A first-generation student is a student whose parents or guardians have not earned a 4-year degree.
Support Networks
- First Gen Hawks — The First Gen Hawks program provides first-generation Hawkeyes a way to engage in activites that enhance the college experience within and beyond the classroom through experiential learning or learning while doing.
- Iowa Edge — Iowa Edge is a donor-funded initiative designed to support students as they transition to the University of Iowa. Through networking and community-building activities, participants engage in sessions that provide the knowledge and skills needed for a successful start as Hawkeyes. This free program is open to all new and transfer students, with a focus on supporting individuals from low-income areas, rural areas, and first-generation students.
- Living Learning Communities
- 1stGen@Iowa Mentor Network
- National First-Generation College Celebration
- 1stGen@Iowa Student Advisory Board
- UI Parent and Family Network
- TRIO Student Support Services
Financial Aid and Scholarships
To supplement the cost of attending the University, start your scholarship search with the UI Office of Student Financial Aid and adding the University of Iowa to your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Additional resources include:
- UI Scholarships—Iowa offers more than 1,500 scholarships based on academic merit and/or financial need.
- Types of Student Financial Aid
- How to Apply for Financial Aid at Iowa
Resources to Help You Plan for College
The Iowa Association for College Admission Counseling has created a College Knowledge Glossary that provides students with terminology they may hear throughout their college search and enrollment process.
- College Knowledge Glossary—Available in English only, English/Spanish, and French
Pre-College Programs and Community Resources
If you have a business or program local to the Iowa City area that you feel would be appropriate on this page, please contact the Admissions Web Editor at adm-web-help@uiowa.edu about the addition.
Links or references on this page to outside services or products do not constitute an endorsement of any kind. These links are provided for informational purposes only.