2025-26 FAFSA: Information about financial aid for the 2025-26 academic year is now available.
Please check out our resources for new students and current students.

Aid Types: Federal, State, and Institutional Aid

Types of

financial Aid

Federal Aid and Loans
State Aid
Institutional Aid

Aid Types: Federal, State, and Institutional Aid

Federal Aid and Loans

There is a lot to know about federal aid. It is awarded based on the annual FAFSA application that is published every year on October 1. There are yearly limits, lifetime maximums, enrollment minimums, course completion requirements, and Satisfactory Academic Progress criteria for eligibility. We encourage students to read the basic overview below and utilize the resources on our other pages to better understand how federal aid works.

 

Federal Pell Grant

  • A need-based grant from the federal government intended for high need undergraduate students seeking their first bachelor’s degree.
  • After the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is filed, the Department of Education sends you a FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS). This document will indicate if you are Pell eligible and it is important to review for accuracy.
  • Based on the Congressional approval of year-round Pell, students may receive up to 150% of their Scheduled Pell Grant eligibility in a single year. This means a student may receive full-time Pell Grant for all 4 terms of the academic year if they are enrolled and eligible.
  • Students may receive the Pell Grant for a maximum of 18 terms/12 semesters (based on full-time enrollment). Utilizing year-round Pell will use this lifetime eligibility more quickly.
  • For students attending less than full-time (12 credits) in any term, the Pell Grant award must be prorated according to enrollment intensity. Enrollment intensity is the percentage of full-time enrollment at which a student is enrolled. If you will be part-time, you must notify our office by completing an Enrollment Revision Request.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

  • A need-based grant from the federal government intended for high-need undergraduate students seeking their first bachelor’s degree.
  • Administered by the OSU Office of Financial Aid. Funds are limited and eligibility is based in part by meeting the OSU priority FAFSA submission deadline of February 28. (extended to March 31, 2024 for the 2024-25 year)

 

Federal College Work-Study Program

  • Federal College Work-Study Program (FWS) helps provide part-time jobs for students with financial need to help them pay for their education.
  • The program is administered by the OSU Office of Financial Aid. Funds are limited and eligibility is based on need and in part by meeting the OSU priority FAFSA submission deadline of February 28.
  • Being awarded FWS funds allows you to apply for jobs that specifically have the Work-Study designation. If you are awarded FWS and secure a Work-Study job, you will be paid monthly for hours worked.
  • The amount of FWS indicated on your award is the maximum amount you may earn for the academic year. Funds are paid monthly on the basis of hours worked in the pay period not to exceed 20 hours per week. *Note this amount increased to 24 hours a week as of July 1, 2023 to test increasing the limits.
  • If you have more than one FWS job, you cannot designate which one utilizes the funds.  Funding is allocated based on timesheet submittal.
  • Students not awarded FWS may still apply for jobs both on and off campus.

Please review our Work-Study Page for more detailed information

 
 

Federal Loan Basics

  • Federal Direct Loans are aid that must be repaid, beginning 6 months after graduation or dropping below half-time enrollment.
  • You must file a FAFSA for each academic year to receive a federal loan offer.
  • On Subsidized Loans, the U.S. Department of Education pays the interest while you are attending school at least half-time.
  • For Unsubsidized Loans, you are responsible for paying the interest or letting it accrue while in school.
  • Parent PLUS and Graduate PLUS loans require a credit check and separate application each academic year.
  • Minimum half-time enrollment (6+ credits for undergraduates and 5+ for graduates) is required each term to receive federal loans.
  • Find interest rate and origination fees for all federal loans online on the FSA website.
  • There are yearly, aggregate and timeframe maximums for federal loans.
  • The Perkins Loan program has not been extended beyond the 2017-2018 aid year. Repayment and deferment options are handled by the OSU Business Affairs Student Loan Office. Please see our Perkins disclosure page if you have an existing Perkins loan.

