University of Oregon Scholarships (2026–2027)
← Back to college scholarships hub • See Oregon aid & Grants
Last Updated on June 5, 2026
What This Page Covers:- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~88%
- Middle 50% ACT: N/A
- Middle 50% SAT: N/A
- Average GPA: 3.75
🧭 Quick Admissions Strategy (based on where your student falls)
- Below the typical ranges: Oregon is still very attainable. Focus on GPA trend and a complete application—this is a school where access is real.
- In the typical ranges: You’re in a strong position for admission and automatic merit (Summit/Apex). This is where Oregon can become a solid value option.
- Well above the ranges: You’ll likely maximize automatic merit—and may be competitive for top awards like Stamps (full ride), though those remain highly selective.
Comparing multiple schools?
Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 University of Oregon at a Glance
🏆 Full tuition available (Stamps Scholarship & Home Flight Scholarship)
Average Net Price
$19,000/year (in-state estimate)
Average paid for residents.
Automatic Merit
$1,000–$20,000/yr
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
19 opportunities
8 automatic · 4 competitive · 4 hidden gem · 3 honors
Typical Qualifiers
GPA 3.4+; ACT TBD+ / SAT TBD+
Benchmarks for top-tier awards.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
No superscore.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Jan 15 • FAFSA: Feb 15
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
Stamps Scholarship & Home Flight Scholarship
Honors College
Honors Program Available
🚨 Easy-to-Miss “Gotchas” at University of Oregon (Read This First)
- Test scores don’t help with scholarships: UO is test-blind for scholarship decisions—GPA and coursework matter most.
- No WUE participation: Many families expect a western discount, but UO does not offer WUE—nonresidents rely on merit to lower costs.
- Presidential ≠ full tuition: It’s a strong award, but not a full-tuition scholarship—only Stamps reaches full-ride level.
- Automatic merit has a ceiling: Summit/Apex help, but they won’t fully close the out-of-state price gap.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — University of Oregon is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: N/A; SAT: N/A.
Average net price? About $19,000/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
Yes — participates in none.
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Oregon 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) |
In-State |
Out-of-State |
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) |
$16,755 |
$46,077 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) |
$17,244 |
$17,244 |
| Total (Direct Costs) |
$33,999 |
$63,321 |
Average Federal Net Price: $19,000 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
🌎 Out-of-State Tuition Policy:
The University of Oregon
does not participate in the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)
or any other reciprocity program.
Nonresident students pay the full nonresident rate unless they earn major merit awards such as the
Summit Scholarship
or
Apex Scholarship.
🎓 Cost & Residency FAQ
Where does the housing number come from?
It’s the median rate ($17,244) of all 2026–2027 UO residence-hall + meal-plan options,
based on official rates from the UO Housing website.
Can nonresidents ever gain in-state tuition?
Rarely — students must live in Oregon for at least 12 months for non-educational reasons and prove financial independence.
How can families reduce out-of-state costs?
Focus on grades and deadlines — the Summit and Apex Scholarships
are automatic and can reduce nonresident tuition by thousands each year.
Sources (COA):
Cost of Attendance — UO Financial Aid: https://financialaid.uoregon.edu/cost
Tuition & Fees (official 2025–26 schedule): https://tuition.uoregon.edu/sites/default/files/2025-26_tuition_and_fees.pdf
Housing & Meal Plan Costs — UO Housing: https://housing.uoregon.edu/costs
Net Price Calculator — UO Admissions: https://admissions.uoregon.edu/affordability/net-price-calculator
Automatic Scholarships
The University of Oregon offers two main automatic merit scholarships for out-of-state students: Summit and Apex. These are awarded based on high school GPA—no separate application is required. Students are automatically considered when they apply for admission by the priority deadline.
