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Financial Aid Applications (FAFSA/ORSAA)

Financial Aid applications are used for students who are interested in trade schools, community colleges, and 4 year schools.

Financial aid is money to help pay for college. Everyone can get financial aid, regardless of income, GPA or citizenship. Scroll down to see more about Financial Aid Applications including many helpful links.

You can get financial aid based on need or merit. Need is based on what your family can contribute to college costs and requires a Financial Aid Application (FAFSA or ORSAA). Merit refers to achievement in academics, sports, or other areas.

Merit Aid is determined by the Colleges/Universities that you apply to. Most schools will offer students merit scholarships based on high school GPAs when offering admittance.

Oregon Colleges/University School Merit Aid 

Need aid is determined by completion of a Financial Aid Application (FAFSA or ORSAA). Once the financial aid application is completed students will find if they qualify for need based aid from the Federal Government (Pell Grant, Federal Loans, Work Study) and later students will find out if they qualify for need based aid from the State of Oregon (Oregon Opportunity Grant). Additionally, based on the financial aid application the school students have been admitted to may provide more school base need aid. 

Not a senior, but want to see if you might qualify for different Federal Need Based Financial Aid, use this Federal Student Aid Estimator

Need and Merit Based Tuition Free Programs at Oregon Public Universities

Some Oregon Public Universities offer free tuition to students who have demonstrated financial need (qualify for Federal Pell Grant through FAFSA Application) and have achieved merit based (GPA) qualifications.

FAFSA/ORSAA

FAFSA and ORSAA are Applications for Financial Student Aid. You complete only one of the applications. Use this filter tool to determine which application you should complete.

To apply for federal student aid (e.g., federal grants, work-study funds, and loans), you need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Completing and submitting the FAFSA form is free, and it gives you access to the largest source of financial aid to help pay for college or career school.

In addition, many states and colleges use your FAFSA information to determine your eligibility for state and school aid, and some private financial aid providers may use your FAFSA information to determine whether you qualify for their aid.

Submit the FAFSA if you are:

  • a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen; (Generally, If you have a “green card” you will be considered a eligible non citizen -see link for the specific statuses)
  • have a valid Social Security number (with the exception of students from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau);

The Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA) is an alternative to the FAFSA for undocumented Oregon students including students who have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status or Temporary Protected Status (TPS). By filing the ORSAA, eligible undocumented and DACA students in Oregon can get help paying for college through grants, scholarships, and tuition reduction.

Submit the ORSAA if you are: 

  • An undocumented Oregon student
  • If you have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), or a valid U-visa

Eligible students should complete the Financial Aid Application as soon as possible after the application opens each year. Applying early ensures that students can access the most financial aid opportunities available to them. Some state and school aid is first come first serve, delaying your financial aid application may mean missing out on aid you could have received by completing the application earlier.

FAFSA and ORSAA applications are expected to open in the Fall each year. 

Get started now! See the links below. (Note: Everyone should apply for FAFSA or ORSAA to qualify for scholarships, even if you think you will not receive financial aid)

What is FAFSA / ORSAA?

Which financial aid application should I apply for (FAFSA or ORSAA)?

Reporting Parent Information on the FAFSA Form

Who Counts as my parent on the FAFSA form (Wizzard)?

Resources on Filling out the FAFSA Form

Fedral Student Aid You Tube Channel (lots of helpful videos)

Create your FSA ID (Login Credentials)!

Start FAFSA Form

CSS Profile

Some schools will require an additional financial aid application called the CSS Profile. In Oregon Reed College is the only school that requires the CSS profile in addition to the FAFSA. Here is a list of schools that require the CSS Profile.