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Oregon Opportunity Grant: Requirement, Deadline & Application Guide.

The Oregon Opportunity Grant (OOG) is Oregon’s most extensive state-funded grant program for students going to college. These opportunity grants are funded mainly by Oregon taxpayers. The program is need-based; therefore, the amount you can receive depends on your family’s financial circumstances. In this guide, we’ll cover all you need to know about this Grant, including how to apply, how much you can earn, and how to know if you’re eligible. Let’s dive right into it!

 

What is OOG?

OOG is a grant given to Oregon citizens of all ages enrolled in an approved public or private institution to pursue their first associate or bachelor’s degree. The award amount varies depending on the student’s financial need and the type of institution they attend. The OOG does not have a separate application. Students must submit their FAFSA or ORSAA by the deadline each academic year to apply for the grant.

Factors that determine Eligibility for Oregon opportunity grant

You must meet the following criteria must be met to be eligible for the award program:

  • Be a resident of Oregon. Undocumented or DACA students, as well as students who reside out-of-state but are members of Native American tribes with ties to Oregon, are eligible.
  • Parents of dependent parents must live in Oregon 
  • Be a citizen or lawful resident of the US
  • Must be in your first year of college without a baccalaureate degree.  
  • Be enrolled at least half-time (6 credit hours) at a participating Oregon-based postsecondary institution.
  • Show financial need 
  • Meet any other criteria or requests from your college.
  • Must not owe any refunds or defaults on federal student loans.

OOGs are available to qualified students for up to four years (12 quarters/8 semesters) of full-time enrollment. They must maintain excellent academic progress, meet the award and eligibility criteria, and file a new FAFSA or ORSAA yearly. Students who major in courses like theology, divinity, or religious education are not eligible.

Is it compulsory to complete FAFSA & ORSAA?

Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Oregon Student Aid (ORSAA) to be eligible for financial aid programs. The US Department of Education and Oregon use these forms to gather financial data and other information about students and families to assess financial needs and eligibility for different types of financial aid. Each year, the FAFSA and ORSAA become accessible on October 1. 

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When can you apply for OOG?

To be eligible for the grant during the following academic year, submit the FAFSA or ORSAA after October 1 each year. OSAC awards opportunity Grants up until the end of the fiscal year. Due to the limited amount of money available, OSAC cannot predict when funds will run out or establish a firm application deadline. For the best chance of receiving support, OSAC advises students to submit their FAFSA or ORSAA as soon as possible.

Here are the previous FAFSA/ORSAA cutoff dates for the Oregon Opportunity Grant:

  • 2022-23: 7/31/2022
  • 2021-22: 11/30/2021
  • 2020-21: 9/30/2020
  • 2019-20: 6/1/2019
  • 2018-19: 4/30/2018

When will Oregon Opportunity Grant Fawarding begin for 2023-2024

 

Awarding of grants will begin in the spring of 2023 for the school year 2023–2024. You must include at least one qualified Oregon college on your 2023–24 FAFSA/ORSAA and submit it as fast as possible. OOG will email students approved for a grant for the school year 2023–2024.

NOTE: Be sure to immediately reply to your school’s requests for information and documents if your FAFSA is chosen for verification. Your school cannot give financial aid until you finish the verification process. Any revisions or modifications to your ORSAA or FAFSA may have an impact on your eligibility for the OOG and the grant amount. Professional judgment-based EFC modifications cannot determine OOG rewards.

How to know if you have been awarded?

Check your email. If your Oregon Opportunity Grant is approved, OSAC will reach you by email (the one used to submit your FAFSA/ORSAA) starting in spring (usually around April). OSAC also communicates the OOG award to all Oregon schools and universities that are eligible and indicated on your FAFSA or ORSAA. This information will be in your Financial Assistance Award Letter.

How are funds awarded to the students?

After approving the request, OSAC notifies the college financial aid office and emails approved students. At the beginning of each academic term, OSAC mails the Oregon Opportunity Grant award to the college’s financial aid office. The college will deposit the funds into students’ campus accounts close to the start of the term if they enrol at least half-time and meet all their college requirements. Don’t hesitate to contact your college financial office for more information on how and when the money will be deposited into the campus account.

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Frequently asked questions about OOG

Can high school students without their final transcript apply for OOG?

YES. High school students can apply for Oregon Promise before they receive their final transcript. As soon as the application period for their graduation date range opens, students can begin applying.

If you are awarded an Oregon grant but do not attend an Oregon community college, can you use the grant later?

No, a student who applies and is awarded the grant must start attending an Oregon community college during the term for which the grant is awarded. The award cannot be used subsequently if the student defers enrollment or enrols in a 4-year institution or another college. The Oregon grant’s 6-month enrollment requirement may be waived for students enduring extreme hardship, serving in the military on active duty or in training, recent recruits to the Oregon National Guard, and others.

The bottom line

If you are eligible for the Oregon opportunity grant, you don’t have to take student loans. OOG covers college expenses such as rent, food, cost of textbooks or paying tuition fees. Unlike loans which require to be paid back, Grant is not required to be paid back, it is given to you to finish your education with no interest attached! Apply for yours now!

 

 

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Zainab Olatunji

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