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The PSU leadership team is closely monitoring the federal situation following last night’s OMB memo freezing federal grant funding. This comes after several recent Executive Orders we are still assessing for impact. Portland State will continue to prioritize our students and staff. OMB and the U.S. Department of Education have confirmed that federal student financial aid, including Pell grants and loans, will not be affected. Financial aid disbursements will continue as planned. For those working on federally funded research, we’re advising leaders to pause non-personnel expenses (e.g., new commitments, equipment, and travel). More details will be shared with faculty soon. We understand the uncertainty and are actively keeping the campus informed (How the federal funding freeze impacts PSU, President Ann Cudd).
It’s time to Apply for Financial Aid for next school year:
It’s time to Apply for Financial Aid for next school year:
The FAFSA application for the 2025-2026 academic year is now open! Submitting it early ensures you’re considered for all available financial aid.
Need assistance? Contact the Financial Aid Office at (503) 725-3461 or askfa@pdx.edu. Schedule an in-person or virtual appointment for personalized support. Don’t wait — secure your financial aid today!
First, let me start by saying, we know that paying for college is a huge concern for many. The rising cost of tuition, fees, books, housing, and other expenses can feel overwhelming. We truly wish we had the power to solve all of these financial challenges for our students. We agree that the financial burden is real—and it's something many students are grappling with every day. -Admin
1. Understanding Tuition and Fees
1. Understanding Tuition and Fees
What Are Tuition and Fees?
Tuition & fees: the amount charged by the university, undergraduate tuition & fees
How to Find Out Your Total Cost:
Visit Your School’s Financial Aid or Financial Wellness Center:
by making an appointmentUse a College Cost Calculator: link here
Look at Your Financial Aid Award Letter: Once you've applied for financial aid, you can view your financial aid offer, by logging in to myPSU . Apply to FASFA.
2. Ways to Pay for College
2. Ways to Pay for College
1. Scholarships and Grants
PSU Scholarships platform: Start by searching for scholarships from local organizations, national programs, and your college. Apply PSU Scholarships
Grants: These are typically need-based awards given by the federal or state government or the school itself. Examples include the Pell Grant (federal) and state grants.
2. Federal Financial Aid
FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is your first step in applying for federal financial aid.
Federal Loans: If you need to borrow money to cover your tuition, federal loans like Stafford Loans or PLUS Loans often offer better interest rates and repayment options compared to private loans.
3. Work-Study and Part-Time Jobs
Federal Work-Study: This is a federal program that provides part-time jobs to students with financial need. These jobs are typically on-campus and help cover day-to-day living expenses. Work-Study link.
On-Campus Jobs: Many schools offer other work opportunities on campus that may not be part of the work-study program but still provide a way to earn money. Handshake.
Social Work Specific Funds:
General supports at PSU:
Basic Needs Hub- Includes emergency funding, food assistance, housing services
Financial Wellness Center- this can help you explore additional information or options related to your student account.
PSU Landing at FUMC- a community sheltering students through housing crisis and transitions.
Additional resources at PSU:
Financial & Scholarship Resource Guide (click here)
PSU Scholarships: Scholarships for the 2020-21 academic year.
Applications due February 1SSW Emergency Fund: Please complete this form to request gift cards, up to $100 for short term, immediate needs.
Increase Cost of Attendance form: This can support you in increasing your cost of attendance in order to be eligible for additional loans, purchase equipment needed for the program (laptop, microphone etc.), childcare, or medical expenses
Jim Sell's Child Care Subsidy program: provides financial support for child care
Ron Ronacher Students with Children Emergency Loan Program is a small loan available once per term to students with children who are confronted with unforeseen financial crises. Click on the link--it does on the site that you need to come in person, but my understanding is that you can just call them and do process online or over the phone.
Student Financial Services Short-Term Emergency Loans: Approved Short-Term Loan funds range from $50-$600, and are sent to Higher One and distributed via the student's chosen refund preference the day after the loan is approved.
Certain scholarships, including those offered by Oregon Community Foundation and The Ford Family Foundation, are available to undocumented students. See additional eligibility requirements below.
Special funding - All veterans are eligible for financial aid from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Oregon Student Access Commission also offers financial aid and scholarships.
Queer Resource Center: Giving to the Queer Resource Center Student Support Fund helps queer and transgender students with both emergency financial needs and tuition costs. We know that LGBTQIA+ students face significant roadblocks to receiving financial aid as they pursue their degrees. We also know that 40% of houseless youth are LGBQTIA+, putting the students we support at a high risk for financial instability. $5 purchases transportation costs for queer and transgender students to/from school $10-30 helps cover basic bills, like water or electric
Calculate costs with a financial wellness coach - You can visit PSU's Financial Wellness Center virtually to help you budget
On-Campus Employment - As a full-time student, you can work up to 20 hours a week on campus while classes are in session
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