Student Financial Aid and Scholarships

Jim Brooks, Director

541-346-3221
800-760-6953
541-346-1175 fax

260 Oregon Hall
1278 University of Oregon
Eugene OR 97403-3221

financialaid@uoregon.edu
http://financialaid.uoregon.edu

Financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and employment is available to eligible students who need assistance to attend school. The Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships provides counseling and information services to students and parents and administers a comprehensive program of financial assistance. Office hours are 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Monday–Thursday; 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. on Friday. Telephone service is available 8:00 a.m.–noon and 1:00–5:00 p.m., Monday–Thursday; 9:00 a.m.–noon and 1:00–5:00 p.m. on Friday. Messages may be left on voice mail during the noon hour.

Federal and state regulations are subject to change and may affect current policies, procedures, and programs.

Estimated Student Expenses

The following information is provided to help students estimate the total cost of attending.

Budgets established for financial aid purposes are based on average expense. Some students have higher costs in some categories. For example, students in the School of Architecture and Allied Arts, the School of Music and Dance, and some of the science departments have expenses ranging from $30 to $500 a year for equipment, supplies, and field trips in addition to books. Students living alone in an apartment or in university housing may spend more than the budgeted amount for meals and housing, based on personal choice.

Residence hall room and board for 2011–12 ranged from $8,726 to $16,835. Cooperative housing costs were generally less than the minimum residence hall rate. Sorority and fraternity costs were higher.

Health insurance is optional for United States citizens. International students are required to purchase health insurance. Coverage by the term or for a full twelve months may be purchased through the University Health Center. Coverage for dependents of students is also available.

Personal expenses are governed by individual preference but may include such items as travel; theater, movie, and athletic-event tickets; and such incidentals as laundry, gifts, and dining out.

The figures in the following table are the 2011–12 tuition and fees for an undergraduate student enrolled in 15 credits and a graduate student enrolled in 9 credits. Tuition schedules are subject to revision by the Oregon University System. See the Tuition and Fees section of this catalog.

 

Student Classification	One Term	Three Terms
Undergraduate resident	$2,961	$8,883
Undergraduate nonresident	9,246	27,738
Graduate tuition varies by program. A base tuition would be as follows:
Graduate resident	4,733	14,198
Graduate nonresident	6,866	20,597

 

Tuition for resident and nonresident law students is listed in the School of Law catalog, available free from the UO School of Law.

The expenses in the following tables are used by the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships to estimate a student’s educational costs for the 2011–12 academic year.

Meals and Housing	One Term	Three Terms
Student commuter living with parents	$1,140	$3,420
Student living on or off campus	3,167	9,501

A dependent child-care allowance may be added to the budget for each child under twelve years of age who is living with a student and for whom the student is paying child-care expenses.

Books and Supplies	One Term	Three Terms
Graduates and undergraduates	$350	$1,050
Law (semester)	525	1,050

Miscellaneous Personal Expenses
Undergraduates	$804	$2,412
Graduates	838	2,514
Law (semester)	1,278	2,556

A transportation allowance is added to the budget of a nonresident student or a participant in the National Student Exchange.

Applying for Financial Aid

Undergraduate, graduate, and law students use the following procedure to apply for financial aid:

1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online. The official website is www.fafsa.ed.gov
2. List the University of Oregon, code number 003223, on the FAFSA application as a school to receive the application information
3. Apply for admission to the University of Oregon

Deadlines

To be given priority consideration for the Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Work-Study Program, and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant for all or part of any given academic year, the application information from the federal processor must be received by the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships on or before March 1 prior to the academic year for which the student is applying. To meet this deadline, submit the FAFSA no later than February 15. If applicable, online applicants should mail the FAFSA signature page, obtained from the website, in early February. Using the electronic PIN for a signature is preferred.

Eligibility

Financial aid eligibility for any student is the difference between the cost of education at the University of Oregon and the anticipated financial contribution from the student’s family, the student and parents if the student is a dependent, or the student and spouse if the student is married. Students (and their families if appropriate) are expected to bear the primary responsibility for meeting educational costs. When a student’s expected contribution is less than the cost of education, the university attempts to meet the difference with need-based financial aid.

Assessing Financial Aid Eligibility

The university uses a method prescribed by law to determine an expected contribution from the student and family toward the cost of the student’s education. The expected family contribution, derived from using the federal formula, is based on income and asset information as well as certain variables such as family size and number of family members attending college. This system ensures that students receive consistent and equitable treatment. Financial aid counselors review unique circumstances case by case.

