Financial Aid & Scholarships

What is financial aid? Watch this video to learn more about financial aid, FAFSA/ORSAA and scholarships. You can see the Slide presentation with links here.

Learn about scholarship opportunities including local scholarships, OSAC scholarships, Portland, Chemeketa and Mt. Hood CC foundation scholarships and more. Check out the Slide presentation here.

Want to learn more about the financial aid and FAFSA process? Check out this playlist for more videos.

Online Resources

Check out these websites for more information on Financial Aid and Scholarships:

Federal Student Aid - Resource for federal financial aid including information on preparing for college, types of aid and more.

FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid. FAFSA opens October 1 each year, complete as close to this date as possible during senior year and each year you plan to attend college.

FAFSA ID - Create and update your FSA ID using this site. The FSA ID is a username and password that you will use to electronically sign your FAFSA and other Federal Student Aid documents. Student and parent will need one unless the parent doesn't have valid SSN.

FAFSA4caster - This tool will give you an estimate of your financial aid. While it is recommended for juniors, any student can use it.

ORSAA - The Oregon Student Aid Application is the alternative to the FAFSA. It is for Oregon students that are undocumented (with/without DACA). If you qualify to complete the FAFSA, do not complete the ORSAA. You can use the Pre-Filter Tool to check eligibility.

Oregon Student Aid - The Office of Student Access and Completion (OSAC) is a resource for Oregon students. This office manages the OSAC scholarships, Oregon Promise, Oregon Opportunity Grant, ASPIRE program and more.

OSAC Student Portal - Create and log into your OSAC account to apply for the OSAC scholarships, Oregon Promise, Chafee Education & Training Grant and Student Child Care Grant.

The following sites are some online platforms that you can use to find scholarships:

Scholarship Scams - Beware of scams. Scholarships are FREE. Do not pay to apply for a scholarship and do not give our bank/credit/debit card information.


Additional Tips and Information

    • Check out the list of documents you will need to complete your FAFSA. This list is updated yearly to reflect the correct tax information needed for seniors.
    • Check the Scholarship Wall outside the Counseling Center on a regular basis. National, local and school specific scholarships are posted and updated weekly. Follow on Twitter @mhsscholarships or students can join the Google Classroom (code: i58i80s)
    • All scholarships are worth applying to. Apply for those that are for smaller amounts, it will come in handy!
    • If the scholarship application is printed, be sure to fill it out using black/blue pen. Do not use pencil!
    • Remember quality over quantity. It is important to fully complete your scholarship applications. Don't leave any fields blank. Be sure to answer all of the questions, especially on essays/short answer.