 

Student Loan Comparison

Direct Subsidized Loan

  • Subsidized means the U.S. Department of Education pays the interest while you are attending school at least half-time.
  • Awarded to undergraduate students with financial need.
  • The amount you are awarded is determined by your financial need and class rank.
  • If you have not received a Direct Loan at OSU in the past, you must complete Entrance Counseling and a Master Promissory Note online at studentaid.gov.
  • Repayment begins 6 months after graduation or dropping below half-time enrollment
  • Has yearly, aggregate and timeframe limits.

Direct Unsubsidized Loan

  • Unsubsidized means you are responsible for paying the interest throughout the life of the loan, including during periods of deferment.
  • Awarded to undergraduate and graduate students.
  • The amount you are awarded is determined by your class rank and dependency status.
  • If you have not received a Direct Loan at OSU in the past, you must complete Entrance Counseling and a Master Promissory Note online at studentaid.gov.
  • If you are a dependent student and your parent has been credit denied for the Parent PLUS loan this year, you may submit a Student Loan Revision form to request an increase of Direct Unsubsidized Loans.
  • Repayment begins 6 months after graduation or dropping below half-time enrollment.
  • Has yearly and aggregate limits.

Direct Parent PLUS Loan

  • The Direct Parent PLUS Loan is a credit-based loan borrowed by the parent on behalf of a dependent undergraduate or post-bacc student for educational expenses.
  • Has no yearly or aggregate limits but amounts must fit into the expected cost of attendance.
  • The loan is unsubsidized meaning you are responsible for paying the interest throughout the life of the loan, including during periods of deferment.
  • The parent borrower must complete a Direct PLUS Loan Application and Master Promissory Note (MPN) online at StudentLoans.gov. 
  • The credit check, run as part of the application, is only valid for 180 days. Do not complete the application more than 180 days before the start of the term, or before May of the respective year if attending summer term.

*Applicants who are denied on the credit check but subsequently qualify for a Direct Parent PLUS loan by documenting extenuating circumstances or obtaining an endorser must complete PLUS Counseling and a new Master Promissory Note at studentaid.gov.

**If a Parent PLUS Loan has been credit denied for this year, the student may submit a Student Loan Revision form to request an increase in the Direct Unsubsidized Loan.

***Although Parent PLUS Loans do not have yearly or aggregate maximums, they are only available to the credit approved parents of students who are undergraduate and considered dependent for FAFSA purposes. If a student is 24 or will otherwise be considered independent for a given aid year, the Parent PLUS Loan option would not be available. Please review the FSA website for further information on dependency status.

Direct Graduate PLUS Loan

  • The Direct Grad PLUS Loan is a credit based loan borrowed by graduate students to assist with educational expenses.
  • Has no yearly or aggregate limits but amounts must fit into the expected cost of attendance.
  • The loan is unsubsidized meaning you are responsible for paying the interest throughout the life of the loan, including during periods of deferment.
  • You must complete a Direct PLUS Loan Application and Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Entrance Counseling online at studentaid.gov.
  • The credit check, run as part of the application, is only valid for 180 days. Do not complete the application more than 180 days before the start of the term, or before May of the respective year if attending summer term.

*For applicants who are denied on the credit check but subsequently qualify for a Direct Graduate PLUS Loan by documenting extenuating circumstances or by obtaining an endorser, must complete the PLUS Credit Counseling and a new Master Promissory Note at studentaid.gov.

 

Undergraduate Ford Direct Loan Limits

Dependent Undergraduate Ford Direct Student Loan Maximum Per Year:

  • $5,500 freshman ($3,500 of that may be subsidized if eligible)
  • $6,500 sophomore ($4,500 of that may be subsidized if eligible)
  • $7,500 junior/senior ($5,500 of that may be subsidized if eligible)

* If a Parent PLUS Loan has been credit denied for this year, the student may submit a Student Loan Revision form to request an increase in the Ford Direct unsubsidized student loan. The maximum increase is $4,000 for freshman or sophomore and $5,000 for a junior or senior.

