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.
$12,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 6
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. students who are majoring in law, political science, public policy or public administration with the goal of improving rights for LGBT people. Applicant must be a resident of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington state.
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$12,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 6
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. students under the age of 21 who demonstrate significant financial need, with preference to those that have been in foster care and those who have been homeless. Applicants must be residents of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington. Preference is given to students who are self-identified lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT), members of LGBT families, or straight-allies who have been strongly supportive of the LGBT community.
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$12,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 6
Deadline
This award is available for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered (LGBT) students studying choral conducting with preference given to those committed to creating social change through music.
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$12,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 6
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. students under the age of 25 who graduated from any West Seattle high school or are studying music. Applicants must be residents of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon or Washington but may study elsewhere. Preference is given to students who are self-identified lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT), members of LGBT families, or straight-allies who have been strongly supportive of the LGBT community.
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$12,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 6
Deadline
This award is available for Asian/Pacific Islander lesbians, bisexual females, and transpeople (both MTF and FTM spectrum). Applicants must be residents of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington state.
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$10,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Jan 6
Deadline
This award is available for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered (LGBT) students, and LGBT advocates. Applicants must be residents of Oregon or Clark County, Washington.
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$4,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Jan 6
Deadline
This award is for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered (GLBT) students, and/or the children of GLBT parents. Applicants must be residents of Oregon or Clark County, Washington, for at least one year prior to submitting an application.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jun 30
Deadline
This award is available for Korean students attending or planning to attend college in one of the following western states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, or Washington. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, enroll full time, and have unmet financial need.
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$12,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 6
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. citizens have been living in Washington state, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, or Alaska for at least one year. Applicants must be enrolled or planning to enroll in a postsecondary program studying visual arts and design. Preference is given to self-identified LGBT students, members of LGBT families, and straight allies who have been supportive of the LGBT community.
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$12,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 6
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. citizens who have been living in Washington state, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, or Alaska for at least one year. Applicants must be studying any field of health science and preference is given to self-identified LGBT students, members of LGBT families, and straight allies who have been supportive of the LGBT community.
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$12,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 6
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. citizens who are residents of Washington state, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, or Alaska and are studying interior, fashion, or graphic design. Preference is given to self-identified LGBT students, members of LGBT families, and straight allies who have been supportive of the LGBT community.
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$12,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 6
Deadline
This scholarship is available for Latino/Latina youth under age 25 with a preference for students involved in athletics and students committed to LGBT equality.
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$2,500
Award Amount
4
Awards
Sep 1
Deadline
The Balanced Man Scholarship - University of Oregon rewards students who have shown academic excellence, leadership skills, and a commitment to their health and well-being. Eligible applicants must have a 3.2 GPA and be enrolled full-time. For more information or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider's website.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 31
Deadline
The William Bennett, W7PHO, Memorial Scholarship is open to international and U.S. undergraduate and graduate students who are licensed radio amateurs (general class or higher) and have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Students must reside in the areas covered by the ARRL Northwest, Pacific, or Southwest divisions.
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Cost of College in Oregon
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
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
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
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.
Our Scholarships
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$1,500 – I Have a Dream
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$10,000 – Unigo $10K Award
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$1,500 – Sweet and Simple
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$2,500 – Superpower
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$3,000 – All About Education
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$1,500 – Fifth Month Scholarship
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$1,500 – Do-Over
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$1,500 – Flavor of the Month
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$1,500 – Make Me Laugh
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$1,500 – Shout It Out
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$2,000 – Zombie Apocalypse
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$5,000 – Education Matters
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$1,500 – Top Ten List
Written by Dave Moniz
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Edited by Unigo Staff