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First-Generation Student Resources

Building a sense of belonging

Linfield first-generation studentsBeing a first-generation college student can be difficult. Linfield First Scholars is a new program that deepens the ties between you and our community.

Anthony-Jack_speaker.JPGOur team of current students, faculty, staff and alumni are here for you through a mentoring program, pre-orientation programming, monthly professional development workshops and scholarship opportunities. Together, we explore needs, strengths and community resources that will empower you in your college career.

Given our history of providing access and economic mobility, we are a community dedicated to the success of all our students, regardless of background, by providing rigorous opportunities to grow socially, intellectually and professionally. 

The success of our efforts inspires us to build an inclusive sense of community where students can live out our mission of connecting learning, life and community.

First-generation stories

Voices of Linfield

the courtyard outside of Riley Hall in the spring
Lucy Kerr '24 sitting down outside of Starbucks, smiling
the courtyard outside of Riley Hall in the spring
A Helping Hand
For sophomore Lucy Kerr '24, helping others has always been the priority. The pre-nursing major came into Linfield as a first-generation student. She now lends a helping hand to those in the same position.
Meet Lucy
a vibrant performance of dancers at Linfield's 2021 Hispanic Heritage Celebracion
group photo of students and Folklórico dancers at Linfield's 2021 Hispanic Heritage Celebracion
a vibrant performance of dancers at Linfield's 2021 Hispanic Heritage Celebracion
Honoring Latinx Culture
Linfield University Latinx Adelante (LULA) organizes the annual Hispanic Heritage Celebración at Linfield during Hispanic Heritage Month. It is a festival with live music, food from all over Latin America, activities for kids, and a variety of vendors showcasing different Latino-owned goods.
Read more
the top of Pioneer Hall through the oak trees
portrait of Karina Alcantara Guerrero '23
the top of Pioneer Hall through the oak trees
Dedication to Diversity
"As a first-generation student, there's going to be times where [you feel] like you don't belong in this space. But you have to remember that you deserve what you have because you have worked for it and you shouldn't doubt your ability." 
Meet Karina
Sun shining through the trees in the academic quad
portrait of Ruby Trujillo '24 outside of Melrose Hall
Sun shining through the trees in the academic quad
Cultivating Community
As students explore the uncommon at Linfield University, sophomore Ruby Trujillo '24 values the personal growth she has found through the growing diversity on campus.
Meet Ruby
Latinx seniors 2021 group photo
Antonio Peña Anaya '21
Latinx seniors 2021 group photo
Honoring Linfield's Latinx Graduates
"And, most importantly I want to say thank you to our parents and families who sacrificed everything for us to be here today. This is as much their diploma as it is ours; we are their American Dream come true."
Read more
the courtyard outside of Riley Hall in the spring
Lucy Kerr '24 sitting down outside of Starbucks, smiling
the courtyard outside of Riley Hall in the spring
A Helping Hand
For sophomore Lucy Kerr '24, helping others has always been the priority. The pre-nursing major came into Linfield as a first-generation student. She now lends a helping hand to those in the same position.
Meet Lucy

First-Generation

By the numbers

The following data represents all Linfield student populations unless otherwise indicated, as of fall 2021.

42%

First-year students

34%

All Linfield students

76

Student, faculty, staff and alumni mentors

Ethnic Distribution

Gender

Home states

Oregon
72.7%
Washington
12.3%
California
6.2%
Hawaii
4.7%
Alaska
1%
Colorado
0.8%
Nevada
0.7%
International
0.5%
Idaho
0.3%
Armed Forces Europe
0.2%
Maryland
0.2%
Nebraska
0.2%
Texas
0.2%
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Top ten primary majors

Nursing
31.5%
Psychology
3.8%
Biology
2.1%
Accounting
1.9%
Sport management
1.8%
Management
1.6%
Elementary education
1.4%
Exercise science
1.4%
History
1.3%
Public health: health promotion
1.3%
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Scholarships and Grants
The Linfield First Scholarship is designed to address challenges faced by first-generation college students and build upon the skills and experience you bring to our campus. 
Learn more

Career Development
Linfield's Office of Career Development supports your college journey as well as your chosen career path.
Learn more

Glossary of terms

There are a lot of less familiar terms used in higher education. Our basic glossary of terms, grouped by subject, can help guide you as you begin your journey here at Linfield.

View glossary

Questions?

Don't hesitate to reach out. We're here for you.

Gerardo Ochoa and Esperance Ibuka

Melrose Hall

fscoordinators@linfield.edu