You’re the First. We’re Here to Help.
There’s a lot to be proud of as a first-generation college student, but there can also be a lot to figure out. When you don’t have a parent who graduated from college, you may be sorting through questions about choosing a major, paying for college and where to turn for help. At Northwest, you’ll find people who care, resources that help and a community that wants you to feel welcomed, supported and ready to succeed.
If your parent or legal guardian didn’t graduate from a four-year college or university, you’re considered a first-generation college student at Northwest. You may also hear first-gen for short. If that describes you, Northwest wants you to know there’s a place for you here.
At Northwest, the Student Success Center (SSC) connects you with support that can help college feel more manageable. Through advising, academic support and planning tools, the SSC helps first-generation college students find answers, make informed decisions and keep moving toward graduation. If you’re still getting used to college acronyms and unfamiliar terms, Northwest’s glossary can help make them easier to understand.
As a first-generation student, you likely have questions about choosing classes, registration and how your major connects to your goals. Through the SSC, you’ll get personalized advising that helps you make informed decisions and connect with the right campus resources.
When it comes to resources for first-generation college students, the SSC can connect you to tutoring, academic success coaching and peer-led group study sessions for challenging courses. With that support, you can manage coursework, build strong study habits and keep making progress toward your degree.
Finishing in four years can help you save money and get to what’s next sooner, whether that’s starting your career or continuing your education. To do so, you’ll need to complete 30 credit hours each year. Through Complete 30, you and your advisor can build a plan around your schedule and goals so you can graduate on time and reduce costs.
Figuring out how to pay for college can feel even more overwhelming when you don’t have someone at home who’s been through the financial aid process before. You may be trying to make sense of financial aid terms, navigate the FAFSA and determine if there are scholarships for first-generation college students you might qualify for. At Northwest, you’ll find people and resources that can help you understand your options and make college more affordable.
When it comes to paying for college, filing the FAFSA is one of the most important things you can do as a first-generation student. It helps Northwest determine your eligibility for federal, state and institutional aid, which may include grants, loans, work-study and some scholarship opportunities.
If you’re looking into scholarships for first-generation college students, Northwest has one application that can put you in consideration for many opportunities. After you complete the FAFSA, you may also be eligible for federal, state and institutional aid that can help lower your costs.
Scholarships and financial aid can come with a lot of unfamiliar terms, forms and deadlines, and as a first-generation college student, they may be especially confusing. The Office of Scholarships and Financial Assistance team is here to answer your questions and guide you through the process. If you need help, don’t hesitate to contact them.
As a first-generation college student, you don’t have to have everything figured out before you get here. Northwest offers support, guidance and resources to help you make informed decisions and feel more confident about college.
At Northwest, the first-generation college student meaning is tied to your parent’s or legal guardian’s educational background. If they didn’t graduate from a four-year college or university, you’re considered a first-generation college student. If that describes you, there’s a place for you at Northwest.
Yes. At Northwest, what counts as a first-generation college student includes students whose parent or legal guardian attended college but didn’t complete a four-year degree.
A good place to begin is the Student Success Center. It can connect you with advising, tutoring and other resources for first-generation college students that can help you navigate classes, career goals and campus life.
As a first-generation student, you can apply for a wide range of scholarship opportunities and financial aid. When it comes to first-generation college student scholarships and financial aid, it’s important to complete the FAFSA to see what aid you may be eligible to receive.
