First Generation Scholarship

The First Generation Scholarship is awarded to first-generation incoming and transfer students who have significant financial need. To be considered, you mustÌýapply for financial aid and complete theÌýCU Boulder Scholarship Application by the deadline.

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.ÌýWe understand this definition may not fully encompass all circumstances and students are welcome to explain their situation in their scholarship application.Ìý

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.Ìý

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

How to Apply

Deadline

To be eligible, students must apply for financial aid and complete the CU Boulder Scholarship Application by:

  • March 15 for first-year students
  • June 15 for transfer studentsÌý

Eligibility

  • Incoming first-year resident or nonresident, or resident transfer student
  • Neither parent has received a bachelor's degree
  • Significant financial need as determined by financial aid application
  • 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 ScholarshipÌý´Ç°ù CU Boulder Chancellor's Achievement Scholarship

This scholarship aims to support the lived and individual experiences and achievements of first-generation college students. This scholarship is open to qualified CU Boulder applicants and does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, creed, religion, veteran status, marital status, political affiliation, political philosophy, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression in accordance with state, federal, and Regent law.

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 scholarshipÌýin aÌýprevious 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 AbroadÌýprograms. The scholarship is not available for other Education Abroad programs.