OSU is committed to recruiting and retaining motivated, diverse, and driven students. We do this, in part, by offering a wide variety of scholarship opportunities. Scholarships can come from several sources. Incoming and transfer students can be eligible for university scholarships, continuing students may qualify for scholarships that are administered by their individual college or department within the university, and many private organizations also offer scholarship opportunities. Most university awards are based on a combination of academic merit and financial need. 

At OSU we participate in the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE).  The benefit is awarded competitively to a limited number of qualifying students as a scholarship. Non-resident tuition at OSU is not reduced based on state of residence. Students awarded a WUE scholarship will be notified by the Scholarship Office and will see the estimated scholarship amount on their award letter. Please contact the OSU Office of Scholarships for additional information on the WUE: Scholarship.Office@oregonstate.edu or 541-737-1125.

OSU Scholarship Office

108B Kerr Admin Building
Corvallis, OR 97330
541-737-1125

Contact Us
Scholarships Website

When beginning a scholarship search, realize a couple of things: It is hard work, but hard work can pay off. There are two main parts of obtaining scholarships; searching and applying, both of which take time.

You have searched for scholarships, now organize your data: Start a three ring binder with eight dividers labeled as: Scholarship Log, Scholarship Applications, FAFSA, Personal Statement or Essay, Resume, Community Service Log, Letters of Recommendation, Official Transcripts. Put due dates on your planner, calendar, phone, computer, etc.

Gather other documents to assist in the application process: Personal statement or essay (short and long term goals). In your essay be sure to highlight your talents, strengths, and gifts. Focus on obstacles AND HOW YOU OVERCAME THEM, what did you learn about yourself? Talk about experiences that have shaped who you are today. Then, based on where you are applying, you can focus on why you are pursuing scholarship funds. Review it! Use others to help give you feedback.

Letters of recommendation:

  • Get to know your professors, academic advisors, and community leaders
  • Ask for these letters 3-5 weeks before they are needed
  • Ask for at least 5 to 10 copies on official letterhead from the person
  • Help the person writing you a letter
    • Provide them with a letter of what you are asking for, especially when specifics need to be addressed
    • Look on the web for “tips for writing letters of recommendations” that pertain to you and provide this to them
    • Give them your scholarship essay and your resume
    • Write a thank you note!

Other things to keep in mind:

  • Send thank you notes to all places that have helped you in this process; your academic advisor for a letter of recommendation; the places you have applied to even if you do not receive a scholarship.
  • If someone wrote you a letter of recommendation, and you end up receiving a scholarship, consider sending them another thank you note.
  • Be persistent in seeking out other scholarship sources. Sometimes all it takes to get a scholarship is to find out who in your area is offering them: your church, your employer, your parents' employers, local civic organizations. You'll just need to fill out any required applications or interviews on time in order to be considered.

Ask employers. Your parents might already be aware if scholarships are provided for children of employees. If not, the human resource department is usually the place to check to find out what is available. The staff there should be able to provide applications, deadlines, and any other information you'll need. If you are employed, check with your employer to see if scholarships are available. Be sure to get any application forms and information about deadlines and complete the process on time.

Check local scholarships. Many community organizations, churches, and clubs offer scholarships. Your high school guidance counselor should be able to provide information about most of them, and can refer you to sponsors who can provide applications and information.

Search the internet. Using keywords like "financial aid," "student aid," and "scholarships.", you can find a wealth of free scholarship information on the World Wide Web. Some sites even allow you to apply online for scholarships. But, be careful . . .

Don't Get Scammed! Unfortunately, in their efforts to pay the bills, many students and their families are falling prey to scholarship scams. For more information on avoiding scams, visit the Federal Trade Commission's "Scholarship Scams" page. The FTC works to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices in the marketplace.

Helpful Tips for Submitting Scholarship Applications

  • Have additionally requested materials sent prior to the deadline.
  • Send your test scores early.
  • Stay on top of deadlines! Missing them means missing out!
  • Tell your story. Grades and test scores are important, but  your voice and life story is what sets you apart. Make sure you present a strong message about who you are, what you have accomplished and what your goals are.
  • Proofread your application. Read through your application for errors as well as written quality. Have someone else look over your application to catch errors or make suggestions on the message you are trying to convey if needed.
  • Follow Up! Follow through to make sure all your information is received for your scholarship application.
  • You will need to report the outside/private scholarships that you are awarded to the Office of Financial Aid. Outside/private scholarships come from outside donors and can affect your financial aid package. Please submit the Reporting Additional Sources of Assistance form located on the Financial Aid Website or in MyOregonState. You may review your scholarship payment status by logging into MyOregonState as funds will be credited to your student billing account when received.Outside Scholarship checks should be mailed to Student Accounts at the following address: Student Accounts, Oregon State University, PO BOX 1086, Corvallis, OR 97339. 

Scholarships are everywhere and there are many OSU websites that can help you connect to these opportunities.

Outside and Private Scholarship Resources

In researching sources of college funding, students are encouraged to seek out sources that provide free services and information, such as those listed below. OSU does not endorse any for-profit scholarship search service. Some helpful websites are listed below.

* You will need to report the outside/private scholarships that you are awarded to the Office of Financial Aid. Outside/private scholarships come from outside donors and can affect your financial aid package. Please report these in the Financial Aid Self-Service Portal on Award Offer tab. You may review your scholarship payment status by logging into MyOregonState as funds will be credited to your student billing account when received. Outside scholarship checks should be mailed to OSU Student Accounts at the following address: Student Accounts, Oregon State University, PO BOX 1086, Corvallis, OR 97339. Be sure that your name and student ID# are included with the information.

OSAC Administered Scholarships

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 the OSAC Catalog outside of the online application for eligible scholarships, or search within the online application and Apply Here by the annual Final Deadline of April 1, 2024. The Ford Family Foundation has begun to offer scholarships through their own scholarship application as well.

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 $16 million in private scholarships annually. Awards range from $1000 to $10,000, or more.

Oregon State has the National and Global Scholarships Advising office on campus to help coordinate internationally recognized scholarship opportunities. Scholars are encouraged to explore these prestigious sources by visiting the prestigious scholar's webpage at http://topscholars.oregonstate.edu/.