FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens in December (the exact date is not decided yet). This is one of the most important steps when it comes to applying to colleges, as it can lessen the debt you may have to take on. 

Even if you have family support, everyone should complete the application before attending college. You will be required to fill out the FAFSA form so that your college can use the data to determine your federal aid eligibility.

FAFSA works by looking at the income of your parents/guardians' from last year. Based on this number, they determine your need for additional money for tuition. Many of what FAFSA offers tend to be loans that you have to take out and pay after you graduate, but FAFSA also offers opportunities for scholarships and grants, which you don't have to pay back.

Different schools will have different financial aid package offers, so be sure to compare these when trying to decide which college to attend.

If you have to take out loans, you can wait until after you graduate to pay them. The government gives a 6-month grace period after graduation before you have to start making monthly payments. This monthly amount will be determined between you and your loan borrower.

Click here to learn a little more about how Federal Financial Aid works!

OSAC

Hello Seniors! It is time to start thinking about scholarships. Even though the FAFSA doesn’t open until December 1, the OSAC application opened November 1. OSAC is kind of like Common App in that you make one application to apply to multiple scholarships at one time. Last year, OSAC awarded more than $10 million dollars to students all over Oregon!

You must have lived in Oregon for at least the last 12 months, and you must be graduating in 2024. Some applications require a personal statement, so be prepared for that. 

Here is a general timeline to follow:

• Now - February: Create an account and start your OSAC application.

• December: File your FASFA (more information coming soon!)

• February 15: Early Bird Deadline – completed applications will be entered into a drawing for a $1,000 scholarship award.

• April 1: Final Deadline to submit all materials (transcripts, personal statement)

• April - August: Check your OSAC account regularly for updates on scholarship awards, and follow the correct steps if granted a scholarship.

This can all be a little confusing. If you have any questions at all, email me at spekny@corbett.k12.or.us. 

-Ms. Pekny

Oregon Promise

The Oregon Promise covers the tuition of any Oregon community college for students just graduating from high school. Students must apply during their senior year in order to receive the funding! This covers 12 credits per term, and up to a maximum of 90 credits total.

Requirements:
- Submit the application by the deadline (see below)
- Lived in Oregon for at least 12 months
- Must be a recent/upcoming graduate
- Have a 2.0 cum GPA or higher

You can apply for this through the OSAC portal. The deadline for this application is June 3, 2024, and you must start community college in the fall of 2024 if you accept the grant.