** If attending less than a standard academic year (3 terms), the student will be offered less than the yearly limit. However, a student can request an increase up to the yearly limit (if otherwise eligible) using a Student Loan Revision form.

Dependent Undergraduate Ford Direct Student Loan Aggregate Maximum (Limit for all years combined):

  • $31,000 Ford Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans Combined (no more than $23,000 of that may be subsidized)

* If a Parent PLUS loan has been credit denied for this year, the student may submit a Student Loan Revision form to request an increase in the Ford Direct unsubsidized student loan. In this case the aggregate maximum increases to $57,500.

** The credit hour maximum timeframe (MTF) is an additional limitation beyond the federal aggregate aid maximums. More information about the MTF may be found on the Satisfactory Academic Progress section of our website.

*** The Subsidized Federal Direct Ford Loan is need-based with the government paying the interest on the loan while the student is enrolled. A limit on the amount of time that a student is allowed to borrow subsidized loan funds, which may be tied to their program length. Students that exceed 150% of their program length will no longer be eligible to receive subsidized loan funds, regardless of any extensions granted based on the Satisfactory Academic Progress appeal process through the Office of Financial.

Independent Undergraduate Ford Direct Student Loan Maximum Per Year:

  • $9,500 freshman ($3,500 of that may be subsidized if eligible)
  • $10,500 sophomore ($4,500 of that may be subsidized if eligible)
  • $12,500 junior/senior ($5,500 of that may be subsidized if eligible)

Independent Undergraduate Ford Direct Student Loan Aggregate Maximum (Limit for all years combined):

  • $57,500 Ford Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans Combined (no more than $23,000 of that may be subsidized)

* The credit hour maximum timeframe (MTF) is an additional limitation beyond the federal aggregate aid maximums. More information about the MTF may be found on the Satisfactory Academic Progress section of our website.

** The Subsidized Federal Direct Ford Loan is need-based with the government paying the interest on the loan while the student is enrolled. A limit on the amount of time that a student is allowed to borrow subsidized loan funds, which may be tied to their program length. Students that exceed 150% of their program length will no longer be eligible to receive subsidized loan funds, regardless of any extensions granted based on the Satisfactory Academic Progress appeal process through the Office of Financial Aid.

Graduate Ford Direct Loan Limits

Graduate Ford Direct Student Loan Maximum Per Year:

  • $20,500 (unless seeking certain medical or professional degrees)

Graduate Ford Direct Student Loan Aggregate Maximum (Limit for all years of undergraduate and graduate work combined):

  • $138,500 (unless seeking certain medical or professional degrees)

* The credit hour maximum timeframe (MTF) is an additional limitation beyond the federal aggregate aid maximums. More information about the MTF may be found on the Satisfactory Academic Progress section of our website.

 

State Aid

Office of Student Access and Completion (OSAC)

Established in 1959 by the Oregon Legislature, OSAC continues to provide innovative programs to thousands of Oregon students and families to ensure access to postsecondary education. Each year, OSAC awards grants and scholarships of more than $118 million to thousands of Oregon students in their quest to achieve a college education. For students from states other than Oregon, please contact your home state's appropriate office to determine if they award state grants for students attending college outside of their home state.

OSAC Scholarship Application

OSAC Scholarship Application Information: February 15- 5pm PST Early Bird Deadline. Error-free applications will be entered into a drawing for one of several $1,000 Early Bird scholarships. Final deadline is March 1 of each year. In the event that it falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline will automatically be extended to 5:00 p.m. (PST) of the following business day.

 

The Oregon Student Child Care Grant provides financial support for college students with children in daycare.

