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.

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
2/6/2027 Oregon ACTE Scholarship

$1000 scholarships for high school seniors enrolled, or planning to enroll in a CTE program. Can be used for any school expenses including transportation, safety equipment, tools, tuition, computers, etc.

2/6/2027 Redwood Local Scholarship Application

Complete one application for access to over 200 scholarship funds and $500,000 in awards. Open to high school seniors living in Josephine County or attending one of these high schools: Grants Pass, Hidden Valley, North Valley, Illinois Valley, Rogue River, and Glendale. 

2/6/2027 Redwood Trade Scholarship Application

Open to high school seniors living in Josephine County or attending one of the following high schools: Grants Pass, Hidden Valley, North Valley, Illinois Valley, Glendale, or Rogue River. Through one application, access 15 different scholarships for students pursuing trade fields.

2/8/2027 Abby's Closet Dreams Scholarship

Scholarships for female high school seniors ranging from $1,500 to $3,000 who reside in Oregon or SW Washington with a minimum 2.5 GPA.

2/15/2027 Dell Scholars Program

Up to $20,000 for students in college readiness programs (including AVID, College Possible, GEAR UP, and Upward Bound) who are Pell Grant eligible, have at lease a 2.4 GPA, and have overcome significant obstacles to pursue their education.

2/16/2027 Foundation for Rural Service Scholarships

Scholarships of $500 to $9,000 for students sponsored by an NTCA member telecom provider, with plans to return to a rural community after graduation.

2/16/2027 ScholarSHPE

Multiple scholarships via a common application for Hispanic students with a minimum 2.5 GPA planning to pursue a STEM degree.

2/25/2027 Oregon Music Hall of Fame Scholarship

Three $3,500 scholarships for graduating high school seniors from Aloha, Beaverton, or Sunset High School planning to major or minor in music.

2/28/2027 Getlin's Corner Scholarship

$1,500, $2,500, and $5,000 to children of enlisted Marines or Navy Corpsmen who have served in Marine units showing financial need and a minimum 2.0 GPA.

3/1/2027 Dream Big Scholarship

$2,000 scholarship for Portland Metro graduating seniors with a minimum 2.5 GPA, first‑generation college students, attending an Oregon college or university.

3/1/2027 MCSF Undergraduate & Associate Degree Scholarship

Up to $10,000 per year for children of U.S. Marines or Navy Corpsmen/Chaplains/Religious Program Specialists, requiring a minimum 2.0 GPA and meeting financial‑need criteria.

3/1/2027 Oregon Trail Electric Co-op Scholarships

Various scholarships for students graduating from a high school or homeschool program within OTEC service territory : Baker, Grant, Harney, and Union counties in Eastern Oregon.

3/1/2027 Zonta Club of the Coos Bay Area Scholarships

Multiple scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 for female students commitment to volunteerism, volunteer leadership achievements and dedication to empowering women worldwide. Must be a resident of Coos County.

3/2/2027 Diversity in Leadership Scholarship

$25,000 scholarship (over four years) for underrepresented and varied Oregon high school graduates pursuing higher education in Oregon.

3/2/2027 JACL National Scholarship Program

Multiple scholarships available for students who are active National Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) members.

3/2/2027 The Ford Family Foundation Scholarships

Several scholarships available to Oregon students and adults that provide 90% of unmet financial need.

3/3/2027 OSAC Scholarships

Over 600 scholarships for Oregon students with one application. Submit by the early bird deadline of February 17 for a chance to win an additional scholarship.

3/5/2027 Benton Community Foundation Scholarships

Several scholarships open to students who graduate from Benton county high schools.

3/12/2027 Point Access Scholarship

$1,500 scholarship for first‑generation and/or under‑resourced students with a connection and commitment to the LGBTQ+ and ally community, minimum 2.0 GPA and at least half‑time enrollment in a degree‑seeking program at an accredited U.S. not‑for‑profit college or university.

3/13/2027 Colleges That Change Lives Scholarship

$1,500 renewable scholarship for up to four years at select member colleges including Reed College and Willamette University in Oregon.