Navigating the Oregon Promise: A Comprehensive Guide to Eligibility and Requirements

The Oregon Promise Grant offers significant financial assistance to eligible students pursuing education at Oregon community colleges. This guide provides an in-depth look at the eligibility requirements, application process, renewal criteria, and other essential aspects of the Oregon Promise program.

Initial Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Oregon Promise Grant, prospective students must meet specific criteria. This is a required part of the application process and must be included for consideration for Oregon Promise. While the specific requirements may be subject to change, they generally include factors such as:

Academic Standing: Maintaining a satisfactory academic record throughout high school or its equivalent.
Financial Need: Demonstrating financial need through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA).
Residency: Meeting Oregon residency requirements.
Enrollment: Enrolling or planning to enroll at least half-time at an eligible Oregon community college.

The Application Process

The first step in accessing Oregon Promise funds involves completing the FAFSA or ORSAA. OSAC relies on the college school codes listed on the FAFSA and the ORSAA to identify which students plan to attend community college. Students can have up to 20 colleges listed on their FAFSA or ORSAA. In order to receive an Oregon Promise award, the student must list the community college where they plan to attend. This can be updated on the FAFSA or ORSAA. It is crucial to list all Oregon community colleges you are considering to ensure award notifications are sent to the relevant institutions.

Award Notification and Disbursement

Once students are authorized for the Oregon Promise Grant, an award notification is sent to all the Oregon community colleges listed on the FAFSA/ORSAA. The college then applies the money to the student account close to the start of term, if they are deemed financial aid eligible by the college.

Maintaining Eligibility and Renewing the Grant

Current Oregon Promise recipients must submit a valid FAFSA or ORSAA each year of college by JUNE 1. You must list your Oregon community college to renew the award. To maintain eligibility for the Oregon Promise Grant and ensure renewal, students must adhere to certain requirements:

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Continuous Enrollment: Maintain at least half-time continuous enrollment (i.e. You must take 6 or more credits each term (fall, winter, spring) in order to maintain your renewal eligibility. If you attend fall term and receive the grant, then you can take less than 6 credits or skip winter term and still receive funds in spring term (if you take 6 credits).
FAFSA/ORSAA Submission: Submit a valid FAFSA or ORSAA each year by the specified deadline (June 1).
College Listing: List your Oregon community college on the FAFSA or ORSAA to ensure proper renewal of the award.

Some students may be selected to verify information on their FAFSA. If a student has been selected for FAFSA verification and they have questions, they should contact their college’s financial aid office.

Credit Limits and Program Duration

You can receive Oregon Promise until you have attempted a total of 90 credits. There is no limit to the number of the years or terms you can receive the grant; it is based on the 90 credit limit. Even though Oregon Promise does not pay for summer courses, any credits that a student takes in the summer will count toward the 90 credit limit. These courses must have tuition charges (rather than fee-only), since Oregon Promise helps to pay for tuition costs.

Transferring Colleges

You can transfer and still use your Oregon Promise award at another community college in Oregon. When you are preparing to transfer, update your current FAFSA or ORSAA as soon as possible, and list the new community college.

Dual Enrollment

If you are dual enrolled between multiple community colleges in Oregon, make sure that a dual enrollment agreement is in place. You may be able to receive Oregon Promise funds to cover credits taken at both community colleges.

Summer Courses

No, Oregon Promise funds are not available during summer quarter. The Oregon Promise Grant is available to students during fall, winter, and spring quarters. Students may take summer classes if they choose.

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