Financial Aid Packages

After the student’s financial aid eligibility has been established, the student receives an award letter. The Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships attempts to meet each student’s financial aid eligibility, which could include scholarship and grant money, work-study, and loan eligibility.

A student may not receive assistance from any financial aid (Title IV) program if

1. The student is in default on any educational (Title IV) loan
2. The student has borrowed in excess of federal (Title IV) loan limits
3. The student owes a refund on federal or state grants or a Federal Perkins Loan due to an overpayment
4. The student has been convicted of violating certain federal or state drug possession or sale laws within a certain time period

A parent may not borrow from the Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (Parent PLUS) if the parent or student is in default on any educational loan or owes a refund on an educational grant as described above.

Federal law requires that male students born after 1960 be registered with Selective Service in order to receive financial aid.

Undergraduates

Federal Pell Grants, Oregon Opportunity Grants, and university scholarships are considered to be part of the student’s financial aid package, even though the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships may not determine eligibility for these programs.

The office determines the student’s eligibility for and the amount of assistance from the Federal Perkins Loan, the Federal Direct Stafford Loan, the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, the Federal Work-Study program, and the UO Work-Study Program.

Financial aid offers are made in accordance with federal regulations and university policies. Some awards are tentative if selected for verification and may be revised after a review of federal income tax information.

Graduate and Law Students

The Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships determines eligibility and the amount of assistance that may be received from the Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Direct Stafford Loan, Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan, the Federal Work-Study programs, and the UO Work-Study Program. Offers are made in accordance with federal regulations and university policies.

Notification of Financial Aid

Starting the last week of March, financial aid award letters are mailed to first-year students who have supplied the necessary information to the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships and the Office of Admissions on or before March 1. Award letters are then mailed on a continuing basis to those entering students who supply the necessary information to the offices after the March 1 deadline.

When aid is accepted, the student (and spouse if married) and the student’s parents (if applicable) may be asked to provide documents, such as federal income tax transcripts, to verify the information on the application.

Students should read the financial aid award letter and instructions carefully.

An explanation of revision and appeal policies and procedures may be found on the financial aid website. A financial aid package may be revised when a student’s eligibility changes. The student receives a revised notification and, if necessary, is advised of any repayment of aid. The federal regulations covering financial aid programs, the explanation of the federal method of determining student and family contributions, and the university policies and procedures for offering financial aid are available in the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships. Students are welcome to review them during office hours or on the financial aid website.

Financial Aid Programs

To be eligible for certain financial aid programs that depend on federal or state funding, the student must be a citizen of the United States or in the United States for other than a temporary purpose and with the intention of becoming a permanent resident. Students who are citizens of the Freely Associated States (the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau) may be eligible for certain types of federal (Title IV) aid.

Federal Pell Grant

This program provides grants (funds that do not require repayment) to eligible undergraduates who do not have a bachelor’s degree.

To be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, a student must be admitted to the university in a program leading to a degree and enrolled in good standing.

The grant is reduced proportionately if the student is enrolled less than full time (12 credits a term).

The Federal Pell Grant program determines eligibility based on the student’s and parents’ income and assets, or the student’s and spouse’s if applicable. The university disburses the money.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

Federal supplemental grants, which do not need to be repaid, are for undergraduates with exceptional need. To be eligible, a student must be admitted to the university in a program leading to a degree and enrolled in good standing. The amount a student receives is determined by university policy and fund availability.

Funds are granted to the university by the federal government to award to eligible students.

State of Oregon Opportunity Grants

Oregon Opportunity Grants are awarded to eligible undergraduate Oregon residents who complete the FAFSA.

A grant may be renewed for a total of twelve terms if the student applies each year, demonstrates financial need, is enrolled at least half time (6 credits a term) in a program leading to a degree, satisfactorily completes a minimum of 18 credits per academic year, and does not have a bachelor’s degree.

The Oregon Student Access Commission determines eligibility and notifies the university. The funds, provided by the state and federal governments, are disbursed by the university.

Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant (TEACH)

The TEACH grant program is a non-need-based form of financial aid that provides up to $4,000 a year to students who are enrolled in an eligible education program and who agree to teach in a high-need field at a low-income elementary or secondary school for at least four years within eight years of completing the program for which the grant was awarded. If this criterion is not met, the grant converts to a loan.