Automatic
Summit Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Jan 15 · 📢 Results: By Apr 1
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
$5,000–$12,500/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.9+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Here's the good news — Summit plays well with Presidential, Duck Excellence, General University, and most outside scholarships. The two it can't combine with are Apex and UO Excellence (you'd get whichever is highest). Need-based aid and private scholarships also stack, capped only by cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
Award grid splits by residency — Oregon residents receive $5,000/year ($20,000 over four years); nonresidents receive $12,500/year ($50,000 over four years). Enroll full-time the fall term after high school graduation. Renewable for up to 12 terms within a five-year window, or 15 terms within six years for BLA, BIARC, or BARCH degrees. Unused terms are forfeited if you graduate early.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Incoming first-year admits with at least a 3.90 unweighted GPA who hit both deadlines — Jan 15 admission and Feb 15 materials. Test scores don't factor in. Oregon residents see $5,000/year; nonresidents see $12,500/year for the same award.
Automatic
Apex Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Jan 15 · 📢 Results: By Apr 1
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
$2,000–$10,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.7+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Apex stacks with Presidential, Duck Excellence, General University, and outside scholarships — that's a meaningful difference from how most people assume merit awards work. The exclusions are just Summit and UO Excellence (you'd get the higher one). Need-based aid combines normally, subject to cost-of-attendance limits.
💡
Strategic Detail
Award grid by residency — Oregon residents receive $2,000/year ($8,000 four-year total); nonresidents receive $10,000/year ($40,000 four-year total). Renewable for up to 12 academic terms over five years (15 terms over six years for BLA, BIARC, or BARCH). Must enroll full-time starting the fall term after graduation.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
First-year admits sitting in the 3.70 to 3.89 unweighted GPA band who hit both deadlines. Oregon residents pull $2,000/year; nonresidents pull $10,000/year — the nonresident version is one of UO's most competitive automatic out-of-state offers.
Automatic
UO Excellence Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Jan 15 · 📢 Results: By Apr 1
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
👥 ~A limited number annually winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
UO Excellence combines with Duck Excellence and General University and stacks with need-based aid. It cannot combine with Stamps, Summit, or Apex — Stamps replaces it entirely; Summit and Apex are mutually exclusive.
💡
Strategic Detail
Award is $20,000/year ($80,000 four-year total) and is reserved for nonresident students only. Renewable for up to 12 academic terms over five years (15 over six years for BLA, BIARC, or BARCH). Unused terms are forfeited at early graduation.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: A capped pool of the highest-achieving nonresident first-years in the applicant class — UO reviews academic transcripts and the admissions application as a whole, not a single GPA cutoff. If your nonresident application is genuinely strong end-to-end, this is the headline automatic award.
Automatic
National Merit Scholarship (College-Sponsored)
📅 Deadline: Jan 15 · 📢 Results: Early Apr (NMSC notifications)
✓ Renews (3.25 GPA, 4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
This is one of the easier stacks at UO — the National Merit award sits on top of Summit, Apex, Presidential, Duck Excellence, and most other UO scholarships. Total combined aid is still capped by cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
Award is $2,000 per year for up to four years of undergraduate study ($8,000 total). Maintain at least a 3.25 cumulative UO GPA to renew. Listed by UO under automatic consideration because no separate UO application is required once NMSC selects you and you list UO as first-choice.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: U.S. high school seniors selected as National Merit Finalists who list UO as their first-choice school with NMSC and enroll full-time. The PSAT-NMSQT score gates everything — start that conversation in 11th grade.
Automatic
IB Diploma Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Jan 15 · 📢 Results: By Apr 1 (final amount confirmed after Sep 1 IB Diploma submission)
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
$1,000–$6,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.4+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
IB Diploma awards stack with every UO scholarship except Stamps. They also count toward UO's PathwayOregon tuition-coverage commitment, which is a nice quiet boost for need-based students. Most outside scholarships combine without issue.
