For First-Generation Students
Nobody in your family has done this.
That's okay — you've got this.
Being the first in your family to go to college means you do not have a built-in playbook. That is what this page is for. We collected the articles that answer the questions first-gen students and their parents actually have — from scholarships and FAFSA to what the first week on campus feels like.
Start with the planning checklistStart here
The four articles first-gen students and families should read first.
Best Colleges for First-Gen Students
Schools with real first-gen support programs, not just a mention on a brochure.
Scholarships for First-Gen Students
Scholarship opportunities specifically for students who are first in their family.
First-Gen Parent Guide
What parents need to know when nobody in the family has been through this before.
The College Planning Checklist
A grade-by-grade timeline that makes the whole process less overwhelming.
Figure out the money
Financial aid is complicated, but first-gen students often qualify for more help than they realize.
How to Fill Out the FAFSA
A plain-English walkthrough for families doing this for the first time.
7 Scholarship Types Most Families Miss
The scholarship categories that first-gen families often do not know about.
College Planning for Low-Income Families
How to plan for college when money is the first concern, not the last.
How to Appeal a Financial Aid Offer
Yes, you can ask for more money. Here is how to do it the right way.
FAFSA Deadlines 2026-2027
Do not miss the dates. State deadlines are earlier than you think.
Get ready for campus
The first few weeks are the hardest part. Knowing what to expect makes a real difference.
College Orientation Guide
What orientation is actually for and how to make it count.
What Dorm Life Is Really Like
The unfiltered version for students who have never visited a college campus.
How to Make Friends in College
It does not happen automatically. Here is what to do in the first few weeks.
How to Study in College
College-level studying is different. Here is what works and what does not.
Mental Health Resources on Campus
Where to get help and why first-gen students are often the last to ask.
Free planning tools
Interactive tools that help you figure out what to do next.
Browse 800+ colleges
Compare acceptance rates, costs, and outcomes side by side.
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