you belong here
First-generation Student Services
First-generation students are an important part of our Purdue community. Being first-gen means navigating new experiences, learning unfamiliar systems and forging your own path. You also bring determination, adaptability, resourcefulness and leadership — strengths at the core of a true Boilermaker.
First in your family. Not alone.
At Purdue, if your parents or guardians didn’t complete a four-year college degree, you’re considered a first-generation college student. You’re part of a community of Boilermakers who are navigating college, building confidence and creating opportunities for themselves and future generations.
Your story, experiences and perspective matter. Whether you’re exploring Purdue, preparing for your first semester or continuing your college journey, you’ll find people, programs and resources to help you build community, navigate college and take your next giant leap.
Dream bigger — for yourself, your community, the world.
Every year, thousands of first-generation students choose Purdue. In 2025, approximately 15% of Purdue undergraduate students self-identified as first-generation.
We’re in this, together.
Getting Started
Select the option that best matches where you are in your journey for resources and tips to help you take the next step.
I want to learn about
I’m thinking about applying to Purdue
If you’re exploring Purdue, you may have questions about applying, paying for college, choosing a major or preparing for campus life. These resources can help you get started:
Admissions
Learn about available majors, important deadlines and how to apply to Purdue, as well as scholarship opportunities for incoming students and timelines for consideration.
Financial Aid
Learn about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), aid offers, loans, grants and other ways to pay for college. Explore financial aid grants and scholarships available for eligible Indiana residents, including Boiler Gold Grant and Purdue Promise.
Horizons
Horizons Student Support Services provides support throughout your Purdue experience, from tutoring and academic advising to help with financial aid, scholarships and career planning. You’ll also have access to peer and faculty mentors, study spaces, free printing and a team of people ready to listen, answer questions and help you navigate college.
I’m an admitted student
Starting college can come with a lot of new information. Orientation, housing, financial aid, class registration and campus resources may all feel unfamiliar at first. Purdue has the support to help you prepare.
To get started:
- Complete your next steps.
- Check your @purdue.edu email for orientation and onboarding information.
- Review financial aid and scholarship timelines.
- Connect with programs that support first-generation students, like Horizons.
- Ask questions early and often.
I’m a current Purdue student
Take advantage of support programs that help you stay connected, find the resources you need and prepare for what comes next.
Explore:
- Academic support and advising for guidance in planning out your degree path and helpful resources like the Current Student Checklist
- Student organizations and leadership opportunities, like the First-Gen Community, to broaden your college experience and find your community
- Financial wellness resources, including one-on-one financial coaching
- Career planning and professional development support with the Center for Career Opportunities, including access to the Career Closet to help you look your best for interviews
- Civic engagement and leadership programs to get involved in your community and develop leadership skills
- First-generation events and recognition opportunities to get connected and celebrate milestones
Finding Your First-Gen Community
Being first-generation means you are building something powerful: for yourself, your family and the people who will follow your path. At Purdue, you don’t have to take that leap alone. Purdue offers opportunities to connect with other first-generation students, staff, faculty and alumni.
First-Gen Student Club
Connect with other first-generation students, build community and find support from peers who understand the experience.
Horizons
Horizons provides student-centered support and community for Purdue students as they work toward their academic and personal goals.
Tri-Alpha Honor Society
Purdue’s chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha, a national honor society for first-generation college students, recognizes academic achievement among first-generation students. Eligible students are invited to join after meeting credit hour, GPA and first-generation criteria.
Being a first-generation student and graduate has been an enlightening experience. Being the first comes with fears and uncertainty along the way, but it provides an opportunity to bring your family and loved ones along with you on the journey. They have been able to learn and have experiences along with me. It has allowed me to have a strong self-confidence and an open mindset to try new things. As well as being intentional about seeking people and environments that are beneficial for my success.
Jazmine Clifton
Director, Purdue Promise
First-Gen Support at Purdue
Purdue’s first-generation support network helps students find resources, build community and navigate college experience, with support for their academic, personal and career journeys.
Support may include:
- Help understanding campus resources and where to start
- Connections to first-gen student organizations and programs
- Opportunities to meet other first-gen students, faculty, staff and alumni
- Academic, financial and career-related support
- Events and recognition opportunities for first-gen Boilermakers
First-Gen Contacts and Campus Partners
Purdue’s first-generation support network includes faculty and staff across the university. Find the representative for your college in the table below to help connect you with resources, programs and opportunities.
| College | Representative | |
|---|---|---|
| College of Agriculture | Timothy Kerr | kerrtp@purdue.edu |
| College of Education | Jacquelyn Thomas-Miller | jthomasm@purdue.edu |
| College of Engineering | Amy Wagner | abwagner@purdue.edu |
| College of Health and Human Sciences | Heather Dykes | hdykes@purdue.edu |
| College of Liberal Arts | Briggitta August | baaugust@purdue.edu |
| College of Pharmacy | Marie Martin Murphy | mmartinm@purdue.edu |
| College of Science | Giselle Marie Vega Salina-Bender | gsalina@purdue.edu |
| College of Veterinary Medicine | Holly Englert | hengler@purdue.edu |
| Daniels School of Business | Quinci Miller | mill2586@purdue.edu |
| Exploratory Studies | Colleen Banter | brownce@purdue.edu |
| John Martinson Honors College | Darcy Marie Dildine | ddildine@purdue.edu |
| Purdue Polytechnic Institute | Kimberly Luna Orellana-Vi | klunaore@purdue.edu |
| Purdue Libraries | Sara Reifel | seckhar@purdue.edu |
Learn more about resources available at Purdue and support to help you get started.