First Generation, first in your family, or being the first can have many meanings and expectations. We use the term to mean someone who does not have exposure to or knowledge of navigating higher educational institutions such as Rensselaer.
In 1980, the Higher Education Act reauthorized language in the TRIO section defining a “first-generation college student” as “an individual… whose parents did not complete a baccalaureate degree.” - COENET.org
National First Gen. Day - Each November 8
First Gen Day is celebrated annually on November 8 to commemorate the signing of the Higher Education Act (“HEA”) of 1965 by then-President Lyndon B. Johnson. This act created federal financial aid programs to fund students’ educations and made key investments in colleges and universities.
Getting Connected with Campus Resources!
The Office of the Bursar's main activities include billing and collections for all undergraduate and graduate students at the Institute, preparing and electronically sending out tuition bills, and providing account analysis to students and their families.
View tuition bill: An email notification is sent to each student's Rensselaer email address with access instructions. Students access their eBILL via Student Information System (SIS).
- Login to SIS, click Student Account Detail.
- Select Account Summary by Semester.
- Click Transact link at the top of the page.
- View bills by clicking Statements.
- Select Make a payment for payments.
- Click My Account --> Payers to give others access to your bill.
For questions regarding Financial Aid please contact the Financial Aid Office
Accepted Students:
- Learn how to enroll at RPI and accept your financial aid. If you haven't already learn How to Apply for Financial Aid.
Current Students:
- Undergraduate and Graduate Students must complete the FAFSA every year to renew grants, work-study, or loans from Federal, State, or Rensselaer sources.
- If you’re only renewing a Rensselaer merit scholarship, a FAFSA is not required.
- Key Dates for Priority Funding:
Required FormsDeadline
- Summer 2025 Arch Participants | FAFSA | January 31
- All Other Returning Students | FAFSA | April 1
Did you know that RPI has a student relief fund?
This one-time grant of up to $2,000 is available to matriculated undergraduates experiencing urgent financial need and may be used for a range of emergency and basic living expenses.
Note: The Fund does not cover personal travel, legal expenses (civil or criminal), or non-essential/luxury items.
How to Apply
If you're facing a financial emergency and believe you may qualify for support, please schedule a meeting with a Support Dean. If your application is approved, you’ll receive a confirmation email from the Student Relief Committee with further instructions.
RPI's Campus Cupboard offers non-perishables to supplement all undergraduate and graduate primary food sources. Students are encouraged to be eco-friendly by bringing a recyclable bag.
Location
1525 15th St
Troy, NY 12180
Summer Hours (until August 28)
Tuesday: 1–4 p.m.
Wednesday: 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Academic Year Hours
Tuesday: 1–4 p.m.
Wednesday: 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
RPI's Campus Cupboard offers non-perishables to supplement all undergraduate and graduate primary food sources. Students are encouraged to be eco-friendly by bringing a recyclable bag.
Location
1525 15th St
Troy, NY 12180
Summer Hours (until August 28)
Tuesday: 1–4 p.m.
Wednesday: 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Academic Year Hours
Tuesday: 1–4 p.m.
Wednesday: 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Student Basic Needs Coalition - National nonprofit dedicated to tackling the food, housing, and financial insecurity crisis among college students.
Use this link provided here as an easy way to find out what benefits you qualify for! This will also help guide you through the process if you qualify.
Located on the First Floor of the Folsom Library, the Student Success Center helps our undergraduates thrive academically through a variety of programs, tutoring, writing lab support, and advising.
RPI's Dean of Students Office (DOSO) sits at the intersection of student support and decision making. They are here to help and committed to an educational experience that is interactive and engaging for all.
Whether you're navigating academics, campus life, or just finding your rhythm, this page is your go-to guide for first-year support at RPI. Check out our resources here!
Our Learning Assistants (LA) host interactive first-year and sophomore workshops and programs throughout the year to help students thrive academically, socially, and personally!
Getting Connected with Downtown Troy & the Surrounding Area!
- Albany County Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail - 15 Minutes Away
- Albany Pine Bush Preserve ~22 Minutes Away
- Catskill Animal Sanctuary ~1 Hour Away
- Cohoes Falls ~11 Minutes Away
- Dyken Pond ~35 Minutes Away
- Grafton Lakes State Park ~23 Minutes Away
- Grafton Peace Pagoda ~30 Minutes Away
- Great Sacandaga Lake ~1 Hour Away
- Lake George ~55 Minutes Away
- Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail
- Peebles Island State Park ~12 Minutes Away
- Ooms Conservation Area ~22 Minutes Away
- Opus 40 Sculpture Park & Museum ~1 Hour Away
- Saratoga Lake ~22 Minutes Away
- Saratoga State Park ~30 Minutes Away
- Thacher State Park ~40 Minutes Away
- The Crossings Park of Colonie ~17 Minutes Away
- Washington Park ~17 Minutes Away
- Alexis Diner — A retro-style family diner offering an extensive menu (300+ items) across breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus a full bar
- Ali Baba - Offers authentic vegetarian and non-vegetarian Mediterranean cuisine
- Bacchus —Casual eatery serving specialty wood-fired pizzas & Italian pastas.
- DeFazio’s at 216 — Features bar seating, a spacious dining room, open kitchen, vegan dishes.
- Dinosaur Bar-B-Que — A River Street legend since 1993, beloved for its smoky Southern-style BBQ, with inclusive offerings (gluten-free, vegan) and scenic outdoor seating overlooking the river
- EMRY’s Garden — A lush, plant-filled gastro-pub known for fresh, scratch-made dishes, and a cozy vibe.
- Finn's - Cozy restaurant serving small plates, burgers, and drinks.
- La Capital Tacos — Famous for its birria tacos and graffiti-sprayed interior—often described as some of the best tacos anywhere.
- Lime Leaf Thai - Serving familiar Thai dishes including vegetarian and vegan options, plus tea.
- Mallo’s — A casual sandwich shop serving creative items like cauliflower Reubens and excellent onion rings.
- Naughter’s — A beloved diner with standout items like chopped cheese, vegan “Industry Eggplant” sandwich, and mac-and-cheese with crispy orecchiette.
- Nighthawkes - Easygoing restaurant with a vintage vibe featuring brunch & locally-sourced cuisine.
- Quechua Peruvian - Warm and welcoming atmosphere that shares the rich flavors of Peruvian cuisine.
- Rosie on the Go — A fresh Caribbean-American addition downtown (opened 2025), offering jerk chicken, oxtail, conch, and vegetarian dishes.
- Sunhee’s Farm & Kitchen — Korean restaurant using produce from the owner’s family farm. Loved for kimbap, kimchi jjigae, and a commitment to community support.
- Tara Kitchen - Moroccan Comfort Food and dishes seasoned with spices that reflect Morocco’s history.
Additional Resources
Cushman, K. (2006). First in the family: Your college years. Advice about college from first-generation students. Next Generation Press.
The cost of college can include a variety of items including some you might not expect.
Review this article from Federal Student Aid to learn how to lower your costs
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation is dedicated to advancing the education of exceptionally promising students who have financial need.
The Gilman Scholarship is a program that helps U.S. undergraduate students study abroad. It provides financial support to help cover the costs of international travel and living expenses while you gain valuable global experiences.
- Eligibility: You must be a U.S. citizen, receive a federal Pell Grant, and be planning to study abroad for college credit.
- Scholarships can provide up to $5,000, which can ease the financial burden of studying overseas.
- Consider this opportunity as a way to explore the world and gain new perspectives that will help your studies!
With GradSense, you can learn what funding options are available for which degrees, plan your future with our debt to earnings calculator, and create a budget that will see you through your program.
