Oregon Opportunity Grants

The Oregon Opportunity Grant (OOG) is Oregon's largest state-funded, need-based grant program for college students. The grant provides funding to more than 30,000 Oregon resident students each year.

OOG is a need-based grant awarded to Oregon residents of all ages who are pursuing their first associates degree or bachelor's degree at an eligible public or private institution. Award amounts vary based on student's financial need and type of institution the student attends. There is not a separate application for the OOG. To be considered for the grant, students must submit their FAFSA or ORSAA by the deadline date each academic year. Awards are first-come, first-served until funds are depleted.  

How Do I Apply?

1. Submit the FAFSA or ORSAA as soon as possible after the application opens each year.  No other application is required.
2. Watch for emails from the U.S. Department of Education and/or OSAC. Correct any FAFSA or ORSAA errors immediately.
3. If awarded, you will receive an email from OOGAward@hecc.oregon.gov.
4. Review your award email, and both "Who is eligible" information below and the "FAQ" page for next steps and more details.
5. Complete all requirements with your college financial aid office and enroll at least half-time (6 credits) before term begins to ensure eligibility for disbursement.

Who Is Eligible?

To be eligible for the Oregon Opportunity Grant, you must meet ALL of the following criteria:

• Oregon resident for at least 12 months prior to college attendance and a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
  • For dependent students, your parent(s) must also live in Oregon
  • 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 an Oregon Opportunity Grant if they meet additional 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. 6+ credit hours) at a participating Oregon-based postsecondary institution.
  • For 2024-25, Fall Term or Winter Term/Spring Semester is required to receive OOG during the year. OSAC has waived the Fall Term requirement.
• Have financial need based on the difference between cost of attendance and student's financial resources including federal aid and student's estimated family contribution.
• Have no federal student loans in default and not owe refunds on federal student grants.
• Continuing students must maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP), as defined by their college.
• Complete any other requirements or requests from your college.
• Submit a FAFSA or ORSAA as soon as possible after October 1 each year:
  • OSAC authorizes Opportunity Grant awards only for eligible applicants who have an error-free FAFSA or ORSAA submitted by the cutoff date. Errors on a FAFSA or ORSAA should be corrected as soon as possible to maintain grant eligibility. Awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are depleted.
  • Any updates or changes made to a FAFSA or ORSAA may affect Oregon Opportunity Grant eligibility and/or award amount.
  • For 2024-25, FAFSA/ORSAA records with Professional Judgements from the college financial aid office will be allowed for consideration of eligibility.

Note: First time students must complete the application process for admission to at least one eligible Oregon public or private nonprofit college/university in addition to submitting a FAFSA or ORSAA.

Conditions of the Award

Oregon Opportunity Grants are available to qualified students for up to four years (12 quarters or 8 semesters) of full-time enrollment, provided they maintain satisfactory academic progress, continue to meet eligibility and award requirements, and file a new FAFSA or ORSAA each year. Awards are prorated for half-time enrollment. Students enrolled in courses of study leading to degrees in theology, divinity, or religious education are not eligible.