Information for First-Generation, Lower Income Students

Penn offers a generous program of need-based financial aid and a strong commitment to ensuring access to a Penn education for qualified students from all social and economic backgrounds.

Penn First Plus (P1P) provides a hub of resources, programs, and support for undergraduate students who are the first in their families to attend college and/or have lower-to-modest financial means. P1P collaborates with academic programs, individual faculty members, and student services and centers across the University to make more accessible and inclusive the many opportunities provided by a Penn education. These efforts include supplemental funding support for emergencies and opportunities; individualized advising and advocacy for students; scholarly and professional development programs; inclusivity workshops and resources for faculty and staff; and initiatives to make more transparent the resources available to support academic and personal success at Penn (however a student might want to define success for themselves). We work closely with the leaders of our eleven student organizations to cultivate community.

The Shleifer Family Penn First Plus Center is located on the garden level of College Hall, and can be accessed behind the statue of Dr. Pepper on Penn Commons/Perelman Quadrangle. Our staff are available during regular university operating hours to assist with questions of navigating the Penn experience. We also have study rooms, lounge space, meeting areas, free printing, and more. Our academic counseling team members in the College Achievement Program can be found in suite 240 of Hamilton Village (220 South 40th St.). For more information, please visit the P1P website.