Financial Aid and Scholarships
Get money for college!
Take the initiative to learn about college financial aid!
It is a common misconception that financial aid will just be given to students--you MUST put in the effort to apply for and earn financial aid. School counselors and college admissions representatives will direct you to resources, it is up to YOU to take action.
If you get stuck your school counselors can point you in the right direction. It is also a great idea to pick a teacher or two who can help to mentor you through this process--all of your teachers are successful college graduates. Remember to communicate with your parents/guardians during this process as well.
Once you have narrowed down the college or colleges you may like to attend, the best thing you can do for yourself is CONTACT THAT COLLEGE DIRECTLY--talk to the admissions office and the financial aid office. These people are experts in their field and experts on their college. Please use these people as resources to help you find financial aid! Remember to thank these people for their help and their time. They will remember this and be more likely help you again in the future.
Try not to become overwhelmed. Take it a step at a time and work your way through the process. You are very capable and intelligent people! You can do this!
How much is college going to cost me?
Look for Cost of Attendance
For example, here is the University of Oregon Cost of Attendance page.
If you have a hard time finding cost of attendance, you might also search for "tuition and fees". This should give you similar information.
If you still have a hard time finding this information, contact the admissions or financial aid office of your college of choice for help.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Always look at college websites for scholarships!
For example, here is the Western Oregon University scholarship page.
Notice the contact information at the bottom--ALWAYS contact your college for more help!
Links to ALL OREGON COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP PAGES linked in the blue bottom below!
How do I apply for scholarships?
- Search for and find a scholarship.
- Read the scholarship application--pay close attention to eligibility criteria.
- Read and follow the directions to complete the application (please do not apply for scholarships that you are not eligible to receive--this is a waste of your time and the scholarship selection committee's time).
- Read and follow the directions on how to submit your application.
It really is that easy!
What if I have questions about a scholarship application?
- Read and re-read the directions, make sure you make the effort to try to figure this out on your own. You can do this!
- Ask a parent/guardian, counselor, or teacher for help.
- If something is still unclear, contact the scholarship selection committee for clarification. You will typically find e-mail addresses and/or phone numbers on scholarship applications. Do not be afraid to call; contact information is listed for this reason.
How many scholarships should I apply for?
You will NOT receive every scholarship for which you apply. To increase your odds of earning scholarship money, apply for as many scholarships as possible.
What if I can't find any scholarships?
Search for weird or unusual scholarships! There are scholarships for almost anything. Examples: $8,000 Asparagus Club Scholarship, $10,000 Duck Tape Prom Scholarship Contest, $2,000 Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship. Google "weird scholarships" or "unusual scholarships" to find these.
Myth: It's always the same students that earn scholarships!
Of course, students with good grades, who are involved in activities and sports, and who demonstrate good character are the students most likely to earn scholarships. These are the types of students that colleges want.
If you want to be eligible for more scholarships, it is up to YOU to make yourself more marketable! Work on your grades, join a club or sport, volunteer in the community, be a productive and law-abiding citizen!
Remember that you CAN find scholarships that are not solely based on grades. You must make the effort to search for these.
How will I know if I won a scholarship?
What do I do after I am awarded a scholarship?
Follow up with the scholarship selection committee on how to claim and utilize your scholarship money. You will probably need to follow up with the financial aid office at your college of choice when you enroll as well. Remember to always save contact information to make this process easier on yourself.
Athletic Scholarships
When you search for scholarships, remember to use your sport as a search criteria. Search for things like "volleyball scholarships" and narrow down your results to scholarships which you are eligible to earn. Keep in mind that it may be easier and faster for you to find athletic scholarships by talking directly to a specific college representative or coach.
Oregon Promise - Expected Family Contribution (EFC) Criteria
For Oregon Promise, students may be subject to eligibility requirements based on their EFC. EFC eligibility requirements are subject to change based on available funding.
· For current 2018-19 recipients, there is no EFC limit for Oregon Promise.
· For next year (2019-20), EFC criteria has not been determined yet. All interested students are encouraged to apply for Oregon Promise by their deadline, regardless of their EFC or income level.
EFC is determined by completing the FAFSA.