First Scholars Program

The First Scholars Program is available to 20 first-time, full-time freshman that are first-generation college students (neither biological parent/legal guardians earned more than two years of education beyond high school and no post-secondary degree, including associate’s degree, within the United States) who enroll at University of Memphis.

Twenty (20) students will be selected to participate in a comprehensive 4-year support program including academic, social, personal development and financial awards of $5,000 each, half disbursed in the fall semester and half disbursed in the spring semester. Students can receive the award depending on eligibility requirements for a total of 4 years if program requirements are met.

This scholarship cannot be combined with other academic or programmatic scholarships like the Provost, Presidential or Emerging Leaders Scholarship.

1. Be a first-time, full-time freshman that has applied and been admitted to the University of Memphis for the 2026-2027 academic year which includes submitting an application with appropriate fees, high school transcripts, and ACT or SAT scores;
2. Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov by March 13th
3. Be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen as defined by federal law; Be eligible for in-state tuition;
4. Submit scholarship application and all material by March 13th.

Students selected to be a First Scholar must:

1. Agree to register for and attend the first three sessions of New Student Orientation (Scholarship Session) during May/June; (https://www.memphis.edu/nso);
2. Agree to enroll in a designated ACAD 1100 course for First Scholar Scholarship recipients during the fall semester;
3. Participate in all required service projects and agreed upon campus activities/workshops;
4. Agree to attend designated meetings with First Scholars Program Manager;
5. Participate in mentoring program; Maintain a 2.5 GPA;