💡
Strategic Detail
Tiered award grid by IB composite and residency — IB Exemplar (33+) pays $3,000/year resident or $6,000/year nonresident; IB Scholar (28-32) pays $2,000/year resident or $4,000/year nonresident; IB Milestone (24-27) pays $1,000/year resident or $2,000/year nonresident. One-third disburses each full-time enrolled term. Renewable up to 12 terms over five years (15 terms over six years for BLA, BIARC, or BARCH).
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students who finish the full IB Diploma and report exam scores. The award tiers reward higher composites — a 33+ delivers the IB Exemplar level (the top bracket), 28-32 delivers IB Scholar, and 24-27 delivers IB Milestone. Nonresidents receive double the resident amount at every tier.
Automatic
Staton Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Jan 15 (admission) · 📢 Results: By Apr 1
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
👥 ~~12 per year winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Staton stacks with most UO scholarships and outside awards. It coordinates with your federal/state aid package, so the final blended amount reflects whatever else you receive — recipients should pay attention to packaging when offers go out.
💡
Strategic Detail
Approximately 12 Robert W. and Bernice Ingalls Staton Scholarships are awarded each year to Oregon-resident first-year students with extraordinary financial need. The 2025-2026 detail page reported $7,350/year; the first-year overview grid lists $6,000/year — actual amount varies by recipient and year, so dollar figures are flagged as award_varies. Renewable up to four years with good academic standing and 12 UO credits per term.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Roughly 12 incoming Oregon-resident first-years per year with extraordinary financial need. UO weighs your declared major (preference for humanities, visual arts, education, music), academic performance, professional goals, and first-generation status — with priority to first-gen students. Strong FAFSA timing matters here.
Automatic
Logan Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Jan 15 (admission) · 📢 Results: By Apr 1
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
👥 ~~100 per year winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Logan stacks freely with other UO scholarships and outside awards, with the cost-of-attendance cap as the only ceiling. It's particularly powerful combined with PathwayOregon for Oregon residents with strong need.
💡
Strategic Detail
Established by the late Jane and Roscoe 'Rock' Logan. Awards $6,000/year ($24,000 four-year total) to nearly 100 incoming first-year pre-education majors annually with financial need and intent to teach in public schools. Award splits evenly over fall, winter, and spring terms. Renewable for up to 12 academic terms over five years (15 terms over six years for BLA, BIARC, or BARCH).
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Roughly 100 incoming first-year pre-education majors per year with financial need who plan to teach in public schools. If you're entering UO intending the College of Education and you file your FAFSA on time, this is one of the most accessible six-figure-equivalent four-year packages on campus.
Automatic
General University Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Jan 15 · 📢 Results: By Apr 1
Non-Renewable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Combines freely with Summit, Apex, Presidential, Duck Excellence, UO Excellence, and outside awards. The one-year structure means it doesn't crowd out your other multi-year merit packages — think of it as a competitive top-up.
💡
Strategic Detail
One-year award funded by individual donor contributions. Amounts vary by year and donor pool — the detail page lists $1,000-$3,600 per recipient. Awarded once per academic year; students are encouraged to reapply (i.e., be re-evaluated) each year as continuing/transfer students through the same automatic process.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Highly competitive — UO selects across academic transcripts from all past institutions, so unweighted GPA, course rigor, and grade trajectory all matter. Both Oregon residents and nonresidents are eligible. Students can reapply (re-be-considered) each year by enrolling and maintaining strong academic standing.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
These scholarships are only available to first-time freshmen and are applied automatically based on your child’s unweighted GPA at the time of admission. No separate scholarship form is needed—simply apply to Oregon by January 15 for automatic consideration.
Note: Summit and Apex cannot be stacked with each other or with most other UO merit scholarships, but they do stack with need-based aid such as Pell Grants or Oregon Opportunity Grants.
FAQ: Summit and Apex Scholarships (2026–2027)
Is the GPA cutoff weighed or unweighted?
