Can my student get both the Oregon Promise and the Opportunity Grant?

Yes. If eligible, these can stack. The Promise Grant typically applies after other aid, such as the Opportunity Grant or Pell.

🎓 Oregon Grants, Scholarships & FAFSA Help for Families

Q: What’s the difference between the OSAC application and FAFSA?

FAFSA is the federal form that unlocks federal and state aid. OSAC is Oregon’s state scholarship application that lets students apply for hundreds of local scholarships with one form.

Q: What is ORSAA and who should use it?

ORSAA is for undocumented Oregon students who cannot submit the FAFSA. It provides access to most Oregon state grants, including the Oregon Opportunity Grant and OSAC scholarships.

Q: Do we have to apply every year for state aid?

Yes. File a new FAFSA or ORSAA annually and reapply for OSAC/Tribal grants each year. Deadlines and award amounts can change.

Q: Do we need to file both the FAFSA and the OSAC application?

Students file either FAFSA or ORSAA—never both. In addition, complete the OSAC scholarship application to be considered for state and private Oregon scholarships.

← Back to the State Aid & Grants hub • College Scholarship Hub

Oregon has several solid college aid programs — including options for both FAFSA and undocumented students (via ORSAA). But the key is filing early and understanding who qualifies. This page walks you through what matters most and how Oregon families can unlock real help paying for college.

📅 FAFSA & ORSAA Open: October 1, 2024
For maximum state aid, submit by March 1, 2025 (or as soon as possible — some grants run out).
Oregon students can use either the FAFSA or ORSAA depending on their immigration status.

📊 Oregon Grant & Scholarship Programs You Should Know About

Program	Who It’s For	Award Amount	How to Get It
Oregon Opportunity Grant	Low-income Oregon residents attending eligible colleges	Up to ~$4,692/year	Submit FAFSA or ORSAA early — awarded until funds run out
Oregon Promise Grant	Recent Oregon high school grads attending community college	Most tuition covered (after other aid)	Apply through OSAC portal and FAFSA/ORSAA
OSAC Scholarships	Oregon residents — over 600+ private scholarships	Varies ($1,000–$10,000+)	Complete one application through the OSAC portal by March 1
Oregon Tribal Student Grant	Members of Oregon’s 9 federally recognized tribes	Full cost of attendance (tuition, housing, books, etc.)	Apply annually through the OSAC site and FAFSA/ORSAA

💡 Tip: The OSAC application lets your kid apply for hundreds of scholarships with just one form — but some of the best awards go to early applicants. Don’t wait for the deadline. Submit everything as early in January as possible.

🎯 Key Things Oregon Parents Should Know

The Oregon Promise is only for students entering community college directly after high school.
ORSAA is Oregon’s FAFSA alternative for undocumented students — it unlocks the same state grants.
Many OSAC scholarships consider financial need, GPA, or personal essays — not just test scores.
The Tribal Student Grant is one of the most generous state grants in the country if eligible.
Many state grants run out early — don’t wait for March deadlines. Apply in January if possible.
Middle-income families often assume they won’t qualify for aid — but Oregon’s OSAC scholarships don’t always require financial need. It’s worth applying.

Going Out-of-State?
Families in Oregon may qualify for reduced tuition through the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE). This program lets students attend public colleges in other Western states at a discounted rate.

📎 What To Do Next

✅ Submit FAFSA or ORSAA as early as possible (starting October 1)
✅ Go to oregonstudentaid.gov to complete the OSAC application
✅ Ask your high school counselor about Oregon Promise and OSAC deadlines
✅ If eligible, start the Tribal Student Grant application early — it covers more than just tuition
✅ Download our College Starter Kit to stay organized and ahead

🎁 Need help staying organized?
Download the free College Starter Kit — includes a printable checklist, scholarship tracker, and tools to help you stay on top of everything from FAFSA to decision day.

🏫 Oregon Public Universities

University of Oregon
Oregon State University
Portland State University
University of Portland
Eastern Oregon University
Western Oregon University
Southern Oregon University
Oregon Institute of Technology

❓ Common Questions Parents Ask

What’s the difference between the OSAC application and FAFSA?

FAFSA is the federal form to unlock federal and state aid. OSAC is Oregon’s state scholarship application — it lets your child apply for hundreds of local scholarships with one form.

What is ORSAA and who should use it?

ORSAA is for undocumented Oregon students who can’t submit the FAFSA. It opens the door to most of the same state grants, including the Oregon Opportunity Grant and OSAC scholarships.

Do we need to file both the FAFSA and the OSAC application?

No. Oregon students only need to file either the FAFSA or the ORSAA — not both. But to get state scholarships, you’ll also need to complete the OSAC application (which is separate but easy to access online).

Can my kid get both the Oregon Promise and the Opportunity Grant?

Yes — if they qualify, these can stack. The Promise Grant usually kicks in after other aid like the Opportunity Grant or Pell has been applied.

Do we have to apply every year for state aid?

Yes. Your child should submit a new FAFSA or ORSAA each year and reapply for OSAC/Tribal grants annually. Deadlines and award amounts may change.

💬 Just by reading this, you’re already helping your kid avoid thousands in student debt. You don’t have to know everything — just take the next right step.