The Ë¿ÍàÊÓƵ First-Gen Guarantee

First-Generation Students

Ë¿ÍàÊÓƵ is committed to providing access, opportunity, and personal support to first-generation students

First-generation students make up 22% of our student body. Seventy six first-generation faculty and staff provide support to all students.

Ë¿ÍàÊÓƵ is proud to provide extensive financial and personal support to all our first-generation students. So proud that incoming first-generation students are guaranteed one of the following:

More in First-Generation Students

Large group of students standing in front of Old Centre with matching fleece jackets with Grissom student logo

Four-Year Scholarship

Grissom Scholars Program

Ë¿ÍàÊÓƵ’s commitment to opportunity and an excellent liberal arts and sciences education is deeply reflected in the Grissom Scholars Program, one of the College’s premier scholarships. Available to first-year applicants, each year the program offers ten high achieving, first-generation, high financial need, college students a full scholarship and $5,000 in educational enrichment funds. Grissom scholars and alumni represent 23 states.

A tree with spring leaves and flowers in front of Crounse Hall at Ë¿ÍàÊÓƵ

Four-Year Mentored Cohort

Kessler Scholars Program

Delivering on its commitment to ensure educational access and achievement for first-generation students, Ë¿ÍàÊÓƵ partners with the Kessler Scholars Collaborative, a program that connects high-achieving first-generation students with individualized support and cohort-based programming designed to foster academic, professional and personal growth.

Supplemental Funding

Thrive Enrichment Funds

A $10 million gift from Mr. & Mrs. J. David and Marlene Grissom, provides access to study abroad, internships and other educational opportunities for first-generation students. Centre provides incoming first-generation students with $5,000 in enrichment funding in addition to their generous financial aid packages.

First-Generation Office

Speak with dedicated staff who are working hard every day to support first-generation students at Ë¿ÍàÊÓƵ. On campus, visit the First-Generation Office on the second floor of the Combs Center to meet with staff.