2026–27 Scholarships for First-Generation College Students
These scholarships are limited to, or give preference to, students who are the first in their family to go to college. Providers define first-generation in slightly different ways, so check each one.
11 scholarships open now$128,000 in top listed awardsbusiest month: February 2027 (4)
Open scholarships
Sorted by deadline, soonest first- Brighthouse Scholar Connections Scholarship Program$10K–$40K
- La Piana Scholarship$2K
- MCCA Scholarship Awards (Dr. Eva Long Memorial Scholarship and Rodney Chin Memorial Scholarship)$1K
- Simon Youth Greg Saunders Legacy Scholarship Program$3K
- Carol A. Hurley Memorial Scholarship$1K
- VSAC Taigh Scholarship$1K
- SVCF Krishnan-Shah Family Scholarship$40K
- Excelen-SIA Academic ScholarshipVaries
- Kentucky Fried Chicken Scholarships$2,500–$20K
- Pathway to Success ScholarshipVaries
- ITE Diversity Scholars Program$20K
Common questions
How many scholarships for first-generation college students are open right now?
There are 11 open scholarships on this list as of October 19, 2026. 2 close in the next 60 days.
What is the largest scholarship for first-generation college students?
Brighthouse Scholar Connections Scholarship Program is the largest, at $10,000 to $40,000. 9 of the 11 list an award amount; the rest vary or are set by the provider each year.
Do scholarships for first-generation college students require an essay?
5 of 11 ask for an essay or personal statement in the requirements we have. 6 list no essay. The next deadline is Brighthouse Scholar Connections Scholarship Program on November 1, 2026.
Last checked October 19, 2026. Scholarships are removed once their deadline passes.