Guide to Oregon Scholarships In 2024

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Unigo Author Dave Moniz Written by Dave Moniz
Unigo Editor Unigo Staff ✔️ Edited by Unigo Staff

Oregon is famous for its lush landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and forward-thinking communities. Whether you are a resident or planning to attend one of Oregon's well-known institutions like the University of Oregon (UO), Oregon State University (OSU), Portland State University (PSU), Lewis & Clark College, Reed College, Corban University, and University of Portland, there are numerous scholarships available to help you pay for your education.

Below, you will find a comprehensive list of scholarship and grant opportunities for students attending colleges and universities in Oregon. Whether you are seeking assistance for public or private schools, or even for specific academic programs, there are plenty of options to help make college more affordable.

List of Guide to Oregon Scholarships In 2024

University of Oregon Summit Scholarship

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Award Amount
$12,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
3 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Feb 15 Deadline

This scholarship is open to U.S. students who are incoming freshmen at the University of Oregon. Students must have a grade point average of 3.8 or higher (or have earned an International Baccalaureate diploma) and have an SAT score of 1260 or higher or an ACT score of 26 or higher.
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SWE Region J Scholarship

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Award Amount
$1,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Feb 15 Deadline

This scholarship is open to female re-entry/non-traditional students who are majoring in engineering or computer science and are members of SWE. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and attend an institution within the SWE Region J boundaries.
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Wanda Munn Scholarship (SWE Eastern Washington Section)

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Award Amount
$1,500 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Feb 15 Deadline

This award is open to re-entry/non-traditional female students who plan to major in engineering and have completed two or more years of full-time credits (does not have to be in an engineering curriculum). Students must reside or attend school in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington, and have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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University of Oregon General University Scholarship for Freshmen Students

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Award Amount
$3,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 1 Deadline

This award is for U.S. high school seniors who are planning to attend the University of Oregon. The student must have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.
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Donald and Jean Cleveland Scholarship

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Award Amount
$1,250 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 1 Deadline

This scholarship is available for undergraduate residents of Oregon who are pursuing higher education in preparation for a career in welding or a related metalworking field.
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Matsuo Bridge Company, Ltd. of Japan Scholarship

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Award Amount
$2,500 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 1 Deadline

This scholarship is available for U.S. and international students who are majoring in civil engineering, welding engineering, welding engineering technology, or a related field. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and must be enrolled in the junior or senior year of an accredited undergraduate program.
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Oregon Opportunity Grant (OOG)

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Award Amount
$2,100 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 1 Deadline

This grant is available to Oregon resident undergraduate students who are enrolled at an eligible postsecondary institution in Oregon. Students must display financial need of $2,000 or more to be considered for an award.
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Lewis-Clark State College Presidential Out-of-State Scholarship

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Award Amount
$20,238 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 1 Deadline

High school seniors and transfer students who are not residents of Idaho and are planning to enroll at Lewis-Clark State College for the first time are eligible for this award. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and must plan to enroll full time.
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Rebecca Kirtman Memorial Scholarship

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Award Amount
$2,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
2 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Apr 1 Deadline

U.S. high school seniors who have been involved with Becca's Closet are eligible to apply for this award. Students must enroll full time and have an unweighted grade point average of 2.0 or higher.
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Audria M. Edwards Scholarship

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Award Amount
$1,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Apr 1 Deadline

This award is available for students who self-identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender or are the children of gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender persons who reside in Oregon or southwest Washington. Applicants must plan to enroll in an undergraduate program and demonstrate financial need.
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Columbia-Willamette Chapter President Scholarship

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Award Amount
$1,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Dec 1 Deadline

This award is for U.S. and international college juniors and graduate students who are pursuing a degree in occupational safety and health or a closely related field. Priority will be given to Columbia-Willamette chapter members, students attending school in Oregon or Washington state or to residents of Oregon or Washington state attending school elsewhere. The applicant must enroll full time and have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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Donald O. Coffman Scholarship

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Award Amount
$12,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Jan 6 Deadline