UO uses a standardized, unweighted GPA calculated by their admissions office—not always what’s listed on a high school transcript. Make sure your coursework and rigor are clear in the transcript submission.
Are test scores used in merit scholarship decisions?
No. UO is test-blind for Summit and Apex: only academic GPA and admission materials count. Strong test scores are still encouraged for competitive or national awards.
Are these scholarships stackable with others?
Summit and Apex do not stack with other UO merit awards, such as the Presidential or Diversity Excellence scholarships. They do stack with need-based money and most outside/private scholarships.
Who usually gets Summit or Apex?
The typical recipient is a student from out of state with several semesters of A or B+ work in college prep courses. Summit is reserved for those with consistent academic “A” records in all core subjects; Apex can include students with a couple of A-/B grades in tough classes.
Competitive Scholarships
These scholarships require strong academics, leadership, or specific qualifications — and most need an extra application, nomination, or designation. If your child is aiming high, these are worth exploring early.
Full RideApp Required
Stamps Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Nov 1 (Early Action admission) · 📢 Results: By Mar 15
✓ Renews (3.25 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Ride
full_cost_of_attendance
✘ Not stackable
🏫 3.9+ GPA👥 ~~20 per year (10 Oregon residents, 10 nonresidents) winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stamps covers full cost-of-attendance plus enrichment funds — and because it pays out as full-ride support, it replaces every other institutional UO merit award (UO Excellence, Presidential, Summit, Apex, Duck Excellence). Outside scholarships are permitted within cost-of-attendance limits, but the practical reality is Stamps is already covering the bill.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for UO admission as an Early Action applicant by Nov 1. Pull your UO Student ID from the Status Portal, then complete the Stamps application in the UO Scholarship Dashboard by Nov 12, including four short-answer essays. Submit all admission materials by Nov 15. Semifinalists interview on UO's campus on Jan 31; finalists then interview with the Stamps Scholars Program before final selections.
Selection criteria: Academic preparation; activities and talents; demonstrated leadership, innovation, and perseverance; volunteer service; work experience; four short-answer essays; campus semifinalist interview (Jan 31); Stamps Scholars Program finalist interview
✎ Essays🎤 Interview🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
Total package value approximately $125,000 for Oregon residents (full tuition, fees, food, housing for four years) and $185,000 for nonresidents (nonresident tuition and fees). All scholars also receive up to $12,000 in enrichment funds for study abroad, unpaid internships, or other experiences. Guaranteed admission to the Robert D. Clark Honors College. Renewable annually for up to 12 terms over five years with 3.25 UO GPA and 12 credits per term.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Approximately 20 incoming domestic first-year students each year — 10 Oregon residents and 10 nonresidents. Selection is driven by leadership, perseverance, scholarship, service, and innovation; a 3.85+ GPA is necessary but nowhere near sufficient. Most finalists have years-long signature projects, regional or national distinction, or substantial original work. Stamps also guarantees Clark Honors College admission.
App Required
Presidential Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Jan 15 · 📢 Results: By Apr 1
✓ Renews (3.25 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.9+ GPA👥 ~~50 per year winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Despite being a flagship in-state award, the Presidential is genuinely stackable — it combines with Summit, Apex, Duck Excellence, General University, IB Diploma, and outside scholarships. The only true exclusion is Stamps. That's a real win for high-need families because Presidential plus PathwayOregon plus a private award can move the needle.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for UO admission by Jan 15. Within a few days, grab your UO Student ID from the Status Portal and use it to create an account in the UO Scholarship Dashboard. Complete the Presidential application (four short-answer essays plus activity and leadership detail) by Feb 2. Submit all admission application materials by Feb 15.
