Guide to Oregon Scholarships In 2024

Millions of Scholarships, personalized results
Sign up and get matched to scholarships that are personalized for you. Start Your Search
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

Emmerson-Hoopes Scholarship

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

This scholarship is available for students pursuing an accredited social work degree (BSW or MSW) from the University of Washington. Applicants must identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or as a straight ally who has demonstrated a commitment to equality and LGBT advocacy.
Read More

View Scholarship

Jabez Legacy Scholarship

/
Award Amount
$12,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Jan 8 Deadline

This scholarship is available for students from Washington State who have faced significant barriers to their educational pathways including learning disabilities or lack of familial or financial support to pursue an educational goal. Applicants must identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or as a straight ally dedicated to LGBT equality and advocacy.
Read More

View Scholarship

Patricia Van Kirk Scholarship

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

This scholarship is available for lesbians studying theater or visual arts at the undergraduate level. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to social justice and reside in one of the following states: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana or Alaska.
Read More

View Scholarship

Nettie Dracup Memorial Scholarship

/
Award Amount
$2,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Jan 22 Deadline

This scholarship is for U.S. students enrolled in a four-year geodetic surveying degree program at an ABET-accredited institution. Students must be enrolled full time.
Read More

View Scholarship

Friends of Alan Turing Scholarship

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

This scholarship is available for current graduate and undergraduate students who are majoring in a STEM field (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics). Applicants must identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or as a straight-ally with a demonstrated commitment to LGBT equality, and must reside in one of the following states: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana or Alaska.
Read More

View Scholarship

Jack D. Motteler Scholarship

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

This award is available for U.S. citizens who are residents of Washington state, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, or Alaska and majoring in visual arts. Preference is given to self-identified LGBT students, members of LGBT families, and straight allies who have been supportive of the LGBT community.
Read More

View Scholarship

Pacific University Occupational Therapy Scholarship

/
Award Amount
$1,100 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Jan 6 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. college graduate students who are residents of Oregon and who are currently attending Pacific University in Oregon. Students must be members of the American Occupational Therapy Association and be pursing a career in occupational therapy.
Read More

View Scholarship

LaVerne 'Bun' Young Endowment Scholarship

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

This award is available for U.S. and international undergraduate and graduate students who are attending Southern Oregon University or Rogue Community College and majoring in education/teaching, nursing, or any medical field. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
Read More

View Scholarship

Phyllis Shoemaker Memorial Endowment Scholarship

/
Award Amount
$600 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Feb 1 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. and international undergraduate and graduate students who are residents of Washington or Oregon and plan to attend a Washington institution. Students must pursue a medical or oncology research career, and must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
Read More

View Scholarship

Audria M. Edwards Scholarship

/
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.
Read More

View Scholarship

Advanced Graduate Student Scholarship

/
Award Amount
$1,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Dec 7 Deadline

This award is for full-time graduate students who are members of the Oregon Chapter of TWS who are attending an Oregon school pursuing a graduate degree in a field of study related to wildlife science. A number of factors are considered for selectees. Click here to learn more and apply today!
Read More

View Scholarship

Outstanding Undergraduate Student Scholarship

/
Award Amount
$600 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Dec 7 Deadline

This award is for a full-time undergraduate student attending an Oregon institution and pursuing a degree relevant to wildlife sciences. Applicant must be a member of the Oregon Chapter of The Wildlife Society.
Read More

View Scholarship

Lewis-Clark State College Presidential Out-of-State Scholarship

/
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.
Read More

View Scholarship

Oregon State Council Endowment Scholarship

/
Award Amount
$1,200 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Feb 1 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. and international undergraduate and graduate students who are residents of Oregon. The student must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
Read More

View Scholarship

Lynn & Rich Hughes Family Endowment Scholarship

/
Award Amount
$1,700 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Feb 1 Deadline

This award is for U.S. and international undergraduate and graduate students who are residents of Coos, Curry, Jackson, or Josephine counties in Oregon or graduates of Franklin High School in Portland, Oregon. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
Read More

View Scholarship

Hazel Knapp Endowment Scholarship

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

This award is available for U.S. and international undergraduate and graduate students who are residents of Oregon. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
Read More

View Scholarship

Kathy Spadoni Memorial Scholarship

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

This award is available for current high school seniors who are residents of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington. Applicants must have a history of leadership and working toward positive social change. 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.
Read More

View Scholarship

Horatio Alger Oregon Scholarship Program

/
Award Amount
$10,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
5 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Oct 25 Deadline

This award is for high school seniors with a grade point average of 2.0 or higher who demonstrate critical financial need and are residents of Oregon.
Read More

View Scholarship

Kevin J. Mossier Scholarship

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

This award is available for U.S. high school seniors in Oregon who have a strong academic record and a passion for learning. 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.
Read More

View Scholarship

Len Tritsch Memorial Scholarship

/
Award Amount
$5,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Jan 8 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. students who are pursuing a medical degree. The applicant must be a resident of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington state, and 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.
Read More

View Scholarship

Political Leadership Scholarship

/
Award Amount
$12,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
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.
Read More

View Scholarship

Frank W. Ross Memorial Scholarship

/
Award Amount
$12,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
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.
Read More

View Scholarship

Dennis Coleman Choral Conducting Scholarship

/
Award Amount
$12,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
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.
Read More

View Scholarship

Rainbow City Band Scholarship

/
Award Amount
$12,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
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.
Read More

View Scholarship

Beyond the Bridge Scholarship

/
Award Amount
$5,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Jan 8 Deadline

This award is available for a transgender student in his or her senior year of college. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, and must be a resident of one of the following states: Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington.
Read More

View Scholarship

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.