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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
1/12/2026 Hispanic Chamber Latino Scholarship

Scholarships for Hispanic students in Oregon and Clark County, Washington, with a 3.0 GPA or higher who will attend higher education.

1/15/2026 APIA Scholarship

$2500-$20,000 awards for AANHPI students with a minimum 2.7 GPA, with a focus on students from low income backgrounds and first-generation college students.

1/17/2026 Profile in Courage Essay Contest

Up to $10,000 for an essay on an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official who served during or after 1917, the year John F. Kennedy was born. Open to students in grades 9-12.

1/22/2026 Willamette Valley Society of Women Engineers Scholarships

Scholarships for females with a 3.0 GPA or higher planning to study engineering from the Willamette Valley or central coast.

1/31/2026 National Eagle Scout Association Scholarship

$6,000 - $50,000 scholarships open to high school seniors through college juniors who are Eagle Scouts.

1/31/2026 Oregon FFA Scholarships

Several scholarships for Oregon students who participated in FFA.

2/1/2026 Al Forthan Scholarship

Up to $10,000 for high school seniors in Oregon who have been impacted by addiction and poverty.

2/1/2026 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.

2/1/2026 Oregon Processed Vegetable Commission Scholarship

A scholarship for students interested in the vegetable industry. Preference given to students enrolled at an accredited Oregon institution.

2/1/2026 Oregon Wheat Foundation Scholarship

$1,500 scholarships for seniors who are connected to or employed by the Oregon Wheat Growers League.

2/1/2026 Renaissance Scholars Program

Up to $5,000 annually, renewable for four years, for first-generation college students in Oregon with a 3.0 GPA and financial need.

2/2/2026 Abby's Closet Dreams Scholarship

Scholarships for female high school seniors who reside in Oregon or Washington with a minimum 2.5 GPA.

2/9/2026 AOPA Flight Training Scholarship

$2,500 to $14,000 for primary flight training, advanced ratings/certificates, and aviation maintenance.

2/9/2026 Davidson Fellows

Up to $50,000 scholarships to extraordinary young people, 18 and under, who have completed a significant piece of work.

2/9/2026 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.

2/14/2026 Oregon Music Hall of Fame Scholarship

$2,500 scholarships for Oregon high school seniors planning to major or minor in music.

2/14/2026 Sister Adele Scholarship

$1,500 to $5,000 for Oregon students of farmworker families.

2/15/2026 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.

2/15/2026 Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Scholarship

Full tuition and fees as well as a stipend for students interested in serving as a Naval Reserve Officer.

2/16/2026 Foundation for Rural Service Scholarships

$2,500 scholarships for rural youth pursuing higher education.