How To Get Free College in Oregon

Oregon is a state popular among people who love the outdoors. It's a state where people can enjoy nature while thriving in a strong West Coast economy. This makes attending college in Oregon a favorable option for high school students. However, getting a college degree is becoming more difficult as tuition costs increase.

To counterbalance the increase in tuition costs, the state has created some programs available to Oregon residents that make going to college financially possible. Besides these programs, students can attend tuition-free online colleges in Oregon.

We will discuss the different programs available in Oregon state and determine eligibility for each.

Is Community College Free in Oregon?

In Oregon, community college can be free for eligible students primarily through the Oregon Promise Grant. This program aims to decrease or eliminate tuition fees for Oregon community colleges if the student meets specific criteria. If the student is below the state poverty level, they may cover tuition costs for that student.

Who Qualifies for Free College in Oregon?

There are a few requirements for earning free tuition in the state. Many of these programs are need-based, therefore students must prove that they are below a certain income limit and require state assistance to attend college. Likewise, students must also prove that they are legal residents of Oregon. It is also only eligible for new students, and those who have already earned a degree are no longer eligible.

What Is the Oregon Opportunity Grant?

The Oregon Opportunity Grant (OOG) is Oregon's largest state-funded, need-based grant program to help low-income students afford higher education. It provides financial assistance to eligible Oregon residents attending public or private colleges and universities.

Who Is Eligible?

There are specific requirements to get accepted into the OOG student aid program. First, students must demonstrate significant financial need, as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA).

They must also be enrolled at least half-time in an eligible program at an Oregon community college, public university, or private nonprofit college.

Eligible Institutions

This program offers financial support applicable to all public universities within the Oregon University System. It also includes all community colleges and state-run institutions. Some four-year and private universities also accept OOG students. Contact the financial aid office of your respective school to learn more.

How To Apply

Oregonians can submit their application by first applying to a college in the program. After they meet the college requirements and get accepted, then the student can complete either the FAFSA or ORSAA application, which will determine financial need and eligibility.

Remember that you must re-enroll each year you plan to attend college. For example, if you wish to earn your associate degree at a two-year college, you must apply twice to the OOG program.

What Is the Oregon Promise Grant?

The Oregon Promise Grant is a state-funded program designed to provide free tuition to eligible students attending community colleges in Oregon. The Promise program aims to make higher education more accessible by covering most or all of the tuition costs for recent high school graduates and GED recipients.

Who Is Eligible?

Oregon Promise recipients must be residents of Oregon for at least 12 months and have graduated from an Oregon high school or completed a GED within six months of starting college. The Oregon Promise application will also request a transcript that ensures the cumulative high school GPA is at least 2.0 or higher.

Eligible Institutions

The grant covers most or all tuition costs at Oregon community colleges, depending on financial need and other state and federal aid received. The Oregon Promise award is accepted at all 17 of Oregon's community colleges, including:

• Blue Mountain Community College
• Central Oregon Community College
• Chemeketa Community College
• Clackamas Community College
• Clatsop Community College

How To Apply

The Promise program is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Students should apply early, and complete the FAFSA or ORSAA as soon as possible to maximize their chances of receiving the grant. Students can improve their chances by applying for a community college during their fall term of high school.

What Is the Oregon Teacher Scholars Program Grant?

Oregon State wants to invest in a more robust education industry. The Oregon Teacher Scholars Program Grant is a state-funded initiative that financially supports individuals pursuing careers in teaching. This state grant addresses teacher shortages in Oregon by encouraging students to enter and remain in the teaching profession.

Who Is Eligible?

Soon-to-be teachers must be enrolled in an eligible teacher preparation program at an Oregon institution of higher education. Upon graduation, they must also commit a certain period to teaching in Oregon public schools.

Eligible Institutions

The Oregon Teacher Scholars Program Grant can be used at eligible teacher preparation programs from Oregon colleges and universities. These include:

• Oregon State University
• University of Oregon
• Portland State University
• Eastern Oregon University
• Western Oregon University
• Southern Oregon University

How To Apply

Start by applying for the Oregon Teacher Scholars Program Grant through the Oregon Office of Student Access and Completion (OSAC) or the designated application process provided by the program. You may also apply for FAFSA through the studentaid.gov website which will help determine financial aid eligibility.

Tips for Making College Affordable

Despite the increases in the cost of tuition, there are also plentiful ways to make college more affordable. Students can voice their needs across multiple online platforms and earn tuition assistance through crowdfunding sources like GoFundMe, or utilize military benefits to decrease the cost of college.

Students may also be eligible for private scholarships and grants, which they can find through scholarships.com. Not all scholarships are need-based. Some may pertain to specific demographics or intended degree programs. To maximize their financial benefits students should plan early and apply to as many scholarships as possible before the beginning of the fall and spring terms.

Tuition-Free Colleges in Oregon

Getting a discount on full-time college tuition may extend beyond state-led financial initiatives. Students may also find that some colleges are more tuition-friendly than others. Here are some options in Oregon that may appeal to first-year students interested in low tuition costs.

Portland State University

As part of the state university system, Portland State University is proud to cover most tuition costs. While this service is a need and merit-based process, many students have a chance to attend this four-year university for free.

Chemeka Community College

With support through the Oregon Promise Program, students can attend Chemeka Community College at either a low cost or completely free. Students must prove their need by applying to FAFSA and gaining acceptance into the program before they start their first semester.

Portland Community College

Through Rise to Teach, Portland Community College offers a program in conjunction with Portland State University for prospective teachers. Students working towards their education license in Portland can begin their first two years at Portland Community College before graduating at the state university, creating a pathway into Portland public school systems.