Students walking on campus

First-generation Students at Hamline

We’re here to help you take that first big step


Hamline understands how challenging and overwhelming it can be to attend college, especially if you're the first in your family to attend a four-year university or college. Nearly 50% of our undergraduates are the first in their immediate families to receive a bachelor’s degree.

That’s why we provide all first-generation students with a wealth of resources to make the college journey as simple as possible, including:

  • Experienced admissions counselors who know the unique questions and concerns that first-generation students and their families have about attending college
  • Financial aid counselors who will be there for you throughout your time at Hamline to help explain what financial aid is, how to get the financial support you need, and answer any questions you may have
  • First-generation mentors who will provide you with advice and guidance to help you navigate all aspects of life as a college student
  • A community of first-generation students and ongoing activities to ensure your success

In addition, as a first-generation student, you are also eligible for a Hamline Firsts Award, a $3,000 academic scholarship.

 

First-generation students Mohamed Shukri and Evelyn Ramirez Garcia

First-generation students Mohamed Shukri and Evelyn Ramirez Garcia
Emma Marsland, Criminology and Criminal Justice, First generation student
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Get the support you need as a first-generation college student

We know how big of a transition it can be to start college, so we want to provide you with as much support and as many resources as possible to help you succeed.

Emma Marsland '25, a criminology and criminal justice major with a concentration in peace officer standards and training, shares how the support and resources Hamline provided her as a first-generation college student helped her transition to college successfully.

The First-generation Scholars of Hamline

Join a community of first-generation students

As a first-generation student, the transition to college can be extra stressful and challenging. Fortunately, you don’t have to navigate that experience alone. The First-generation Scholars of Hamline is a student group for first-generation students that provides academic and moral support.

The organization provides first-generation students with academic mentors and access to academic and social resources to not only help you succeed at Hamline but thrive.

For more information about the First-generation Scholars of Hamline, you can visit their page.
 

Join First Gen Org

 

First Gen logo

Alpha Alpha Alpha Honor Society

Join a prestigious national honor society

The Alpha Alpha Alpha Honor Society is a national honor society that celebrates the success of first-generation college students. On Tuesday, April 16, 2024, Hamline University officially launched the Theta Psi Chapter of the honor society, with 41 students and six staff members initiated at the Charting and Initiation Ceremony.

To be eligible to join, you must complete a membership application and also meet the following criteria:

  • Be a current, full-time degree-seeking student
  • Have completed at least 32 credit hours, of which at least one full-time semester must have been completed at Hamline University
  • Achieved an overall GPA of at least 3.2 in all of your coursework
  • Come from a family where neither parent nor legal guardian has earned a bachelor’s degree

For more information, visit the national Alpha Alpha Alpha Honor Society website.

Advisor: Carlos D. Sneed, Associate Vice President of Student Affairs/Associate Dean of Students

Travis Matthews, legal studies major at Hamline

Being able to build a community is so important, and Hamline is such a warm, welcoming community. That warmth and friendliness make things so much easier.

Travis Matthews ‘24, legal studies; First-generation student

Resources for first generation students

CASA

The Center for Academic Success and Achievement (CASA) provides you with resources to help you succeed, including academic advisors, tutors, and academic skills support.

Academic support

Financial aid

Our financial aid counselors will help explain how Hamline makes your degree affordable through first-generation and merit-based scholarships, work-study, and grants.

Financial support

CDC

The Career Development Center (CDC) provides assistance to help you identify and prepare for internship opportunities while you earn your degree, and career opportunities after graduation.

Career Support

Counseling and health support

Hamline’s counseling and health services provides you with a variety of counseling and health services.

Wellness support

Be recognized for your achievements

The first-generation graduate reception and pinning ceremony and the first-generation honor society induction.

First Generation student ceremony
First Generation student ceremony
First Generation student ceremony
First Generation student ceremony
First Generation student ceremony
Mohamed Shukri at Commencement

Hamline University.
For firsts, since day one.

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