 

The Oregon Opportunity Grant (OOG) is Oregon's largest state-funded need-based grant program for students planning to go to college. Approximately 40,000 students receive Opportunity Grants each year. Opportunity Grants are funded primarily by Oregon taxpayers.

Apply for an Oregon Opportunity Grant

1. Fill out the FAFSA

Oregon students apply for the Oregon Opportunity Grant by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is also the application for most federal student aid programs. Students must complete a FAFSA each year to ensure access to both federal programs and the grants and scholarships that OSAC administers.

OR

Complete the Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA). The fee is waived for Oregon applicants only if they select a school with an ORSAA prefix. We ask that DACA students who have already submitted a FAFSA submit the ORSAA as well so that we can calculate their eligibility for an Oregon Opportunity Grant.

If you are not sure which application to complete, use this filtering tool to help you decide.

2. Fix FAFSA errors right away!

If the FAFSA Submission Summary shows errors or FAFSA information that needs to be corrected, students should resolve those errors right away. Funds are limited, so those who wait too long to resolve errors may not receive a grant. The most common errors are missing signatures and conflicts between a student's name and social security number.

NOTE: Simply submitting a FAFSA by the priority deadline does not guarantee an applicant will receive an award. OSAC makes awards only to eligible applicants who apply on or before the published deadline and have problem-free FAFSAs (i.e., had no errors or had resolved all errors and other problems by early March). In addition, in years with limited available funds, students who are awarded but delay enrollment until later in the academic year may lose their grant eligibility. Awards for students who are enrolled half-time in fall term may be limited to half-time amounts for all subsequent terms during the academic year.

 

It's the mission of the Scholarship Team to expand opportunities for donors and students to invest in education and career training through private financial support. You don't need to be a merit scholar or a student with financial need to apply for OSAC scholarships. All types of scholarships are available. Many are based on criteria such as high school attended, school and community activities, academic interests, or career goals. Some require a minimum GPA and others require no GPA whatsoever. There are 600+ scholarship programs and you may qualify, but you won't know unless you apply.

Search within the online application for scholarships, or search within the online application and apply by the annual final deadline of March 1.

Scholarships

  • Help pay your college expenses including tuition and fees, room and board, and books and supplies
  • Reduce your student loan debt
  • Honor your achievements

Through the generosity of private donors, civic organizations, employers, member-based organizations, and foundation partners such as The Oregon Community Foundation, The Ford Family Foundation, and many others, thousands of students each year are the recipients of scholarships administered by OSAC.

OSAC awards more than $18 million in private scholarships annually. Awards range from $1000 to $10,000, or more.

 

For complete details and to apply for funding please refer to the state website. Contact the grant administrators at publicprograms@hecc.oregon.gov with any issues or questions regarding your application. 

Purpose

The Oregon Tribal Student Grant program was established to provide grants to eligible Oregon tribal students to offset the cost of attendance for attending eligible Oregon colleges and universities. Current continuing and new students are encouraged to apply for this grant for the 2024-2025 academic year.

The grant is intended to cover the average cost of attendance after all federal and state grants/scholarships have been applied.

Eligibility

Students who are eligible to receive the Oregon Tribal Student Grant:

  • The student must be an enrolled member of one of the nine Oregon federally recognized tribes:
    • Burns Paiute Tribe
    • Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians
    • Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde
    • Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians
    • Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation
    • Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs
    • Coquille Indian Tribe
    • Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians
    • Klamath Tribes
  • Enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a student at an Oregon college or university.
    • Eligible schools can include:
      • Oregon community colleges
      • Oregon public universities
      • Oregon based private non-profit colleges and universities
  • Submits the FAFSA/ORSAA
  • Will be enrolled at least half time for the 2024-2025 academic year
  • Maintains good standing in a degree seeking program
  • Working towards earning first degree or credential at the same level
    • For example, if a student is working on their second bachelor's degree they would not be eligible. If they are working on their first bachelor's degree they would be eligible for the Oregon Tribal Student Grant.
    • Another example, a student would be eligible for their first associate degree at a community college. If they are working on their second associate degree they would not be eligible for the Oregon Tribal Student Grant.

