A first-generation student is a student whose parents or guardians have not earned a 4-year degree.
Support Networks
- Iowa Edge—This dynamic four-year mentorship initiative is open to all students with an emphasis on assisting those from under-resourced schools, first-generation college attendees, or transfer students.
- First Gen Hawks
- Living Learning Communities
- 1stGen@Iowa Mentor Network
- National First-Generation College Celebration
- 1stGen@Iowa Student Advisory Board
- UI Parent and Family Network
- Office of Multicultural & International Student Support & Engagement (MISSE)
- 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
Iowa admission counselors offer college-preparation tips for students in grades 8-12, including course work recommendations, when to take the ACT or SAT, how to choose a college, and where to find scholarships.
The Iowa Association for College Admission Counseling, Inclusion, Access, and Success committee 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
Contact the Office of Access and Support for information about summer programs for students who are members of this group.
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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.