Scholarships and Grants in Oregon
Couldn't We All Use Some Extra Cash?
The Oregon Student Assistance Commission administers a range of merit and need-based scholarships and grants to both residents and non-residents. State-funded monetary support is available in general and specialized studies.
General Scholarships and Grants
The Oregon Opportunity Grants are aimed at the most financially needy students in the state who might otherwise be unable to afford college. Thousands of students across the state annually qualify for the OOG. Apply by completing the FAFSA. Typically students who qualify will also be receiving federal Pell Grant monies. Awards for the OOG are between $1500 and $4500, depending on type of school the student will attend.
The Chafee Education and Training Scholarships are designed to offer financial college tuition funds to students who have been in foster care. The state of Oregon takes a familial role in education finance in this situation. Applicants must prove economic need and complete an essay-focused application. Awards may be up to $5000.
Oregon Deceased or Disabled Public Safety Officer Grants are available to the children of any Oregon Public Safety Officer killed or disabled while performing their duties. Public Safety Officers include firemen, police officers and corrections officers. Applicants must be Oregon residents and enrolling in an Oregon college or university.
The federally funded Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program recognizes the most academically gifted students across each state. Valuable college scholarship monies are awarded annually to students chosen by a board of select educational professionals. Seventy-five students are selected across Oregon. Recipients must already be accepted to college programs and may attend anywhere within the United States. Award amounts are $1500 per student.
Unique to Oregon state residents are the privately funded Ford Family Foundation Scholarships. This set of four distinct programs effectively embraces all types of students and financial need. The founders of the Oregon-based Roseburg Forest Products Company developed these scholarship programs:
- The Ford Scholars program is awarded to over 100 community college students who choose to migrate to a four-year college degree program.
- The Ford Opportunity Grant is available to single parents enrolled in a four-year degree program with a demonstrated economic need.
- The Ford Re-Start Program provides much needed college funds to those students defined as "non-traditional" - adults or those who are trying to return to finish a degree that was interrupted. Individuals such as these are often overlooked and have difficulty finding adequate funding for school. Eligible applicants may be enrolled in either a certificate or degree program.
- The Ford Sons and Daughters Scholarship Program awards need-based scholarships to the college-bound children of Roseburg Forest Products Company employees.
Specialized Scholarships and Grants
Oregon Nursing Services Program addresses the shocking shortages of trained professional nurses in medically underserved areas of the state. This program provides student loan repayment to working nurses willing to exchange between one and four years of work in an assigned facility within the state.
The Oregon Rural Health Services Loan Repayment Program expands on the previous program in that is addresses the shortages of physicians, physician assistants (PAs), nurse practitioners (NAs) and pharmacists in medically underserved areas. Professionals or new graduates may receive significant college loan repayments in exchange for professional services.
Troops to Teachers Program offers veterans the option to receive grant money to pursue a teaching degree in exchange for teaching within "high-poverty" areas or in subject-specific areas; math or science.
Ever considered cosmetology school? One of the more eclectic among state-funded college grants is the Oregon Barber and Hairdresser Grant Program. Students enrolled in a full-time approved hairdresser or cosmetology program and with proof of financial need may be eligible for the $600 grant award. Apply by filling out the FAFSA.
