First Generation Students

Blaze a New Trail

Become a First-Gen Husker

Approximately 1 in 4 students at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln identify as the first in their families to attend a four-year college or university.

As a first-generation student, you may find that navigating the transition to higher education can be a bit daunting. We want to assure you that Nebraska has the support, resources and guidance you need to succeed in college and beyond.

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln has been recognized as a First Scholars Institution for its commitment to improving experiences and outcomes of first-generation college students. Studying at Nebraska means your identity as a first-generation college student will be celebrated from day one.

View Admission Requirements Learn How to Apply

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Find Your Value

Affordable Tuition

At Nebraska, you can prepare for your dream job at an exceptional value with the lowest tuition in the Big Ten.
Scholarships

Nebraska offers academic scholarships and Leadership, Service and Diversity Enhancement Scholarships.
Test-Preferred

While all students are automatically evaluated based on GPA for academic scholarships after being admitted, a test score submission is preferred to maximize your scholarship consideration.

Learn More About Paying for College

Nebraska Promise

Attend Nebraska Tuition-Free

If you are a Nebraska resident with a family income of $65,000 or less (Adjusted Gross Income) or Pell Grant-eligible, you may qualify to attend Nebraska tuition-free through the Nebraska Promise.

Learn More About Nebraska Promise

EducationQuest Foundation

EducationQuest Foundation is a nonprofit organization with a mission to improve access to higher education in Nebraska. They provide free resources to help you explore career options, find scholarships, file the FAFSA and more.

Learn More About EducationQuest

Support for Your Success

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First Husker Program

The First Husker program is designed to help you thrive during your first semester and beyond. With a free four-day orientation and a 10-week seminar, you'll get a head-start on your college experience, build connections with fellow first-gen Huskers and learn success strategies.
First-Gen Learning Community

In the First-Gen Learning Community, you'll live with a supportive network of peers, take a seminar course together and attend exclusive academic events.
Center for Academic Success and Transition (CAST)

CAST connects you with 1-to-1 academic coaching and workshops to build essential skills like learning strategies, time management and study motivation.
Office of Academic Success and Intercultural Services (OASIS)

OASIS enhances your success by promoting academic excellence, diversity awareness and social engagement.
The Explore Center

The Explore Center has academic and career advisors to help you connect your interests, skills and values to a major and potential career field.
Husker Dialogues

Engage in meaningful conversations about diversity and inclusion during Husker Dialogues.

Stretch Your Strengths at Nebraska

Make Connections

Find your academic circle in a Learning Community.
Join one of over 500 student organizations.
Build meaningful relationships with your peers and professors.
Study abroad to immerse yourself in a different culture.

“Going to college brought amazing people into my life. That's the biggest gift I got from Nebraska outside of my education.”

-Andrea Trejo

Learn by Doing

Gain access to classrooms and labs filled with the latest technology.
Engage in undergraduate research with top Nebraska faculty.
Get 1-to-1 support through academic advising.
Create real solutions that matter to real people.

“Connecting with mentors who have 'been there, done that' has helped a lot. Here on campus, there are a lot of programs that offer mentorships.”

-Dywan Williams

Build a Foundation for Your Career

Network with Nebraska faculty and staff who were first-generation students through the First Generation-Nebraska Initiative.
Collaborate with professors and other students to engage in unique hands-on learning opportunities—like internships, work-study and pre-professional clubs.
Work 1-to-1 with a Career Services Advisor to find the right internships so you can kickstart your path to a career you'll love.

“College has allowed me to explore my interests, progress in my field and create new connections and lasting friendships.”

-David Estrada