This award is available for current and future LGBT and straight-ally leaders and role models who are a resident of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington state.
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Soaring Heart Scholarship

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Award Amount
$12,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Jan 6 Deadline

This award is available for residents of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington state who are committed to offering compassionate support services to those dealing with illness, death, grief or trauma.
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LTU Bulldog Out-of-State Fee Waiver for Incoming Transfer Students

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Award Amount
$2,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Feb 1 Deadline

This award is for U.S. and International students who are planning to attend Louisiana Tech University as an out-of-state transfer student. Students must have complete at least 12 semester hours of college credit and have a grade point average of 2.75 or higher.
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Jim McBroom and John H. Weston Scholarship

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Award Amount
$1,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Jan 6 Deadline

This award is for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender students from Oregon who are pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree.
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Bellarmine University Out-of-State Grant

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Award Amount
$6,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
3 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Feb 1 Deadline

U.S. incoming freshmen who are not residents of Kentucky and demonstrate financial need are eligible for this award. Students must attend Bellarmine University in Kentucky.
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Becca's Closet Spirit of Generosity Scholarship

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Award Amount
$2,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 29 Deadline

Rebecca was a passionate, bright, fun-loving young woman who loved being with her friends and felt that no one should miss a high school event because they couldn’t afford to be there. She saw the inequity in the situation and sought to change things. During the Spring of her sophomore year, Becca singlehandedly collected and donated over 250 formal dresses and helped hundreds of girls across South Florida attend their High School proms in style. To keep Becca's dream alive, countless dedicated people throughout the United States have joined forces to provide opportunities for those who seek them. Although the core mission of Becca's Closet, located in the Festival Marketplace in Pompano Beach, FL, was to collect and distribute dresses to high school girls with financial need, our goals have expanded to offer additional opportunities for deserving young people. In the spirit of Rebecca's visions and aspirations, our foundation raises funds to award post-secondary educational scholarships recognizing the exemplary efforts of young men and women nationwide who demonstrate Becca's spirit of generosity in their own communities.
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Larry McDonald Scholarship

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Award Amount
$1,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
2 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Jan 6 Deadline

This undergraduate and graduate award is for adult students who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender (LGBT). The student must be seeking to make a significant change in his/her life by taking classes in the arts and/or humanities. The student must also reside in Oregon, OR Clark County, WA.
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Sharon D. Banks Memorial Undergraduate Scholarship - Portland Chapter

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Award Amount
$3,500 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Oct 25 Deadline

This scholarship is available for U.S. undergraduate women who are majoring in a field related to transportation. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and reside in Oregon and southwest Washington
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Dorothy Hendricks Endowment Scholarship

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Award Amount
$500 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Feb 1 Deadline

This scholarship is open to undergraduate and graduate students who are U.S. and Australian citizens and have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Students must reside in Alaska, Arizona, California, Oregon, Washington, or select Australian states. Click to learn more and apply today!
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Gail Achterman Leadership Scholarship - Portland Chapter

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Award Amount
$6,800 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Oct 25 Deadline

This scholarship is available for women in Oregon and southwest Washington who are majoring in transportation or a related field. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and must demonstrate qualities of leadership.
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Beverley Swaim Staley Leadership Legacy Scholarship - Portland Chapter

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Award Amount
$4,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Oct 25 Deadline

This scholarship is available for graduate women in Oregon and southwest Washington who are majoring in a transportation-related field. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and must express an interest in international issues arising in the transportation industry.
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Helene M. Overly Memorial Graduate Scholarship - Portland Chapter

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Award Amount
$3,500 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Oct 25 Deadline

This scholarship is available for U.S. graduate students who are majoring in a field related to transportation. Applicants must be female, must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, and must reside in Oregon and southwest Washington.
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Helping Hands of WSC Endowment Scholarship

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Award Amount
$900 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Feb 1 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. and Australian ESA members or relatives of ESA members who are residents of Alaska, Arizona, California, Oregon, Washington, or certain Australian states. Applicants must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
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Transportation YOU Scholarship for High School Girls - Portland Chapter

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Award Amount
$2,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
3 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Oct 25 Deadline

This scholarship is available for high school women in Oregon and southwest Washington who have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and an interest in pursuing a career in transportation. Applicants must be between the ages of 13 and 18.
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Cost of College in Oregon

Portland cityscape at dawn with Mount Hood in the backdrop.

