First generation
The following is a definition of first generation by the Department of Education
- Standard Definition: A student whose natural or adoptive parents did not complete a four-year baccalaureate degree
- Single-Parent Exception: If a student regularly lived with and received financial support from only one parent before turning 18, only that supporting parent’s educational background is considered.
- No Parental Support: An individual who did not regularly reside with or receive support from a natural or adoptive parent prior to age 18 may also qualify.
Low-Income student
The following is a definition of low-income student by the Department of Education:
Low-income student means a student whose family’s taxable income for the preceding year. If you are a dependent student, your family’s taxable income can be found on line 15 of your parent(s)/ guardian’s the 20251040 tax forms of . If you are an independent student, review your taxable income information.
You may find the taxable income guideline per family size here. For instance, if you are a Massachusetts resident and come from a family of 4, your family’s taxable income must not exceed $49,500.