Oregon Students: Snag a College Scholarship or Grant Money

The Oregon Student Assistance Commission is your one-stop shop for information on the various state-funded scholarships and grants you’re about to explore. Why should your own state government GIVE you college money that you don’t have to repay? It’s good for the economy. More well-educated people lead eventually to a sturdier state economy capable of self-sustenance. Times are very financially tough for everyone, but without this additional aid thousands of students may have to forfeit college and that could spell disaster for Oregon.

  • The Oregon Opportunity Grant is one of the most widely disbursed awards in the state. Students with demonstrated financial need may qualify for additional funds through this grant. Eligible candidates must have filed a FAFSA, be enrolled in a participating undergraduate college or university in Oregon, and be a current Oregon resident. Awards vary based on state funding and the financial need of each recipient.

Career Specific Scholarships and Grants

The OSAC administers a unique collection of free aid programs aimed at students pursuing certain careers:

  • Most unique is the Barber and Hairdressers Grant. These $600 one-time awards are doled out to students pursuing a cosmetology study program. Eligible applicants must prove financial need – via the FAFSA – and be enrolled full-time in an Oregon cosmetology school leading to a certificate or diploma.
  • The state also funds the Oregon Rural Health Services Loan Repayment, the Nursing Services Scholarships, and the Troops to Teachers program, all now inactive due to inadequate funding.

Special Scholarships

  • The Ford Family Foundation Scholarships are a specially endowed set of awards given out to a variety of students in Oregon: Ford Scholars, Siskiyou County students, and dependents of Roseburg Forest Products employees. The Ford Family are owners of the Roseburg Forest Products company in Roseburg, OR.
  • The Chafee Education and Training Grant is made available to students who’ve participated in the state Foster Care system. Eligible applicants must have financial need for the awards and be in pursuit of an undergraduate first-time degree at a college or university in Oregon that will help make them a self-sustaining part of the state economy.

For more information and current funding levels visit the OSAC website.