First Scholars eligibility criteria

Information about the First Scholars program for first-generation students

If you’re a first generation college student and wish to apply to the First Scholars program at Northern Arizona University, please review the criteria information for a better understanding of the criteria and process.

Students who apply to the First Scholars program must:

• Be a first-generation student, meaning your parents have no more than two years of education beyond high school and no post-secondary degree, including an associates or bachelors’ degree.
• Be a first-time freshman who has applied and been admitted to NAU for the 2019-20 year. This includes submitting appropriate fees, high school transcripts, and ACT/SAT scores
• Demonstrate financial need and complete the FAFSA/Free Application for Federal Student Aid online as soon as possible. You must have a complete FAFSA file at NAU by April 1.
• Have an ACT/SAT score(s) between 19-25 or 920-1130 and/or a minimum high school core GPA of 3.0.
• Be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen as defined by federal law.
• Be eligible for in-state tuition.
• Complete the Student Strengths Inventory® (instructions to complete this assessment will be sent to you after the application deadline if you’re determined eligible to be a First Scholar).
• Be willing to fully participate in First Scholars program and activities.

Students selected to be a First Scholar must:

• Attend an NAU new student Orientation in June, and the First Scholars Orientation, date to be determined.
• Enroll in a designated NAU 100 course for First Scholars during the fall 2019 semester.
• Live on campus as a freshman, and apply for housing by the required dates.
• Participate in designated retreats, activities, workshops and service projects.
• Participate in a mentoring program.
• Maintain a 2.75 GPA.
• Transition to leadership roles as an upperclassman.
• Understand that this is a four-year program that helps students achieve success.

Selection process and dates:

The First Scholars application opens December 7, 2018 and closes March 15, 2019 at 11:59 PM (deadline extended). Once we receive your application, you will receive a confirmation e-mail from the program.  If you’re determined eligible to be a First Scholar, you will be directed to complete the Student Strengths Inventory (SSI) via email invitation. We review applications for the program in March. Students will be notified of their application status in April.