Oregon Scholarships & Grants for 2025 - 2026

Overview of Oregon Scholarships & Grants

Oregon offers a wide range of scholarships, grants, and financial aid programs for both in-state and out-of-state students. This guide covers automatic merit scholarships from major universities, full-ride opportunities, statewide grants, and private-school awards. Whether you’re a high school senior, current college student, or parent planning ahead, you’ll find reliable information to help make higher education in Oregon more affordable.

Oregon Opportunity Grant and Oregon Promise (community college) lead statewide aid.

Who Qualifies for the Oregon Opportunity Grant?

The Oregon Opportunity Grant (OOG) is the state’s largest need-based financial aid program, designed to make higher education more accessible for Oregon residents. To qualify, applicants must:

• Be an Oregon resident for at least 12 months prior to college enrollment.
• Be a U.S. citizen, eligible noncitizen, or undocumented student (including DACA recipients) who meets state eligibility requirements.
• Be pursuing a first associate or bachelor’s degree at an eligible Oregon public or private college.
• Demonstrate financial need through the FAFSA or the ORSAA (for undocumented students).
• Be enrolled at least half-time and remain in good academic standing.

The Oregon Opportunity Grant helps reduce tuition costs for thousands of low- and middle-income students each year, making it one of the most vital programs for residents pursuing higher education.

Does Oregon Offer Scholarships?

Yes. Oregon offers a wide variety of scholarships for students at all academic levels. The Oregon Student Aid Commission (OSAC) administers over 600 scholarships annually, distributing more than $10 million to qualified applicants. These awards are based on academic achievement, financial need, career goals, leadership, and community involvement. Whether you are a high school senior, undergraduate, graduate student, or adult learner returning to school, Oregon has scholarship opportunities tailored to your background and goals.

Oregon Scholarships and Grants for College Students

Oregon provides multiple state-funded programs that help students afford college. Popular options include:

• Oregon Opportunity Grant: Need-based funding for Oregon residents pursuing higher education.
• Oregon Promise Grant: Covers most tuition costs at Oregon community colleges for recent high school graduates and GED recipients.
• Oregon Tribal Student Grant: Supports members of federally recognized tribes pursuing degrees at eligible institutions.
• Chafee Education and Training Grant: Assists current or former foster youth with education-related expenses.
• Oregon Student Child Care Grant: Provides financial support for student-parents attending college.
• Deceased or Disabled Public Safety Officer Grant: Helps dependents of eligible public safety officers continue their education.
• Oregon National Guard State Tuition Assistance: Offers tuition assistance to active members of the Oregon National Guard.

Each program has unique eligibility criteria and award amounts, so students should review all options carefully when applying for aid.

Scholarships in Oregon for Adults

Oregon offers dedicated support for adult learners through state and private programs. The Oregon Reconnect Program helps adults return to college to complete unfinished degrees or obtain new credentials in high-demand fields. Additionally, many OSAC-administered scholarships include awards specifically for nontraditional students, career changers, and working parents. Employers and local community foundations across Oregon also provide tuition assistance and adult scholarship funds to help ease the financial burden of returning to school.

OSAC Scholarships

The Oregon Student Aid Commission (OSAC) manages one of the most comprehensive scholarship systems in the nation. Through a single application, students can apply for hundreds of scholarships matching their personal, academic, and career profiles. OSAC scholarships consider a variety of factors, including GPA, major, financial need, community involvement, and personal background. To explore opportunities or begin the application process, visit the Oregon Student Aid Commission portal.

Oregon State University Scholarships

Oregon State University (OSU) offers numerous scholarships for new and continuing students. Key programs include:

• Presidential Scholarship: A highly competitive award for incoming first-year students with outstanding academic records.
• Diversity Achievement Scholarship: Supports students who contribute to OSU’s mission of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• ScholarDollars Program: A centralized platform that connects students to OSU-specific scholarships using a single application.

Students are encouraged to visit the OSU Office of Financial Aid to learn more about eligibility requirements and deadlines.

Portland Oregon Scholarships

Students in the Portland area can access scholarships from local organizations, community colleges, and foundations. Examples include the Portland Community College Foundation Scholarships and awards offered by the Oregon Community Foundation. These programs often prioritize financial need, leadership, and community engagement. Many Portland-based employers and nonprofits also provide annual scholarship opportunities for residents pursuing degrees or workforce certifications.

Scholarships in Oregon for High School Seniors

High school seniors in Oregon have access to numerous programs that make college more affordable, including:

• Oregon Promise Grant: Covers community college tuition for recent graduates meeting GPA and residency requirements.
• Ford Scholars Program: A competitive, need-based scholarship covering up to 90% of educational costs at eligible institutions.
• Carter Family Scholarship: Supports students who demonstrate strong academic achievement and community involvement.

Students should begin their scholarship search early through school counselors, community organizations, or scholarship platforms such as CollegeWhale.com to maximize their opportunities.

OSAC Login

The OSAC Student Portal serves as the central hub for managing Oregon scholarships and grants. Through the portal, students can complete applications, submit materials, and track award updates. To access your account or create a new one, visit the OSAC Login Page.