At Creighton, being a first-generation (first-gen) student is a source of pride. You bring resilience, perspective and determination to the college experience. Yet your inner strength doesn’t mean you have to navigate college alone. Creighton will support you by connecting you with people, tools and opportunities that can help you thrive academically, socially and professionally. Learn more about these resources below and reach out if you have any questions.
TRIO SSS provides comprehensive academic, financial and personal support to help students persist and graduate. Participants receive individualized advising, financial literacy education, graduate school preparation, tutoring coordination and community-building opportunities.
As one of five federally funded TRIO programs at Creighton, SSS reflects a longstanding national commitment to expanding access and closing equity gaps in higher education.
This program is open to all first-gen students and provides an early, structured entry point into the Creighton experience. Participants build strong academic habits, form meaningful peer connections and learn how to confidently navigate university systems from day one.
Creighton is home to Nebraska’s only chapter of Tri-Alpha, the national honor society that recognizes the academic achievement, leadership and perseverance of first-generation students, faculty and staff. Students who meet the national academic criteria are invited to apply or be inducted.
Incoming first-year, first-gen students are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Recipients gain structured academic, leadership and community-building support. This includes mentorship, intentional programming, and high-impact experiences designed to strengthen persistence, expand opportunity and prepare first-generation scholars for graduate study and professional success.
Supporting first-gen students is a commitment our community shares. Faculty, staff, alumni and friends of Creighton all play a role in creating opportunities for these students to succeed.
Families are essential partners in student success, especially when college is a new experience for everyone. Creighton provides resources that explain academic milestones, campus supports and ways families can encourage independence while staying meaningfully connected. Upon enrollment, first-gen families are invited to activate their Bluejay Family Portal account and join the First-Gen Community.
The First-Generation Steering Council is a cross-campus leadership group committed to strengthening outcomes for first-gen students. Grounded in Creighton’s Jesuit, Catholic mission and commitment to justice, the Council works to close equity gaps between first-generation and continuing-generation students, ensuring first-gen students are not only welcomed but fully supported and celebrated. The Council brings together faculty, staff and campus partners to:
Faculty, alumni and friends of the University play a vital role in mentoring first-gen students, sharing their stories, advancing programming and investing philanthropically in initiatives that expand opportunity and close equity gaps. Working together, this community helps empower first-gen students to graduate and lead.
Creighton University is proud to host multiple federally funded TRIO pre-college programs serving middle school, high school, and adult learners throughout the Omaha area. These programs expand access to higher education and help students prepare academically, financially, and personally for college success.
Our TRIO programs reflect a long-standing commitment to educational opportunity and equity in our local community.
First-Generation Student Success
The Success Center
2500 California Plaza
Omaha, NE 68178
Reinert-Alumni Memorial Library
Suite L27 (lower level)
402.280.1212
