OSAC Scholarships: Oregon students may explore over 500 privately-funded scholarships and apply for up to 40 with one application, and there is no cost to apply. Scholarship funds are available for graduating high school seniors, college undergraduate and graduate students, GED and homeschooled students, community college and vocational school students, and single parents returning to school.

Students must apply online at OregonStudentAid.gov and submit a completed OSAC scholarship application and all other required materials by March 1 at 5 p.m. You can find an OSAC scholarship application at oregonstudentaid.gov/scholarships

Students who submit their applications by Feb. 15 at 5 p.m. may be entered in a drawing to win a $1,000 OSAC Early Bird scholarship.

Oregon Promise: Current high school seniors and GED recipients may apply for the Oregon Promise grant, which covers tuition at Oregon community colleges. Students must enroll in a community college within six months of graduating from an Oregon high school or receiving a GED. Minimum GPA and GED requirements apply.

Students who are graduating from high school (or completing their GED) between July 1, 2017, and June 30, 2018, can complete an application now. Students are also required to complete either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) or the Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA) for the upcoming school year. The program has rolling deadlines depending upon graduate date. Visit oregonstudentaid.gov/oregon-promise-cohort-tool.aspx to determine eligibility, and oregonstudentaid.gov/apply-here.aspx to apply.

Oregon Opportunity Grant: The Oregon Opportunity Grant is Oregon’s largest state-funded, need-based grant program that helps students pay for college at public community colleges, public universities, and participating private institutions statewide. Students should complete either the FAFSA or the ORSAA for the upcoming school year. Oregon Opportunity Grants are awarded until funds are exhausted, so students should file their FAFSA or ORSAA, if applicable, as soon as possible.

Students who were first-time Opportunity Grant recipients in 2017-18 will be considered for a guaranteed second year award, providing they meet certain additional criteria and submit a 2018-19 FAFSA or ORSAA by May 1, 2018. To determine eligibility, visit oregonstudentaid.gov/oregon-opportunity-grant.aspx

First Step for State and Federal Aid, FAFSA or ORSAA: Students should complete the FASFA or ORSAA, both of which opened in October, to be considered for federal and/or state financial aid, including grants and loans. The ORSAA is Oregon’s alternative to the FASFA for students not eligible for federal aid. OSAC uses data from the FAFSA or the ORSAA to determine students' eligibility for the Oregon Promise, the Oregon Opportunity Grant, and numerous scholarships. Information from the FAFSA is also used to determine eligibility for federal aid, including the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Direct Loans, and Federal Work-Study.

Apply for the FASFA at fafsa.ed.gov or the ORSAA at oregonstudentaid.gov/orsaa-filter.aspx.

Join a Webinar to Learn More: To help students understand the programs detailed here, and the application processes, OSAC hosts numerous webinars and resources for students, counselors, students, parents and educators. Upcoming webinars are held Nov. 9 at 10 a.m., Dec. 4 at 7 p.m., and Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. Learn more oregonstudentaid.gov/outreach.aspx

MHCC Scholarship Season: Scholarships through the Mt. Hood Community College Foundation will open for application on Jan. 1, 2018. The application period typically closes the last week of March. The foundation uses the same essay questions as OSAC for its applications. For more information, please visit mhcc.edu/Scholarships/