First generation students
At Oglethorpe University, about 40% of our students are the first in their families to attend college. Being the first in your family to attend college can be overwhelming and intimidating. You can do this!
Many members of our community understand the difficulties you may face during your collegiate experience and will be here to welcome you and help you find your way. Remember, you are not alone!
Whether you are just beginning your college search or are a current first generation student, we are committed to providing you with the support services you need to help you achieve both your academic and personal goals.
Frequently asked questions
First generation is typically defined as a student whose parent(s)/guardian(s) have not attended college; regardless of definition, if you feel that you are the first in your family charting new territory, our community welcomes you and is excited to help you on your adventure.
Siblings who have experienced college can definitely provide insights to help you navigate your journey. You might still feel overwhelmed and confused but don’t worry- we are here to help!
You certainly can but you don’t have to. We know that there will be a variety of changes as you adjust to your new surroundings, we don’t want you to feel any additional pressure. Whether you choose to tell anyone or not- you can still use all the resources we have available.
Financial aid
Your application automatically puts you in the running for all of our scholarships. Depending on the time of year, you should find out your aid package within just a few weeks. If you have questions, just reach out to your admission counselor.
If you are having difficulties understanding your financial award letter , you should reach out to the financial aid office. For questions about your bill, you can contact the business office.
While tuition rates are the same regardless of your major, total costs vary for every student depending on your housing, lab fees, books, etc. You can see a complete breakdown of tuition rates, room and board costs, and fees here.
Your total bill will also vary depending on the scholarships and aid for which you qualify. Check out our net price calculator to get an idea of total cost.
In order to receive a complete, official financial aid award package, make sure to complete your application and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid FAFSA.
Costs can differ for many reasons, although our estimated total cost on our website or your financial award letter is a reliable guide. For example, our first-year freshman total price includes the housing cost for Traer Hall, the all-freshman dorm on campus. If you deposit sooner than later, and qualify for lower-cost housing, your price will be lower. If you choose to live in Jobe-Hansen or Dempsey, your cost will be slightly higher.
The tuition and housing costs at any college you attend will typically increase between 2-4% each year. Make sure you consider this when thinking about total cost!
Academics
Our Student Success and Advising teams are ready to help you achieve your personal and academic goals. Academic Success offers tutoring, academic coaching, workshops on note taking and organization, and personalized support. The Advising program pairs every first year student with an advisor who can assist with anything from academics to work-life balance to general questions about campus. Your Advisor will help you build a strong foundation for success during your transition from high school to college life! We encourage you to visit the Student Success and Advising staff on the bottom floor of Robinson Hall.
To be eligible for most federal and institutional financial aid, students must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours; however, Oglethorpe requires that students earn 128 credit hours to earn a degree. That means you would take 16 credit hours each semester if you were enrolling in only fall and spring semesters for 4 years. (16 * 2 = 32 * 4 = 128)
Housing
Your Oglethorpe Admission Counselor can answer questions about housing and dining and can discuss the benefits and challenges of different options. The price for an on-campus Oglethorpe residence hall includes an unlimited meal plan in the cost listed online.
Student Life
Our Counseling Office provides services for all currently enrolled students at no cost. Those services include individual counseling and our counselors can speak to you about anything from relationship issues to academic difficulties and career indecision.
Check out campus event, organizations, and opportunities on OU Connect.
Log-in with your Oglethorpe username and then explore different campus opportunities. Even if you’re not sure about an event or club, you should check it out! Campus activities are a great way to meet people and you don’t have to commit right away.
Check out the OU Connect website! You can search for events by organization or date and there’s a news feed to keep up with the latest.
Academic and Professional Resources
Staff and faculty here to help you
We know that being the first in your family to navigate college can be a daunting thought.
All of our university members are here to help you but below are a couple individuals that specialize in helping first generation students. Some of them are first generation themselves and know exactly how you feel. Some of them are not first generation but all of them are passionate about helping you succeed!
Contact us
Raquel Manzo
Assistant Director First Gen. and Student Support Programs
Austin Rayford
Director of Equity and Care
