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Scholarships

Scholarships

Smiling Latino graduates of Oregon Institute of Technology
 
Scholarships are free money for college! Apply to as many as possible.

What are scholarships

A college scholarship is money for college expenses that does not have to be paid back. You can get a scholarship for different reasons: good grades or test scores, a special talent like in music or sports, or a specific characteristic.

Scholarships may range from a few hundred dollars up to the full cost of attendance. You may have to use a scholarship at a specific college or it may be "portable," meaning that you can use the funds at any college.

How to apply for scholarships

Search for scholarships

  • Pay attention to requirements. Only apply for scholarships you are eligible for. Many scholarship search engines let you filter by specific criteria.
  • Focus locally. The more local the scholarship, the more likely you are to win! Check in with your high school's counseling office or college & career center, explore the OSAC scholarship catalog, and use our calendar of Oregon scholarships.
  • Look at your college. Some colleges award scholarships automatically. Others need an extra application.
  • Search nationally. There are many free websites to search for scholarships. For those that need a log in, be aware that they may sell your information.

Stay organized

  • Make a list. Keep track of scholarships and deadlines.
  • Plan ahead. Some scholarships ask for essays, letters of recommendation, or other information from you or your school.
  • Treat it like a part-time job. Set aside time each week and apply to as many scholarships as you can!
  • Start now. Many scholarships are open to younger students.

Scholarship List

Make a copy of our Google Docs template and keep track of scholarships that you want to apply to.

Scholarship calendar

Find Oregon and national scholarships with upcoming deadlines. You can filter results to find ones that fit your needs.

Scholarship deadlines and details are subject to change. Check each scholarship website for the most up-to-date information.

Open to undocumented students
Deadline Scholarship More information
2/10/2025 AOPA Flight Training Scholarship

$2,500 to $14,000 for primary flight training, advanced ratings/certificates, and aviation maintenance.
2/11/2025 Dream Big Scholarship

$1,000 scholarship for students in the Portland metro area who will be the first in their family to go to college and have at least a 2.5 GPA.
2/15/2025 Hispanic Scholarship Fund

Over 140 different scholarship programs with one general scholarship application for Hispanic students with a minimum 3.0 GPA. DACA students are eligible.
2/15/2025 National Press Club Scholarships

$5,000 renewable scholarship for students pursuing a career in journalism.
2/16/2025 Foundation for Rural Service Scholarships

$2,500 scholarships for rural youth pursuing higher education.
2/16/2025 Grieg Lodge Scholarship

$2,000 scholarships for students in Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington, Yamhill and Columbia counties with a connection to or interest in Scandinavian heritage.
2/16/2025 Sister Adele Scholarship

$1,500 to $5,000 for Oregon students of farmworker families.
2/28/2025 National Scholarship

A scholarship for undocumented students with a minimum 2.5 GPA. Must be planning to attend a Partner College in Oregon--Western Oregon University or Portland State University.
2/28/2025 Richard G. Zimmerman Scholarship

$5,000 scholarship open to high school seniors interested in pursuing a career in journalism.
2/28/2025 TheDream.US National Scholarship

Up to $33,000 a year for four years for undocumented students who are eligible to receive in-state tuition at Western Oregon University.
3/1/2025 Goya Foods Culinary Arts Scholarship

$5,000 renewable scholarship for students studying culinary arts or food science with a 3.0 GPA or higher.
3/1/2025 Portland Japanese American Community Scholarship

Multiple scholarships available for students with Japanese ancestry who live in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington Counties.
3/1/2025 Tall Clubs International Scholarship

Up to $1,000 for tall students who are under 21 years of age and attending their first year of college the following fall. Request an application by March 1.
3/12/2025 Greenfield Peace Scholarship

Up to $1,000 for 11th and 12th grade students in Oregon for submitting a video of an original poem, song or rap about alternative ways to spend the US military budget.
3/13/2025 Microsoft Disability Scholarship

$5,000 renewable scholarship for students living with a disability who plan to have a career in the technology industry.
3/13/2025 Women at Microsoft Scholarship

$5,000 renewable scholarship for high school seniors who identify as women, have a 3.0 GPA or higher, and plan to study science, technology, engineering, arts, or math.
3/15/2025 Oregon Athletic Coaches Association Scholarships

Several scholarships for student-athletes in Oregon.
3/15/2025 Oregon Jewish Community Foundation Scholarships

Scholarships for Jewish residents of Oregon that demonstrate financial need.
3/15/2025 PNACAC Student Scholarship

$2,000 scholarship for students who attend a regionally accredited college in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon or Washington with a 3.0 GPA or higher.
3/15/2025 The Maude and Alexander Hadden Scholarship

Up to $5,000 renewable scholarship for low-income high school seniors with a 3.5 GPA or higher who are planning to attend college.