Selection criteria: Academic preparation; activities and talents; leadership; volunteer service; work experience; four short-answer essays
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Up to $36,000 over four years ($9,000 per year, split across fall, winter, spring). Approximately 50 awards annually. Renewable for up to 12 academic terms (excluding summer) within five years, or 15 terms within six years for BLA, BIARC, or BARCH. Unused terms forfeited at early graduation. Selection rubric — academic preparation, activities and talents, leadership, volunteer service, work experience, and four short-answer essays.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: About 50 Oregon-resident first-years per year — strict eligibility on Oregon high school graduation, domestic first-year status, 3.85+ GPA, and a meaningful track record of leadership and volunteer service. The four short essays carry real weight, so this is one application where polish and specificity beat generic ambition.
App Required
Duck Excellence Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Jan 15 · 📢 Results: By Apr 1
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.0+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Duck Excellence is a tuition-remission award — it stacks with Summit, Apex, UO Excellence, General University, IB Diploma, and outside scholarships. The exclusions are the Presidential Scholarship and UO staff/staff-family rates, where it cannot combine or may be reduced.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for UO admission by Jan 15. Find your UO Student ID in the Status Portal and create a UO Scholarship Dashboard account. Submit the Duck Excellence application (essays plus one reference letter via the Dashboard) by Feb 2. File FAFSA or ORSAA by Feb 2 and list UO with school code 003223. Submit all admission materials by Feb 15.
Selection criteria: Past academic performance; campus/community engagement; demonstrated support for broad diversity; financial need (preference); first-generation status (preference); Oregon residency (preference)
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Annual award is $7,500 (split evenly over fall, winter, spring). Recipients meet regularly with a scholarship advisor in the Center for Multicultural Academic Excellence (CMAE). Renewable annually with 3.00 UO GPA, 12 UO credits per term, satisfactory degree progress, and continued CMAE engagement. The award was previously called the Diversity Excellence Scholarship — the scholarship_id retains the original naming for upsert continuity.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Domestic students with at least a 3.00 cumulative GPA, demonstrated financial need (FAFSA or ORSAA on file), and a record of campus or community engagement that contributes to UO's diversity mission. Preference goes to students with financial need, first-generation status, and Oregon residency — but the award is open to nonresidents who meet criteria.
Full TuitionApp Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Home Flight Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Jan 15 (admission) · 📢 Results: Rolling
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition_discount
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Home Flight covers full tuition and fees by combining federal, state, and UO grants and scholarships into a coordinated package. Outside scholarships are welcome but coordinate against the tuition-and-fees ceiling. Housing, food, and books are not covered — plan for those separately.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for UO admission and pull your UO Student ID from the Status Portal. File a FAFSA or ORSAA for the application year (financial need not required — file regardless). Submit the Home Flight Scholarship application via the UO Scholarship Dashboard at least two weeks before the start of your enrollment term. Continuing students apply with their DuckID.
💡
Strategic Detail
Part of the larger Home Flight Scholars Program supporting American Indian and Alaska Native students with cultural community, mentorship, and academic resources. Covers full tuition and fees through a coordinated grant/scholarship package — housing, food, books, and other costs are not covered. No reapplication required year over year once enrolled, as long as eligibility is maintained. FAFSA or ORSAA must be on file annually regardless of need.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Oregon-resident undergraduates working toward their first bachelor's degree who are enrolled citizens of one of the 574 federally recognized tribes. The award is a guaranteed program — every eligible student who applies, maintains satisfactory progress, files FAFSA/ORSAA on time, and enrolls full-time receives full tuition and fees coverage.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Most competitive scholarships require strong leadership, service, and a demonstrated academic record—not just grades. Always check each award’s page for essay prompts, nominations, and exact due dates.
FAQ: Competitive Scholarships at UO
Can my child receive both Apex/Summit and a competitive scholarship?
No—UO does not stack institutional merit awards. If you’re selected for a higher-value scholarship (Presidential, Diversity Excellence, or Stamps), it will replace Summit/Apex, not add on top.
Are test scores required?
UO is test-optional for admission and most scholarships. Stamps or national awards may still ask for strong scores, but most decisions are based on GPA, leadership, and impact.
