First Generation, first in your family, 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.
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.
Connect with Faculty & Staff who were also First Gen!
Dorit Nevo, Acting Vice Provost & Dean, Graduate Education
I didn’t want to go to college, I had no idea what I wanted to study or do with my life. But my parents made it very clear that I had no say in the matter, so I chose what seemed to be the least-worst major. I hated most courses in my first year. With time, I was able to see which topics and electives were more interesting to me and I made changes and tweaks to find the best fit path for my career. It was definitely a journey rather than a single decision.
Lee Ligon, Associate Dean of the School of Science
I grew up in a working-class neighborhood in Cincinnati. My parents were teenagers when I was born, and despite not having much formal education, they loved books. Our house was filled with books, which singled me out as “weird” in my decidedly anti-intellectual neighborhood. But books were a great escape and comfort for me from an often chaotic and volatile childhood.
Read more of Dr. Ligon's experience as a first-generation student >>
Jonathan Stetler, Lecturer Biological Sciences
Neither of my parents had the opportunity to go to college. My father served in the army and started a family with my mother upon returning home. Though they didn’t know how college worked, they knew they wanted my brother and I to have a future that valued enriched through higher education. From the day I moved into my Freshman dorm, I felt this inherent pressure to make my family proud.
Read more of Dr. Stetler's experience as a first-generation student >>
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 also has a Student Food Pantry that offers non-perishables to supplement all undergraduate and graduate primary food sources.
Students are encouraged to be eco-friendly by bringing a recyclable bag.
Hours
Tuesday: 1–4 p.m.
Wednesday: 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Location
East Campus Class Community Center (EC4)
2 Edgehill Terrace
Troy, NY 12180
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.
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.
https://www.kiplinger.com/personal-finance/how-to-save-money/best-budgeting-apps
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.
