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TIAA First-Generation Scholarship Program
Deadline to apply: February 28, 2025 3:00 pm CT

TIAA has established a scholarship program to assist first-generation undergraduate students who plan to continue their education in college.

The program is administered by Scholarship America®, the nation’s largest designer and manager of scholarships and other education support programs for corporations, foundations, associations, and individuals. Eligibility for individual programs is determined at the sole discretion of the sponsor and eligible applications are reviewed by Scholarship America’s evaluation team.

Applicants to the TIAA First-Generation Scholarship Program must:

  • Be first-generation* students
    *For the purpose of this scholarship program, “first-generation” is defined as neither parent/guardian of the student having previously received a 4-year college/university degree
  • Be current college undergraduates
  • Plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited two-year or four-year college or university for the entire upcoming academic year

Awards

If selected as a recipient, the student will receive an award ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. Up to 15 awards will be granted.

Awards are not renewable, but students may reapply to the program each year they meet eligibility requirements.

Awards are for undergraduate study only and can be used for any education-related expenses.

Notification

All applicants will be notified in late April.

Payment of Scholarships

Scholarship America processes scholarship payments on behalf of TIAA. Payment is made in August.

Selection of Recipients

Scholarship recipients are selected on the basis of:

  • Demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities
  • Work experience
  • A statement of educational and career goals and objectives
  • Unique personal or family circumstances

Financial need is not considered.

Selection of recipients is made by Scholarship America. In no instance does any officer or employee of TIAA play a part in the selection. Not all applicants to the program will be selected as recipients. All applicants agree to accept the decision as final.

TIAA has partnered with Scholarship America. Selecting the button below will redirect you to the Scholarship America Student Hub!

Please make sure to add studentsupport@scholarshipamerica.org as well as the program email address provided below in the footer as safe senders in your email contact list.