Let’s take a look at the cost of attending college in Oregon before diving into the scholarships. For the 2024-25 academic year, in-state students attending the University of Oregon (UO) will pay $16,137 per year in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students can expect to pay $44,598 annually. Oregon State University (OSU) charges in-state students $14,487 per year, and out-of-state students pay $38,457.

For students attending smaller or private institutions such as Reed College, tuition can be as high as $69,380 annually. Fortunately, numerous scholarships, grants, and financial aid opportunities exist to help Oregon students reduce these costs.

Oregon State-Funded Scholarships and Grants

Oregon provides several state-funded scholarships and grants aimed at supporting students pursuing higher education. Many of these programs require completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA) to determine eligibility.

Oregon Opportunity Grant

The Oregon Opportunity Grant is the state’s largest need-based financial aid program, designed to support low-income students. Eligible Oregon residents can receive up to $7,524 per year if they attend an eligible public or private college or university in Oregon. Award amounts vary based on financial need and available funding, so completing your FAFSA or ORSAA early is essential.

Oregon Promise Grant

The Oregon Promise Grant provides tuition assistance to Oregon high school graduates or GED recipients who enroll in an Oregon community college within six months of graduation. Eligible students must have a minimum 2.0 GPA and maintain continuous enrollment. This grant helps cover tuition for up to 90 college credits, making community college a more affordable option for recent Oregon high school graduates. In order to qualify for the Oregon Promise Grant, you must have a Student Aid Index under 25,000, as determined by the FAFSA or ORSAA.

Oregon Chafee Education and Training Grant

The Chafee Education and Training Grant offers financial assistance to current or former foster care youth who are Oregon residents and pursuing their college education in Oregon. Eligible students can receive up to $5,000 annually to help cover tuition and living expenses while attending college or vocational training.

Oregon Tribal Grant

The Oregon Tribal Student Grant offers financial assistance to members of Oregon’s nine federally recognized tribes attending eligible in-state colleges. Covering costs after federal and state aid, the grant supports undergraduate and select graduate students pursuing their first degree. Applicants must submit the FAFSA or ORSAA and complete a grant application annually. Awards vary by institution and program type.

Oregon Teachers Scholars Program Grant

The Oregon Teacher Scholars Program Grant supports culturally and linguistically diverse Oregon residents enrolled in licensure programs for teaching, school counseling, social work, or school psychology. Eligible students can receive up to $12,000 per year, based on enrollment level, for up to two years. Applicants must complete the FAFSA or ORSAA and the grant application by the deadline, which varies by term. Funding is awarded directly to schools, and renewals are possible if academic and program requirements are met.

Oregon National Guard State Tuition Assistance 

The Oregon National Guard State Tuition Assistance (ONGSTA) program offers financial aid to active members of the Oregon National Guard for undergraduate degrees or certificate programs at Oregon public colleges and universities. Eligibility includes completing basic training, maintaining good academic standing, and meeting service requirements. The award can cover full tuition after other state and federal grants are applied.

Federal Grants for Oregon Students

Mount Hood mirrored in a serene lake, framed by lush forests.

Oregon students are also eligible for federal financial aid programs, such as the Pell Grant, which provides up to $7,395 per year for low-income students during the 2024-2025 academic year. The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) offers additional funding to students with exceptional financial need, with awards ranging from $100 to $4,000 annually.

Institutional Scholarships at Oregon Colleges and Universities

Many Oregon colleges and universities offer institutional grants and scholarships to help students offset tuition and fees. These grants and scholarships are often based on academic merit, financial need, or a combination of both.

