First-Generation Students

first-generation student opportunities

Stronger together at Goodwin

As a first-generation student, you may find yourself confronted with unfamiliar challenges. While this can feel isolating, you aren’t alone at Goodwin — from students and alums to faculty and staff, our diverse community represents a breadth of cultural, personal, and educational backgrounds. Within the Goodwin family, 59%* of students are first-generation learners.

* Information based on 2023-2024 Institutional Profile

Headshot of Carlos Omar Argueta
It’s not going to be easy, but at Goodwin, you have all the support in the world.
Carlos Omar Argueta, graduate

Why Goodwin is right for you

Tailor your studies to your timetable

As a first-generation learner, balancing work, family, and financial responsibilities may feel like a juggling act. You deserve to achieve your educational goals without cutting corners on your priorities.

At Goodwin, you can enjoy the freedom of a schedule tailored to your unique needs — aligning your academics with your personal and professional obligations.

Choose what works best for you!

  • Full and part-time program options
  • On-campus, online, or hybrid classes
  • Traditional 15-week or accelerated 7-week courses

Advance your education with Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

Education should be accessible, not one-size-fits-all. From students and graduates to faculty and staff, we all possess unique strengths and bring one-of-a-kind perspectives to the table. You deserve a college that will invest in you as the learner and thinker you are, and at Goodwin, you’ll find just that.

As a university, we embrace and champion Universal Design for Learning (UDL) — a student-centered teaching and learning model that allows you to receive and express knowledge through flexible, multimodal, and interactive instruction. Through the lens of UDL, we are dedicated to making education accessible — helping you foster your strengths while challenging you to grow in a safe and inclusive environment.

Receive the support you deserve

At Goodwin, you're at the heart of everything we do. As a member of our University community, you'll have access to the resources you need to thrive. Our comprehensive support services will help forge your path to success — facilitating your academic pursuits while nurturing your personal and professional well-being.

Free counseling for current students

Mental health can present obstacles along your educational journey. At Goodwin, we believe you deserve accessible emotional support throughout your experience as a first-gen student.

We’re ready to help you navigate your mental health needs. Free counseling services are available to all current students — giving you access to the support you need at no additional cost.

Access academic support

Whether you pursue higher education to increase your earning potential or expand your intellectual horizons, fostering relevant knowledge and skills is crucial to your personal and professional growth.

Adapting to the demands of higher education can be intimidating, but at Goodwin, we'll have your back at every turn. Our Academic Success Center is your hub for professional and peer tutoring, available both on-campus and online.

You'll also have access to Academic Advising, helping guide you through your University journey. Together, we'll help you map out the plan of study that's right for you, empowering you to follow the path that aligns with your goals and interests.

Lifelong career services for students and alumni

When you enroll at Goodwin University, you become an essential part of our community, and when you graduate, that doesn’t change. We’re here to help you realize your professional aspirations. Lifelong career services — including resumé assistance, mock interviews, and access to professional resources — are free to current students and alums.

Build your financial literacy

Goodwin University provides comprehensive financial aid opportunities —including grants and scholarships that won’t require repayment, student loans, and work-study opportunities that provide a regular check.

Unlike your traditional university, however, Goodwin doesn’t stop there. We also offer an in-depth financial literacy program — helping you navigate your financial responsibilities as you work towards your degree and beyond. Through this program, you can enhance your budgeting skills, learn to protect yourself against fraud, and develop essential money management skills.

Visit the Ann B. Clark Co-op

Approximately one-third of college students in America struggle to afford food and necessities. This problem can be especially prevalent amongst first-gen learners, who are more likely to experience food insecurity.

At Goodwin, we believe you should have access to the nutrition you need to flourish. Our Ann B. Clark Co-op isn’t your typical food pantry. A comforting and inclusive space, the Co-op is prepared to provide you with non-perishables, select fresh foods, toiletries, and more.

Your first-gen journey starts here

Your journey — both in and out of the classroom — is a valuable part of the Goodwin story. With flexible learning options and comprehensive support services tailored to your success, we’re ready to help you achieve your dream of a college education.

We’re ready when you are

Contact us today!

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