Oregon Opportunity Grant
Oregon Opportunity Grant (OOG) is Oregon's largest state-funded, need-based grant program for college students. Nearly 40,000 students receive Opportunity Grants each year.
How do I apply?
File the FAFSA or ORSAA
- Fill out the FAFSA (or ORSAA) after the October 1 opening date each year.
- Watch for emails from the U.S. Department of Education and OSAC, and correct any FAFSA (or ORSAA) errors immediately.
Will my OOG award be renewed for a second year?
If you are a first-time OOG recipient in 2016-17, you may be eligible for a guaranteed renewal of the grant for 2017-18. You must meet all of the following requirements:
- File a FAFSA or ORSAA for 2017-18 by May 1, 2017
- Continue to meet all eligibility criteria for both 2016-17 and 2017-18
- Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress, as determined by your college
- Maintain at least half-time enrollment (6 or more credits) throughout the current academic year – i.e., be enrolled fall and spring semesters or fall, winter, and spring quarters.
Students who do not meet all eligibility criteria for the 2nd-year Renewal will still be considered for the grant, along with new and other continuing applicants.
When do I apply?
You can submit the FAFSA (or ORSAA) after October 1 each year, to be eligible for funding for the following academic year. There is no firm application deadline for OOG - however, it is best to apply as soon as possible after October 1 to have the best chance to receive funding. Funds are limited and OSAC cannot forecast when funds will run out.
How is OOG awarded?
Starting in 2016-17, OOG is awarded first to students with the greatest financial need (not on a first-come first-served basis), based on their Expected Family Contribution. Learn more about how the award is calculated.
How much will I receive?
The maximum award amount for 2016-17 is $2,250 for full-time (12 credits or more per term), full-year enrollment. Awards are pro-rated for part-time or part-year enrollment. The maximum award amount for 2017-18 has not yet been determined.
Will I qualify based on my family's Expected Family Contribution (EFC)?
For 2016-17, students with EFCs of $4,000 or less may be considered for an Opportunity Grant. OSAC will make awards until funds are depleted, so students who apply later may not receive awards. OSAC has not yet determined the maximum EFC for 2017-18 eligibility.
How do I know if I've been awarded?
Check your email - OSAC notifies students via email if they have been awarded an Oregon Opportunity Grant.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for Oregon Opportunity Grant, you must meet ALL of the following criteria:
- Oregon resident and a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen. Out-of-state students who are members of Native American tribes with traditional ties to Oregon may be considered Oregon residents. Undocumented students, including DACA students, may be eligible for Oregon Opportunity Grant if they meet certain requirements. Learn more about financial aid for undocumented and DACA students.
- Undergraduate student with no prior baccalaureate degrees.
- Be enrolled at least half time (i.e., at least 6 credit-hours) at a participating Oregon-based postsecondary institution. Students must be enrolled at least half time fall term to receive an OOG award. Students who are awarded a grant but delay enrollment until winter or spring may lose their eligibility for the year.
- Have financial need, based on the difference between cost of attendance, federal aid, and financial resources of the student and the student's family, if applicable.
- Have no defaults on federal student loans and owe no refunds on federal student grants.
Note: If you are a first-time student, be sure you complete the application process for admission to at least one Oregon public or private nonprofit college/university and apply for financial aid.
More Details
Learn more about OOG eligibility and awarding details, history of the award, and more.