Federal Work-Study Program

The Federal Work-Study Program provides jobs for students who qualify for financial aid and are in good standing in a program leading to a degree or certificate and enrolled at least half time (6 credits a term).

The amount a student may earn is determined by university policy and fund availability. Students earn an hourly wage based on the kind of work and their skills and experience. Students may work a maximum of twenty hours a week while school is in session.

University departments and offices, as well as off-campus nonprofit agencies that perform services in the public interest, list available jobs with the Career Center, 220 Hendricks Hall, and from the center’s website. Funds are deposited with the university by the federal government to pay a portion of student wages; the employer pays the remainder.

UO Work-Study Program

This university-sponsored program provides part-time jobs on campus. Students must be eligible for financial aid and enrolled at least half time. They earn an hourly wage based on the type of job and their skills and experience. Students may work a maximum of twenty hours a week while school is in session. Availability of the program is subject to continued funding. Job openings are listed with the Career Center and on the center’s website.

Federal Perkins Loan

The Federal Perkins Loan Program provides long-term, low-interest loans to eligible students who are admitted to a program leading to a degree or certificate, have good academic standing, and are enrolled at least half time.

The federal maximums that may be borrowed are $5,500 a year for undergraduates, up to a total of $20,000; $8,000 a year for graduate students; $60,000 is the combined maximum for undergraduate and graduate study. The amount a student receives is determined by university policy and fund availability.

Repayment of a Federal Perkins Loan begins nine months after the student ceases to be enrolled at least half time. The minimum repayment is $40 a month or $120 a quarter. The university contracts with ECSI Corporation, a third party that will contact borrowers regarding repayment. The maximum repayment period is ten years. However, the actual amount of payments and the length of the repayment period depend on the size of the debt. Interest is charged during the repayment period at the rate of 5 percent a year on the unpaid balance.

Repayment of a Federal Perkins Loan that is not delinquent or in default may be deferred if a borrower is enrolled at least half time in an eligible institution.

A borrower of a Federal Perkins Loan may be eligible for other deferments for periods up to three years. For information about deferments, write or call the Perkins Loan Office, Office of Business Affairs, 3237 University of Oregon, Eugene OR 97403-0237; call 541-346-3171; or see the office’s website.

Repayment of a Federal Perkins Loan is canceled upon the death or permanent total disability of the borrower. In addition, repayment of the loan may be canceled, in full or in part, for public service.

Information about cancellation provisions is available in the Office of Business Affairs and on its website.

Federal bankruptcy law generally prohibits student-loan borrowers from the routine discharge of their debts by declaring bankruptcy within seven years after the repayment period begins.

Money available for Federal Perkins Loans is collected from former university borrowers to lend to eligible students.

William D. Ford Federal Direct Student Loan Program

Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan

Students must demonstrate need to qualify for a Federal Direct Stafford Loan. The university determines the amount the student may borrow. The federal government has set loan limits: $3,500 for the first academic year of undergraduate study (up to 44 credits); $4,500 for the second academic year (45–89 credits); and $5,500 an academic year for the remaining years of undergraduate study. Not all students are eligible for the maximums.

Student borrowers must be enrolled in good standing at least half time and have been accepted for admission to a program leading to a degree or certificate. Once repayment begins, borrowers are charged a fixed interest rate of 6.8 percent for loans originated for the 2012–13 academic year.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan

This program provides unsubsidized federal direct loans to students who do not qualify, in whole or in part, for the subsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loan. The interest rate for the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan is fixed at 6.8 percent. The student must pay the interest that accrues during in-school, grace, and authorized deferment periods.

The federal government has set loan limits: $2,000–$5,500 for the first academic year of undergraduate study (up to 44 credits); $2,000–$6,500 for the second academic year (45–89 credits); and $2,000–$7,500 an academic year for the remaining years of undergraduate study. A student’s financial need determines the amount of the loan offered.

Graduate and law students may borrow up to $20,500 a year depending on their financial need.

Additional Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan

Independent undergraduate students and dependent undergraduate students whose parents are denied access to the Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (Parent PLUS) program may be eligible for additional Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan money. Students with fewer than 90 credits may borrow a maximum of $4,000 a year in additional funds above the maximum Federal Direct Stafford Loan limits. Students who have earned 90 credits or more may borrow a maximum of an additional $5,000 a year. Not all applicants qualify for the maximums. The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan may be used to replace expected family contribution, but total direct loan (subsidized and unsubsidized) borrowing cannot exceed the cost of education.

