You can afford college. Explore ways you can pay for education after high school.
What college costs
The cost of college can include:
Colleges post their tuition and fees on their website—the “sticker” price. This can seem like an overwhelming amount! But most students get financial aid to help pay for college so they don’t end up paying full price. You can use a net price calculator to get an estimate of what your actual cost might be.
How to pay for college
There are many ways to pay for college. This can include financial aid, job earnings, savings, and support from parents or family.
Financial aid
Financial aid is money to help pay for college. Everyone can get financial aid, regardless of income, GPA or citizenship.
You can get financial aid based on need or merit. Need is what your family can contribute to college costs. Merit refers to achievement in academics, sports, or other areas.
| Types of financial aid | What is it | Pay back? | Merit | Need |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grants | Money from the state or federal government or the college | No | ✓ | |
| Scholarships | Colleges or organizations give money for good grades, community service, athletic ability, or other unique personal qualities. | No | ✓ | ✓ |
| Work-study | Provides part-time jobs, often on campus, to help pay for college costs. | No | ✓ | |
| Loans | Money to borrow for college from the federal government, bank, organization, or person | Yes | ✓ |
College savings accounts
It’s never too early or late to start saving money for college. There are many types of college savings accounts. Discuss options with a bank or financial institution. Common types include:
- 529 plans that are not taxed
- Individual Development Accounts
Other resources
There are other ways to help pay for college. These include:
- Earnings from part-time or full-time jobs
- Other savings
- Money from parents or family
- Employer tuition reimbursement
How to pay for college in Oregon
There is financial aid just for Oregonians, including undocumented and DACA*-mented students. Learn how to apply.
Oregonians also have opportunities to save money for education or training beyond high school.
Grants
- If you go to college in Oregon, you might be eligible for the Oregon Opportunity Grant.
- If you go to a community college in Oregon, you might be eligible for the Oregon Promise grant.
- There are also other grants just for Oregon students.
In-state tuition
- If you live in Oregon or otherwise qualify, you pay a lower price, known as in-state tuition, at public colleges and universities.
- You can pay a lower price at some public 2-year and 4-year colleges in 14 western states through the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE).
Scholarships
- OSAC has over 600 scholarships just for Oregon students.
- Many organizations have scholarships just for Oregon students.
- Oregon colleges have scholarships for their students.
College savings
- The Oregon College Savings Plan is the state-sponsored 529 plan that helps you save money for college tax-free.
- If you are low-income, you can get your savings matched with extra money for free with an Oregon Individual Development Account.
Other ways to make college more affordable
Do your best in high school.
Some colleges require you to take placement exams before you can enroll in regular classes. If you have to take remedial classes you still have to pay for them, but they don’t count towards your degree.
Take college credit in high school.
You may be able to transfer dual credit, AP, and IB classes to count towards your degree. Another option: take Modern States courses and the corresponding CLEP exams.
Plan your classes and take a full credit load.
Many students spend more time in college than they need to. Talk to an academic advisor at your school to plan what classes you need to take that will count to your degree.
Consider an apprenticeship.
These pay you for on-the-job training for specific trades while you also take classes.
Join the military.
You can get additional financial aid before, during, or after service.