What are the deadlines?
The general admissions application must be submitted by January 15. The Stamps and Presidential Scholars programs require early action and/or nomination; make sure to apply for UO Scholars or through NMSC as needed.
Who actually wins these awards?
Recipients typically have a 4.0 GPA (unweighted or weighted), top test scores (if submitted), service leadership, and often a significant extracurricular, research, or advocacy achievement at the regional or national level.
Hidden Gem Scholarships
The University of Oregon doesn’t advertise every scholarship on its main admissions page — but once you dig into departments, talent areas, and special recognitions, you’ll find a few extra ways to earn money that families often miss.
- Departmental Awards: Many academic departments — like Biology, Psychology, or English — offer small scholarships ($500–$2,000) for top students. The Department of Sociology gives the Jack Ramey Scholarship to those focused on research in social justice.
- Band Scholarships: Students who audition and perform with the Oregon Marching Band or Wind Ensemble may be eligible for $500–$2,000/year in music service awards. These are open to any active student.
- Arts Scholarships: Arts, Music, and Dance majors can earn additional talent-based awards (often requiring a portfolio or audition). The School of Music and Dance distributes dozens of small donor awards for commitment and creativity.
- Valedictorian Recognition: UO doesn’t have a named “valedictorian” award, but top class rank makes students more competitive for departmental and competitive aid.
- Club-Based Scholarships: No direct UO awards for club activities, but outside awards from Key Club, Beta Club, Scouts, etc. can be stacked with university aid and reported in their portal.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Departmental Awards
📅 Deadline: Spring (varies by department)
✓ Renews (3 GPA)
$500–$2,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.0+ GPA🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable with Summit, Apex, and competitive UO merit, subject to cost-of-attendance limits
📄
How to Apply
After enrolling, apply through the UO scholarship dashboard or department processes; many majors (e.g., Biology, Psychology, English, Sociology) offer internal awards for high GPA or strong projects
Selection criteria: Departmental GPA and project/engagement
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Includes awards like the Jack Ramey Scholarship in Sociology for social justice research
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Majors with high GPAs, research or creative projects, or strong engagement with their department
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Arts & Performance Awards
📅 Deadline: Varies by program (often Jan–Mar)
✓ Renews (2.75 GPA)
$500–$5,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 2.8+ GPA🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable with Summit/Apex or competitive UO merit and outside scholarships
📄
How to Apply
After acceptance, submit talent-based scholarship applications with required portfolio, audition, or creative work to the School of Music and Dance or College of Design (Art/Dance/Theatre)
Selection criteria: Artistic talent and commitment
💡
Strategic Detail
School of Music and Dance distributes many small donor-funded awards recognizing commitment and creativity
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Music, dance, art, and other performance majors with strong portfolios or auditions and consistent engagement
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Marching Band & Ensemble Awards
📅 Deadline: Late winter–early spring (audition cycle)
✓ Renews (2.5 GPA)
$500–$2,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 2.5+ GPA🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable with UO merit scholarships, PathwayOregon, and outside awards
📄
How to Apply
Apply to and audition for the Oregon Marching Band or Wind Ensemble; complete School of Music and Dance scholarship or service award forms after admission
Selection criteria: Audition quality and participation commitment
💡
Strategic Detail
Awards function as music service stipends; available to non‑majors as well as music majors
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Active band and ensemble members from any major who successfully audition and participate each year
Full TuitionAutomaticgeographicneed_based
PathwayOregon Program
📅 Deadline: State aid deadline (typically March 1)
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
full_tuition_and_fees
✔ Stackable
⚠ Promise program for Pell‑eligible Oregon residents that ensures full UO tuition and mandatory fees are covered through grants and scholarships.