Generally, the cumulative amount a student can borrow from all Federal Direct Stafford Loans is as follows: $31,000 (only 23,000 may be subsidized) as a dependent undergraduate; $57,500 as an independent undergraduate (only $23,000 of this amount may be subsidized); $138,500 as a graduate or professional student.

Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (Parent PLUS)

This program provides loans to parents of dependent undergraduate students. Parents may borrow up to an annual amount that is equal to the cost of education minus any estimated financial assistance the student receives during the periods of enrollment. The borrower may use the amount of the Federal Direct PLUS to replace the expected family contribution for the loan period.

The Federal Direct PLUS is limited to parents who do not have an adverse credit history or who have obtained an endorser who does not have an adverse credit history. A direct loan program servicer, contracted by the federal government, performs the required credit check. The interest on the Federal Direct PLUS is fixed at 7.9 percent. Borrowers are charged a loan fee of 4 percent of the principal.

Parents interested in participating in the Federal Direct PLUS program may request the loan by visiting the federal website, https://studentloans.gov.

Federal PLUS Loan for Graduate and Professional Students (Graduate PLUS)

This program is offered to qualified students with or without financial need, but the student must have financial aid eligibility. Like the Direct Stafford loans for students, the U.S. Department of Education is the direct lender of the Graduate PLUS. Typically, repayment must begin within sixty days after the Graduate PLUS is disbursed. However, an in-school deferment may be obtained from the U.S. Department of Education by students that meet their requirements. There is no grace period for this loan. Interest begins to accrue at the time the first disbursement is made at a fixed rate of 7.9 percent.

Repayment

Repayment of Federal Direct Stafford Loans (subsidized and unsubsidized) begins six months after termination of at least half-time enrollment or graduation. Repayment of Federal PLUS loans typically begins within sixty days of the last disbursement. A deferment may be requested after loan approval. Borrowers have the right to prepay their loans without penalty. Furthermore, they may choose from the following repayment plans:

• a standard repayment plan with a fixed payment amount (at least $50 a month) over a fixed period of time, not to exceed ten years
• an extended repayment plan with a fixed annual repayment of at least $600 ($50 a month) over a period of twelve to thirty years depending on the total amount owed
• a graduated repayment schedule consisting of two or more graduated levels over a fixed or extended period of time
• an income-contingent repayment plan with varying annual repayment amounts based on the total amount owed and the annual income of the borrower (and that of the borrower’s spouse, if a joint return is filed) paid over a period not to exceed twenty-five years. PLUS borrowers are not eligible for this plan
• an income-based repayment plan designed to make repaying federal loans easier for students who intend to pursue jobs with lower salaries such as careers in public service. Monthly payments are capped at a percentage of the borrower’s discretionary income, which is based on family size and income rather than total amount borrowed

If the borrower does not select one of these five plans, the Department of Education assigns one of the first three listed.

The borrower’s repayment liability is discharged if the borrower becomes permanently and totally disabled or dies or if the student for whom a parent has borrowed dies. Federal Direct Student Loans are generally not dischargeable in bankruptcy.

Deferring Repayment

Repayment of a Federal Direct Student Loan that is not in default may be deferred for

• at least half-time study at an eligible school
• an approved graduate fellowship program or rehabilitation training program for disabled individuals (except medical internship or residency program)
• unemployment (up to three years)
• economic hardship (up to three years)

During periods of approved deferment, a Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan borrower does not need to make payments of principal, and the interest does not accrue. For the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford or PLUS borrower, principal repayment may be deferred, but interest continues to accrue and is capitalized or paid by the borrower during that time.

Forbearance

A direct loan borrower or endorser may receive forbearance from the federal government if the borrower or endorser is willing but unable to make scheduled loan payments. Forbearance is the temporary cessation of payments, an extension of time for making payments, or the temporary acceptance of smaller payments than previously scheduled. Forbearance is granted to medical or dental interns or residents for limited periods of time.

Deferments and forbearance are handled by the Federal Loan Servicing Center.

Federal Direct Consolidation Loan

Loan consolidation is a way of lowering monthly payments by combining several loans into one loan at the time of repayment. Borrowers may consolidate any amount of eligible loans including those borrowed under the Federal Family Education Loan program, the Federal Perkins Loan program, and direct lending. The interest rate is fixed at the time of consolidation based on the weighted average of the loans being consolidated. Consolidation loans may extend from ten to thirty years depending on the repayment plan selected and the amount borrowed. The result of a longer repayment term, however, is an increase in the total cost of the loan.