University of Oregon PathwayOregon Program

The PathwayOregon Program at the University of Oregon provides full tuition and fees to in-state students who are eligible for the federal Pell Grant. In addition to financial assistance, the program offers advising and support services to help students navigate college successfully.

Oregon State University Presidential Scholarship

The Oregon State University (OSU) Presidential Scholarship is the university’s most prestigious scholarship, awarded to high-achieving Oregon resident freshmen enrolling at either the Corvallis or Bend campuses. This merit-based scholarship provides up to $40,000 in total funding, distributed as $10,000 per year for up to four years. Eligible students who demonstrate strong academic performance, typically measured by high GPA and standardized test scores, are selected through a competitive process.

Recipients of the OSU Presidential Scholarship also benefit from additional perks designed to enhance their first-year experience. These include priority access to the university’s orientation (START program), exemption from certain initial enrollment fees, and additional support within the campus community. Applications are highly competitive, and priority is given to those who complete OSU’s application process by the early admissions deadline.

Portland State University Tuition-Free Degree

Portland State University’s Tuition-Free Degree initiative, covers tuition and most mandatory fees for eligible Oregon residents pursuing their first undergraduate degree. This opportunity is open to students who graduate from Oregon high schools within the past two years, demonstrate financial need, and meet certain academic and financial aid requirements. Additionally, transfer students may benefit from the similar Transfers Finish Free program if they meet the residency and financial need qualifications. Students must enroll full-time and complete the FAFSA or ORSAA by PSU’s financial aid deadline to qualify.

Private Scholarships for Oregon Students

St. Johns Bridge enveloped in mist, towering over lush Oregon forest.

In addition to state-funded and institutional scholarships, many private scholarships are available for Oregon students. These scholarships are often sponsored by local businesses, organizations, and foundations.

The Oregon Community Foundation Scholarships

The Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) administers hundreds of scholarships for Oregon students. OCF scholarships are available to a wide range of students, including those pursuing healthcare, education, and STEM fields. Award amounts vary, with many scholarships providing between $500 and $5,000 annually.

American Indian/Alaska Native Scholarship Program

Administered by the Oregon Student Assistance Commission, the American Indian/Alaska Native Scholarship Program provides financial support to Native American students attending college in Oregon. Eligible students must be enrolled members of a federally recognized tribe and demonstrate financial need.

Pacific Power Foundation Scholarships

The Pacific Power Foundation awards scholarships to Oregon students pursuing studies in energy-related fields such as engineering, environmental science, and renewable energy. Award amounts vary, but students can receive up to $2,000 annually.

Scholarships & Grants for Adult Learners in Oregon

Oregon is committed to supporting adult learners who are returning to school after a break in their education. Several scholarships and grant programs are available to help non-traditional students advance their education and career prospects.

Ford ReStart Program

The Ford ReStart Program, administered by the Ford Family Foundation, provides scholarships for adult learners who are returning to college after a gap of at least five years. This scholarship covers up to 90% of unmet financial need and is renewable for up to four years. The program supports students attending Oregon colleges or universities full-time.

Tips for Securing Oregon Scholarships

Mount Hood towers over Portland's bustling riverfront marina.

Applying for scholarships in Oregon requires careful planning and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you increase your chances of winning scholarships and grants:

  • Submit your FAFSA or ORSAA early: Many state and institutional grants and scholarships require FAFSA or ORSAA submission to determine eligibility.

  • Keep track of deadlines: Organize your scholarship applications and ensure you meet all deadlines for materials and forms.

  • Write a strong personal essay: Share your achievements, goals, and why you are a good fit for the scholarship in your personal statement.

  • Search for local scholarships: Many Oregon businesses, foundations, houses of worship, and community organizations offer scholarships specifically for local students.

  • Request letters of recommendation early: Choose individuals who know you well and can highlight your strengths and potential. Remember, your friends will be asking these same individuals for letters too so ask early!

By staying organized and applying early, you can increase your chances of securing scholarships to help fund your college education in Oregon.