Grants
Grants are free money from the government that you don't have to pay back. There are special grants just for students who are the first in their family to go to college:
- Pell Grant - Up to $6,895 per year based on your family's income
- FSEOG Grant - Between $100 and $4,000 per year for students with a lot of financial need
To get these grants, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form at studentaid.gov.
Scholarships
Scholarships are another way to get free money for college. You earn them by getting good grades, playing sports, volunteering in your community, or other achievements. Some scholarships just for first-gen students are:
- Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarship - $5,000 if you have at least a 3.0 GPA
- UNCF Scholarships - Various amounts for African American students
You can find scholarships on websites like scholarships.com and fastweb.com. Also check with the colleges you're applying to for their own first-gen scholarships.
Money You Earn
Work-Study Jobs
The federal Work-Study program allows you to get a part-time job to earn money for college expenses. The jobs could be:
- On campus - Working in the library, dining hall, etc.
- Off campus - At a local non-profit organization
You'll make at least minimum wage ($7.25 per hour) but maybe more depending on the job. To apply for Work-Study, submit the FAFSA form.
Money You Borrow
Student Loans
Loans are money you borrow from the government that you will need to pay back after graduating college. The main federal student loans are:
- Direct Subsidized Loan - For students with financial need, the government pays interest while you're in school
- Direct Unsubsidized Loan - For any student, you pay all interest yourself
As a first-year student, you can borrow up to $5,500 combined from these loans. You must complete the FAFSA to get federal student loans.The key things about loans are:
- You'll owe the money back plus interest
- You don't pay while in school
- Payments start after you graduate
So if you need help paying for college, be sure to fill out the FAFSA form to apply for grants, work-study jobs, and student loans! And look for scholarships specifically for first-generation college students. Additionally, make sure you speak with your high school counselor to find out about suitable resources.