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Five Arizona scholarships and programs specifically prioritize first-generation students — including the NAU STAR Program and the Valley of the Sun United Way Scholarship — and many of the 105 general scholarships in our directory are open to first-gen applicants too. Most include mentorship and college-application support alongside the award.
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This page lists scholarships and programs that prioritize first-generation students — those who will be the first in their family to earn a four-year degree. Many include mentorship and college-application support alongside the financial award.
Definitions vary by program, but most consider you first-generation if neither parent nor guardian completed a four-year (bachelor's) degree in the United States. Some programs use a broader definition. Check each scholarship's official eligibility criteria to confirm you qualify.
Some do. Programs like the Arizona Promise Program and national awards such as Gates and QuestBridge can cover full tuition or full cost of attendance for eligible students. Others are smaller one-time awards. Each listing notes the award amount where published.