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Covers full tuition and fees after Pell and state grants; can stack with some UO and outside scholarships toward other costs
💡
Strategic Detail
Flagship access program for low-income Oregon students; also provides advising and support
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Pell-eligible Oregon residents admitted to UO who meet program requirements
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Strategy Tip: Once admitted, check each department’s site or ask your advisor about internal scholarships—many are awarded in spring for the next year and go unclaimed.
FAQ: Hidden Scholarships at UO
Does UO award money for band or music?
Yes—Oregon Marching Band and ensembles offer scholarships for performance, usually $500–$2,000. Anyone who auditions (not just music majors) can qualify.
Does every department have its own awards?
Most do—especially larger majors—awarding based on GPA, research, or a project. These are rarely publicized, so it’s worth asking your academic advisor in spring.
Is there a “valedictorian” scholarship?
No dedicated award, but being #1 or #2 in your class is a plus when applying for department scholarships or UO’s top merit/competitive awards.
Can club scholarships (e.g. Key Club) be used at UO?
Yes—outside awards from clubs or orgs can be stacked with UO scholarships. Report all such awards to the financial aid office for disbursement.
Where do I find and apply for these?
Log into the UO Scholarship Dashboard post-admission to view/apply for internal and department opportunities. Always check with your academic department and advisor.
Clark Honors College at UO
The Robert D. Clark Honors College at the University of Oregon is a small, highly selective academic program that offers small classes, priority registration, a tight-knit cohort, and close faculty mentoring—like a liberal arts college within a research university.
All students complete honors core classes and a senior thesis but can pursue any major across the university. Clark alumni include national scholarship winners and top grad school admits. Admission is highly competitive (typical admit: 3.90+ GPA, advanced courses, and strong essays).
Why It Matters: Clark Honors College gives your student access to top professors, first choice of classes, and priority for research funding—while belonging to the larger UO student community.
How to Apply
- Deadline: January 15 (with UO application)
- Requirements: High GPA, strong essay, teacher rec; test scores optional
- Method: Select “Clark Honors College” when applying to UO and complete the short supplement
There is no guaranteed scholarship from Honors admission, but Clark students often win UO’s top merit awards or exclusive thesis/research grants once enrolled.
App Required⚠ Upperclassmen Only
CHC Thesis & Commencement Awards
📅 Deadline: Feb 15 (FAFSA/ORSAA for need-based components)
Non-Renewable
🏫 3.0+ GPA🎓 Upperclassmen
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Stacking & Combining
CHC thesis awards stack freely with other UO scholarships, federal/state aid, and outside scholarships — they're top-up research support, not tuition replacement. Note these will affect your overall financial aid package.
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How to Apply
Already enrolled at least one full year in Clark Honors College and in good standing. Submit a single 500-word essay plus the CHC scholarship application via the Robert D. Clark Honors College Community Canvas site by 5:00 p.m. on Mar 13. One application covers all CHC awards including thesis-specific ones — write the essay's first paragraph as a summary, then address specific scholarships in paragraphs 2 and 3.
✎ Essays
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Strategic Detail
Bundle of named CHC thesis awards including Carol Carver 'Pay It Forward' Thesis Award (min $1,000, requires financial need), Dr. Ronald C. Fraback Scholarship (min $2,000, thesis or internship support), Frank Herbert Mingle Thesis Award (min $2,000, max $4,000, humanities/social sciences, 3.5+ GPA), and Wigham Family Thesis Prize (min $1,000, Canadian resident preference). Dollar amounts shown are minimums — actual awards vary by donor fund performance and applicant pool. Some awards may be split among multiple recipients.
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Who Actually Wins
Continuing CHC students engaged in honors thesis research. The Frank Herbert Mingle Thesis Award (humanities and social sciences, up to $4,000, 3.5+ GPA) and Carol Carver 'Pay It Forward' Award (any subject, $1,000+, 3.0+ GPA, financial need) are the most substantial. The Dr. Ronald C. Fraback Scholarship ($2,000+) supports thesis research or internship costs. The Wigham Family Thesis Prize ($1,000+) gives first consideration to Canadian residents.