Entrance and Exit Counseling

First-time Federal Direct Stafford Loan (subsidized and unsubsidized) borrowers must participate in preloan (entrance) counseling.

Shortly before graduating from or terminating enrollment at the University of Oregon, borrowers must participate in exit loan counseling.

Both entrance and exit counseling may be accomplished on the federal website, https://studentloans.gov.

Refunds and Repayment

Students who withdraw from school may be expected to repay a portion of their financial aid. According to a formula prescribed by state and federal regulations, any refundable amount used to pay tuition and fees or for university housing is returned to the appropriate financial aid sources. Students may also be required to pay the unearned portion of assistance that was directly disbursed to them.

Debt Management and Default Reduction

The University of Oregon is committed to helping students achieve sound financial planning and debt management. Information about loans, repayment options, and debt management strategies is available in the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships and on its website, http://financialaid.uoregon.edu/loan_repayment.

National and Community Service Trust Act

This legislation created Americorps, which gives citizens the opportunity to perform community service in the United States and, for that service, receive an education award. This award can be used to pay for postsecondary education or to repay qualified student loans. Information about Americorps is available online at http://www.americorp.gov.

Private Loans

Privately funded loans are not based on need and no federal formula is applied to determine eligibility. However, the amount borrowed cannot exceed the cost of education minus other financial aid. Interest rates and repayment terms vary, but are generally less favorable than those provided through the federal direct lending program. Private loans are used to supplement the federal programs when the cost of education minus federal aid still leaves unmet need. Information is available in the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships or on its website under Loans (click on Alternative Student Loans).

Satisfactory Academic Progress

To be eligible for financial aid, students must make satisfactory academic progress toward their degrees. A minimum requirement for cumulative grade point average (GPA) and pace must be maintained, and progress is reviewed annually at the end of spring term.

The minimum cumulative GPA needed to meet satisfactory academic progress is 2.00. If a student’s cumulative GPA had dropped below 2.00 at the time of the evaluation, his or her eligibility for financial aid will be suspended until the student appeals and is approved for reinstatement. Students may also reestablish eligibility after raising their GPAs to the minimum requirement. Visit the website for information on the appeals process.

Progress toward a degree is a further requirement, determined by dividing the number of credits attempted by the number of credits earned. Students are expected to earn credit for at least 67 percent of the credits attempted. Credit is earned for grades A, B, C, D, and P. Credit is not earned for grades of F, W, I, Y, N, and AU. A progress calculator is located at http://financialaid.uoregon.edu/pace_calculator.

Students must also complete their undergraduate degrees within a maximum time frame. A student must graduate before accumulating 150 percent of the attempted credits required for completing his or her major. Most majors at the University of Oregon require 180 credits; 270 would be 150 percent of that. If a student is unable to fulfill the requirements for his or her degree before reaching this maximum time frame, financial aid will be suspended. Visit the website for information on the appeals process.

Live like a Duck

The Live like a Duck concept was created to help students make sound financial decisions while attending the University of Oregon. Tools to help students manage finances such as a spending log and budget worksheet can be found at http://financialaid.uoregon.edu/live_like_a_duck. These guides were created to help students avoid errors and are not intended to dictate how students spend their money.

For money saving tips and ideas about stretching a dollar or reducing indebtedness, visit the Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/livelikeaduck.

Scholarships

Scholarships Awarded by a Department or School

Undergraduate and graduate students who have selected a major field of study should consult the appropriate school or department about possible scholarships and application procedures and requirements.

Graduate assistantships and fellowships, which include an instructional fee waiver, a monthly salary, and health insurance benefits, are offered to outstanding graduate students by many departments. Each year the College of Arts and Sciences solicits and screens applicants for Rhodes, Truman, Churchill, Marshall, and Mellon graduate fellowships.

National ROTC Scholarships

The Army Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) Scholarship Program sponsors two-, three-, and four-year scholarships. These scholarships include full tuition and fees, an annual book allowance of $1,200, and a monthly stipend of $300 for a freshman, $350 for a sophomore, $450 for a junior, and $500 for a senior. An additional housing subsidy for a portion of the cost is provided to qualifying students. For more information, call the Department of Military Science, 800-542-3945. High school students also can contact their school’s counselor.

