First-Generation Student Resources

Building a sense of belonging

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

Our team of current students, faculty, staff and alumni are here for you through a series of luncheons, a mentoring program, pre-orientation programming 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.

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

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.

the top of Pioneer Hall through the oak trees

portrait of Karina Alcantara Guerrero '23

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

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

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."

By the numbers

42%

First-year students

34%

All Linfield students

76

Student, faculty, staff and alumni mentors

Linfield's first-generation students

Ethnic distribution

	White 46%
	Latinx 33%
	Asian 9%
	American Indian or Alaskan Native 4%
	Black or African American 3%
	Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander 3%
	Multiracial 1%
	Unknown 1%

Linfield's first-generation students

Gender

	Female 69%
	Male 29%
	Non-binary 1%
	Feminine gender-fluid 1%

Home states

Oregon

69%

Washington

14%

Hawaii

5%

California

4%

Colorado

2%

Montana

2%

Alaska

1%

Idaho

1%

Nevada

1%

Utah

1%

Primary majors

Nursing

42%

Business

8%

Psychology

6%

Sport management

5%

Elementary education

4%

Pre-medicine

4%

Law, rights and justice

4%

All others

27%

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.