App Required⚠ Upperclassmen Only
Dr. George Streisinger Memorial Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Feb 15 (FAFSA/ORSAA)
Non-Renewable
🎓 Upperclassmen
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable with other CHC awards, UO institutional scholarships, and federal/state aid. Receiving any CHC scholarship will affect your overall financial aid package — the office will recalibrate other aid accordingly.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through the CHC's internal scholarship process — submit the application form and 500-word essay via the Robert D. Clark Honors College Community Canvas site by 5:00 p.m. on Mar 13. File FAFSA or ORSAA with UO by Feb 15. The same essay covers Streisinger and other CHC awards — address Streisinger's STEM-and-need-profile specifically in the second or third paragraph.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Minimum award $2,000 (actual amount varies with fund performance and applicant pool). Reserved for continuing CHC students majoring in STEM disciplines. The preference structure prioritizes middle-income households with low financial need first, then medium-or-high-need students — a thoughtful design that often gets overlooked in scholarship recommendations to families.
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Who Actually Wins
Continuing Clark Honors College students majoring in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics). This one has a distinctive preference structure — primary preference goes to students from middle-income households with low financial need, with secondary preference for students with medium or high need. It's specifically designed to support the middle, not just the lowest-EFC families.
App Required⚠ Upperclassmen Only
Robert Ousterhout Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Feb 15 (FAFSA/ORSAA)
Non-Renewable
🎓 Upperclassmen
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable with other CHC awards, UO institutional scholarships, and federal/state aid, subject to cost-of-attendance and packaging adjustments by the Office of Financial Aid.
📄
How to Apply
Submit the CHC application and 500-word essay via the Robert D. Clark Honors College Community Canvas site by 5:00 p.m. on Mar 13. File FAFSA or ORSAA with UO by Feb 15. Address Ousterhout's arts/humanities preference and your demonstrated financial need in your essay's second or third paragraph.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Minimum award $2,000 (actual amount varies). May be used for tuition, CHC differential tuition, fees, books, supplies, room, and board. Need-based with arts and humanities preference — a useful counterweight to the STEM-heavy CHC scholarship roster.
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Who Actually Wins
Continuing Clark Honors College students with demonstrated financial need and a strong record in the arts or humanities — art, art history, classics, creative writing, English, history, languages, literature, philosophy, religious studies, theater arts, and adjacent fields. Need is verified through the FAFSA/ORSAA via the UO financial aid office.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Tip: Honors-only scholarships at UO are limited and often tied to research, thesis, or financial need. Most Clark scholars fund their education through general UO merit aid, PathwayOregon (if in-state + Pell), or outside awards.
FAQ: Clark Honors College at UO
Is there special housing for Honors?
Yes—students are encouraged to live in the Global Scholars Hall for an “academic” environment and honors-focused events. Spaces fill early; request soon after admission.
Is the Clark program more rigorous than UO’s Gen Ed?
Yes—but in ways most Honors students find engaging, not just in added work. Expect frequent seminar discussion, small-group teaching, and a research project.
Will being in Honors help me get other scholarships?
Not directly, but many Presidential and Stamps Scholars are in Clark. Being in the College offers faculty contacts and research opportunities that help with competitive departmental, national, and graduate fellowships.
Can a Clark student major in any UO major?
Yes. The Honors core replaces general education, so students major in anything UO offers—from architecture to journalism to biology.
📎 Official Links — University of Oregon
💬 Final Thoughts
The University of Oregon combines a nationally respected academic reputation with the kind of campus energy that keeps students engaged and inspired.
From journalism and business to environmental science and human physiology, Oregon offers programs that shine on a national level.
Its automatic scholarships and WUE options give out-of-state families a meaningful way to cut costs, especially for strong students who apply early.
For those looking for an R1 university with West Coast creativity and a close community feel, the Ducks deliver.
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