First Generation Students

Blaze a New Trail

Become a First-Gen Husker

Two students sitting next to each other with laptop computers

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.

A student and professor sitting next to each other talking.
 

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.

Nebraska Promise Logo

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
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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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Stretch Your Strengths at Nebraska

Make Connections

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

-Andrea Trejo

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

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

David Estrada

We're Here to Help

If you have questions about studying at Nebraska, navigating the application process or resources for success, contact admissions@unl.edu or 402-472-2023.

Move Your Future Forward

We can’t wait for you to join the Husker community—take your next step to Nebraska today.