Awarding is prioritized for undergraduate and master's degree students. If funding is available after eligible undergraduate and master's degree students, full or partial awards may be made to students in either professional or doctoral programs of study, and/or graduate certificates. Graduate students are not required to have participated in the grant as undergraduate students.

Institutional Aid

Oregon State University is committed to providing access to high quality education for students who face financial barriers to higher education. Institutional aid at OSU is a cornerstone to this commitment to access. Through a range of need-based and merit-based programs, OSU is working to help students achieve their education goals.

The University Scholars Program (USP), administered by the OSU Scholarship Office, automatically considers new incoming undergraduate students for various scholarships based on the admissions application, including the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) competitive scholarship. View the incoming student scholarship webpage for further information.

New incoming undergraduate students are considered for institutional grants by the OSU Office of Financial Aid based on available funding.

How to Apply

Follow the instructions on the Undergraduate Aid Basics page to apply for institutional grants. The Oregon State FAFSA Priority Filing Deadline has been moved for the 2024-25 year to May 1, 2024! This is a one year extension due to the delays in FAFSA processing at the Department of Education. When receiving your aid offer in the Spring, any grants awarded should appear on that along with any OSU scholarships awarded. Funds are very limited, so not all students will be offered these funds.

Eligibility Requirements

To maintain eligibility for institutional grants, awarded students must:

  • Accept the grants by any deadlines in the aid offer or elsewhere through the self-service portal.
  • Enroll full-time (12+ credits) for each Fall, Winter, and Spring Term to receive the grant for that term. Funds are not available in Summer Term.1  
  • While participating in the Degree Partnership Program (DPP), enroll in at least 6 credits at OSU, enroll in at least 12 eligible credits total between OSU and their partner institution, and select OSU as their home school.
  • Remain a degree-seeking undergraduate at the campus and student type specified by their grant.2  
  • Meet the current Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards and follow any additional terms and conditions.

Renewal Consideration

To be eligible to have an institutional grant renewed in a future year, a student must:  

  • Submit the next year’s FAFSA/ORSAA by the OSU priority deadline of May 1.
  • Have enough need for the institutional grant funding as determined by the FAFSA/ORSAA.
  • Have been enrolled and received the grant in the previous school year.

Even when meeting these criteria, OSU cannot guarantee the renewal of institutional grants due to changes in funding levels, student attrition rates, and other factors. OSU may also choose to limit renewal to a certain number of terms or years.

1Ecampus Grant typically does not require full-time enrollment, and funds may be available during Summer Term. Refer to the Ecampus FAQ page and contact the Office of Financial Aid with any questions.

2See table below for grant name and campus/tuition rate restrictions.

Institutional Grant Eligible Campus and Tuition Rate
OSU Access Grant Corvallis with standard Oregon resident undergraduate tuition
Cascades Access Grant Cascades with standard Oregon resident undergraduate tuition
Non-Resident Tuition Grant Corvallis with standard non-resident undergraduate tuition
Cascades Non-Res Tuition Grant Cascades with standard non-resident undergraduate tuition
Ecampus Grant Ecampus with standard Ecampus undergraduate tuition
Bridge to Success Grant Corvallis with standard Oregon resident undergraduate tuition

 

OSU Colleges and Departments offer donor-funded scholarship opportunities to students who are currently enrolled or plan to enroll in a major within their college. Additionally, further scholarships are available for opportunities such as studying abroad. Visit the scholarships for current students page for further information. 

The OSU Bridge to Success program has served more than 20,000 students since 2008. To better serve the evolving needs of the many qualified students who dream of earning a college degree from the Corvallis and Cascades campuses, the OSU Bridge to Success program has been redesigned to offer a wider array of benefits. See the Admission's Bridge to Success page for more information.