Top 7 Oregon Scholarships & Grants for 2026 - 2027

Oregon Scholarships, Grants & Financial Aid Overview

Who Qualifies for the Oregon Opportunity Grant?

The Oregon Opportunity Grant (OOG) is Oregon’s primary need-based financial aid program and serves as a critical resource for students who may otherwise struggle to afford college. This grant is designed to close financial gaps for low- and middle-income residents pursuing their first undergraduate degree. Students who qualify often combine the OOG with federal aid, institutional scholarships, and other state programs to significantly reduce the total cost of attendance. Because funds are limited, applicants are strongly encouraged to complete the FAFSA or ORSAA as early as possible to be considered before yearly allocations run out.

• 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 thousands of students each year reduce out-of-pocket tuition costs, making higher education more affordable and accessible statewide.

Does Oregon Offer Scholarships?

Yes. Oregon provides an extensive range of scholarships to support students from diverse backgrounds, career interests, and financial situations. The Oregon Student Aid Commission (OSAC) oversees one of the most comprehensive statewide scholarship systems in the nation, giving students access to hundreds of awards through a single application. These scholarships consider academics, leadership, community service, financial need, intended major, and personal experiences. Whether you’re preparing for college right after high school or returning as an adult learner, Oregon’s scholarship ecosystem offers opportunities for nearly every type of student.

Oregon Scholarships and Grants for College Students

Oregon residents benefit from a wide selection of state-funded scholarships and grants designed to support different educational pathways. These programs help students reduce tuition costs at community colleges, public universities, private colleges, and technical programs. Many awards also support specific populations such as tribal members, foster youth, student parents, and National Guard members. Students are encouraged to explore all available programs to build a full financial aid package tailored to their needs.

• 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 award comes with unique eligibility criteria, so students should carefully review program requirements before applying.

Scholarships in Oregon for Adults

Adult learners in Oregon benefit from programs specifically designed to help them resume or complete their education. The Oregon Reconnect Program provides financial and academic support for returning students seeking career advancement or new professional pathways. Many OSAC scholarships also include awards tailored to adults balancing work, family responsibilities, and college coursework. Community foundations and local employers further expand opportunities by offering tuition assistance for Oregon residents pursuing certificates, degrees, or workforce retraining programs.

OSAC Scholarships

The Oregon Student Aid Commission (OSAC) offers one of the nation’s most streamlined scholarship systems through its single-application scholarship platform. This system allows students to apply for hundreds of scholarships with just one application, significantly increasing their chances of earning financial aid. OSAC scholarships often consider leadership, community involvement, academic merit, personal background, financial need, or intended major—making the program accessible to a broad range of Oregon students.

To explore or apply for OSAC scholarships, visit the Oregon Student Aid Commission portal.

Oregon State University Scholarships

Oregon State University (OSU) provides a robust selection of scholarships for incoming freshmen, transfer students, and continuing undergraduates. OSU’s combination of merit-based, need-based, and program-specific awards helps students across many academic disciplines reduce their educational costs. OSU’s ScholarDollars platform simplifies the process by matching students to more than 1,500 OSU-specific scholarships using a single application. Students interested in maximizing scholarship opportunities should apply early and maintain strong academic performance.

• Presidential Scholarship: A top-tier award for incoming first-year students with exceptional academic records.
• Diversity Achievement Scholarship: Supports students contributing to OSU’s commitment to inclusion and equity.
• ScholarDollars Program: A centralized application system connecting students with hundreds of OSU scholarships.

Portland Oregon Scholarships

Students living in the Portland metro area have access to numerous local scholarship opportunities offered by community foundations, nonprofit organizations, and local employers. The Portland Community College Foundation provides scholarships for new and returning students across multiple academic pathways. Additionally, the Oregon Community Foundation funds a wide range of scholarship programs that prioritize financial need, community engagement, and academic potential. Portland-based companies and civic groups also sponsor scholarships supporting students in STEM, the arts, healthcare, business, and trade fields.

Scholarships in Oregon for High School Seniors

High school seniors in Oregon can choose from many scholarship programs aimed at helping them transition into college affordably. The Oregon Promise Grant makes community college accessible by covering most tuition costs for recent graduates. The Ford Scholars Program is one of Oregon’s most generous need-based scholarships, often covering up to 90% of college expenses. Additional regional and statewide awards recognize leadership, academic achievement, and community involvement.

• 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.

OSAC Login

The OSAC Student Portal is the central location for managing Oregon scholarships and grants. Students use the portal to complete applications, upload required documents, track award status, and manage scholarship renewals. The system is user-friendly and designed to streamline the financial aid process for Oregon residents pursuing higher education at any level.

To access or create an account, visit the OSAC Login Page.