Scholars: Eligibility

SCHOLARS: ELIGIBILITY

Participating in First Scholars includes a four-year renewable scholarships of $5,000 each to incoming first-time, full-time freshmen whose parents did not attend college. If that description fits your background, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships.

To receive a scholarship from us, you must:

  • Be a first-generation student, which means that neither of your parents attended college.
  • Be a first-time, full-time freshman when beginning college.
  • Be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen as defined and permitted under federal law.
  • Apply, and be admitted, to one of our affiliate universities.
  • Demonstrate financial need.
  • Perform in the mid-range of the affiliate university’s admission standards.
  • Be eligible for in-state student tuition at the university to which you apply.
  • Intend to live on campus, and apply for campus housing by the required dates.
  • Apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the deadline set by the university.
  • Complete the Student Strengths Inventory™, a non-academic assessment of your potential for success.
  • Be willing to commit to your full participation in the First Scholars program and activities.

Each scholarship recipient will be selected based on our eligibility criteria and the results of the SSI. If you’re selected, First Scholars will work with you to create and help you follow your First Scholars individualized strategic plan to maximize your success in college.

RENEWAL

As a First Scholar scholarship recipient, you will be granted up to three additional one-year scholarships toward your undergraduate studies, provided you meet the following criteria:

  1. Maintain full-time student status (as defined by your university).*
  2. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
  3. Stay on track to graduate on schedule (attain an average of 30 credits per academic year).
  4. Demonstrate your commitment and full involvement in developing and following your individualized strategic plan, including participation in all required activities.
  5. Complete your Pay-It-Forward requirement for the academic year.
*
Although most universities consider students who are taking 12 credit hours per semester to have full-time status, taking 12 credits per semester does not keep you on pace to graduate in four years. Please keep in mind that this scholarship covers four years. In order to stay on track to graduate in four years, you should aim to earn an average of 30 credits per year. Consult your advisor to verify the exact number of credit hours needed to earn your particular degree.

Student Strengths Inventory is a trademark of C-Sync, LLC.

 

Introduction

Eligibility

How to apply

 

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