hour limit.
  • Courses taken for no-credit through Continuing Education and Professional Studies do not count toward the minimum credit hours.
• Nonresidents: This scholarship may be renewed for eight semesters or four years (whichever comes first.)

Withdrawal Policy

• Undergraduate, degree-seeking students are eligible to return to the university within 1-3 terms from their last graded semester without readmitting or reapplying for admission (read more on the Registrar’s website).
• If you will be absent from CU or withdraw during a semester and wish to continue receiving the scholarship upon your return (if eligible), please notify us.
• Withdrawal grades may impact your financial aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).

Summer School or Education Abroad

The First Generation Scholarship cannot be used for summer courses. You may use the First Generation Scholarship for semesters in CU Boulder sponsored Education Abroad programs. The scholarship is not available for other Education Abroad programs.