Scholarships Awarded through the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships

Laurel and General University Scholarships. This group of university scholarships is not attached to a particular department or school. Detailed information is available on the financial aid website. All of these scholarships require academic achievement (merit). Some of them require financial need. Scholarships administered by this office are governed by the University Scholarship Committee, whose members are drawn from the faculty, the staff, and the student body. This committee reviews and formulates policies and evaluates applicants’ academic qualifications.

A single application form is used for all the scholarships in this group. Application and recommendation forms are available in the office and on its website. Applicants must provide copies of academic transcripts from schools they have attended.

Prospective students entering from high school need only to apply for admission by the January 15 deadline to be considered for scholarships in this group. For students transferring from another college, the deadline to apply for admission and submit a scholarship application and supporting documents is February 15. Continuing UO students must apply by February 15 as well.

When awarding financial assistance, the university does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, disability, age, national origin, veteran or marital status, or sexual orientation.

Presidential Scholarship. In 1983 the university established the Presidential Scholarship Program to recognize and reward outstanding Oregon high school graduates. Presidential Scholarships awarded in 2011–12 were $8,500 a year for four years (twelve terms).

Incoming resident freshmen must submit the Presidential Scholarship application (available on the financial aid office website)—in addition to applying for admission—by January 15.

Selection is based on academic achievement and leadership. To retain the scholarships for four years, recipients are expected to maintain a high level of academic performance at the university.

National Merit Scholarships

The University of Oregon participates with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation to award merit-based scholarships to incoming freshmen. Interested high school students should consult their high school counselors and arrange to take the Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test (PSAT) in their junior year. This test is usually offered during October.

Diversity Excellence Scholarship

The University of Oregon Diversity Excellence Scholarship recognizes undergraduate and graduate students who enhance the educational experience of all students by sharing diverse cultural experiences. These tuition-remission scholarships are an integral part of the university’s effort to meet the educational-diversity needs of its students, and they complement other programs in the UO Campus Diversity Plan.

Diversity Excellence Scholarships awarded to undergraduates in 2011–12 ranged from $2,900 to $6,500; graduate student awards ranged from $2,900 to $9,000. The amount of each award is determined by the UO Diversity Excellence Scholarship Committee. Scholarships are renewable for up to sixteen terms for entering freshmen, and are prorated for transfer, continuing, and graduate students. Recipients must meet specific scholarship renewal requirements to retain their scholarships.

Scholarship Criteria. In order to be considered for this scholarship, an applicant must be a United States citizen or permanent resident and be a currently enrolled UO student with at least a 2.50 GPA, or apply for admission and meet standard UO admission requirements. Scholarship recipients are selected competitively by the UO Diversity Excellence Scholarship Committee. Priority consideration is given to students who demonstrate the following: (1) commitment to diversity through documented history of community service, leadership, or other activities; (2) educational background and performance as documented by official high school and/or college transcripts; (3) financial aid eligibility as determined by federal guidelines; (4) ethnic minority status consistent with the UO Campus Diversity Plan; (5) status as a first generation or nontraditional student as determined by federal guidelines; and (6) residence in the state of Oregon.

Application. The application is electronic and the submission deadline for the Diversity Excellence Scholarship is January 15. Application forms are available on the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships website.

Quest Scholars Program

The Quest Scholarship will be awarded competitively to two resident and two nonresident incoming freshmen in 2012–13 who have significant financial need. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study and will cover the standard cost of tuition and fees for each recipient. On-campus employment is required to be a participant in this program.

Applicants must submit their admission application to the Office of Admission by January 15 and complete the FAFSA by February 15 and list the University of Oregon as a school to receive the information.

Quest Scholarships are renewable for up to twelve terms.

The Quest Scholarship is generously funded by a grant from the Quest Scholars Network.

Mary Corrigan and Richard Solari Scholarship

Solari Scholarships are awarded competitively to high-achieving incoming freshmen who have attended four years of high school in the state of Oregon and who come from middle-income households. The Solari Scholarship provides $5,000 per year, for up to four years of undergraduate study. One hundred twenty-five scholarships are available to incoming freshmen in 2012–13 and 125 scholarships will be available to incoming freshmen in 2013–14.

Selection for the Solari Scholarship is competitive, based on the essay, academic transcripts, and test scores included in the student’s UO Application for Undergraduate Admission. Financial need and middle-income status is determined by the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships based on the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

Solari Scholarships are renewable for up to twelve terms, providing recipients complete a minimum of 12 UO credits per term and maintain a 3.00 UO grade point average.