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Information for Undocumented Students in Oregon

The ORSAA is an alternative to the FAFSA for undocumented Oregon students, including students who have DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) status. The ORSAA opens in October each year. Do NOT complete the ORSAA if you are a U.S. citizen or a legal noncitizen with an Alien Registration number.

If you are a DACA student, you may want to complete the FAFSA in addition to the ORSAA. Contact the financial aid office at your college to find out if you should complete both the FAFSA and ORSAA.

Eligible undocumented and DACA students in Oregon can get help to pay for college. Learn more about Financial Aid for Undocumented and DACA Students.

Scholarships for Undocumented Students

Oregon Financial Aid Opportunities

Undocumented students in Oregon are eligible for the following state financial aid programs, as long as they meet all other program requirements.

Oregon Opportunity Grant

Undocumented students can apply by submitting the Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA) as soon as possible after October 1. See additional eligibility requirements below.

Oregon Promise Grant

Undocumented students can apply by completing the ORSAA and submitting an Oregon Promise application in the OSAC Student Portal.

OSAC Scholarships

Certain scholarships, including those offered by Oregon Community Foundation and The Ford Family Foundation, are available to undocumented students. See additional eligibility requirements below.

Undocumented students can apply by completing the ORSAA and submitting an OSAC Scholarship application in the OSAC Student Portal.

OREGON STUDENT AID APPLICATION (ORSAA)

As part of the application process for the above programs, undocumented students must complete the Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA). OSAC uses information from the ORSAA to calculate students’ financial need and award eligibility for grants and scholarships. The ORSAA is a confidential application that is used solely to qualify students for financial aid in Oregon. If you need help with the ORSAA, please call (800) 452-8807 or email ORSAAHelp@hecc.oregon.gov.

Upcoming OSAC Webinars

OSAC Resources Available for Undocumented Students, including DACA (English) or (Spanish)

This webinar reviews all of the resources and financial aid options offered through OSAC that are available for undocumented Oregon students, including students who have DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) status. It will explain the Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA) which is the State of Oregon’s alternative to the FAFSA.

In-State Tuition

Undocumented students may be eligible for in-state tuition rates at public universities as long as they meet the additional eligibility requirements above. To apply, undocumented students must either

• complete an Affidavit and Request for Exemption from Nonresident Tuition and Fees, available at the Admissions Office of each Oregon public university OR

• submit an official copy of application for registration with a federal immigration program or federal deportation deferral program.

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

To be eligible for in-state tuition as well as Ford Family Foundation scholarships and the Oregon Opportunity Grant, undocumented students must meet all tuition equity requirements:

• Student attended an elementary or secondary/high school in Oregon during all three years immediately prior to earning a high school diploma or leaving school before earning a diploma.

• Student attended an elementary or secondary/high school in the United States for at least five years immediately prior to earning a high school diploma or leaving school before earning a diploma.

• Student received a high school diploma or GED in Oregon.

• Student certifies intention to become a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.

Financial Aid at the College

Undocumented students may be eligible for financial aid at the college level. Students should check with the college’s financial aid office to see what types of financial aid they may be eligible for and how to apply.

Colleges may request that DACA students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for aid at the college level.

More Resources

Upcoming OSAC Webinars

OSAC Resources Available for Undocumented Students, including DACA (English) or (Spanish)

October 17th at 10:00 am and October 18th at 7:00 pm.

This webinar reviews all of the resources and financial aid options offered through OSAC that are available for undocumented Oregon students, including students who have DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) status. It will explain the Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA) which is the State of Oregon’s alternative to the FAFSA.

Federal Resources

Although federal financial aid – including the Federal Pell Grant – is not available to undocumented and DACA students, Federal Student Aid provides additional information for non-citizens and undocumented students:

• Federal Student Aid: Information for Non-Citizens

• Federal Student Aid Q&A: Financial Aid and Undocumented Students

Oregon Goes to College

Hosted by Oregon GEAR UP, this website has quality information to help undocumented students prepare and pay for college. Available in Spanish and English.

TheDream.US

The nation’s largest college access and success program to help undocumented immigrant youth get access to a college education. TheDream.US offers scholarships nationwide for students with DACA or Temporary Protected Status. Their partner colleges – including Eastern Oregon University and Western Oregon University – are committed to serving and graduating DACA students.