Ten important points:


* Grants, money you will not need to pay back, will be available to students who are from low- and middle-income families.


* It is expected that more than 33,000 Oregon students will qualify for grants next year. That’s an increase of about 6,000 new students.


* Annual amount of state support for the Opportunity Grant doubled to $72 million in 2008-09 (fall 2008).


* The average amount of the grant will increase significantly for most students, and the maximum has doubled.


* In combination with the expected increase in the federal Pell Grant, most eligible full-time students at public institutions will receive an increase in grant support of more than $1,000 per year.


* Families with incomes up to $70,000 may be eligible (based on family of four).


* Earning a scholarship and college savings will not reduce the grant amount.


* You must complete a FAFSA for each year to be considered.

* Grants can only be used at a community college, or a public or independent university in Oregon.


* College is affordable â€- being under-educated and under-prepared is expensive.




Questions and answers


Q: Who is eligible for an Oregon Opportunity Grant What colleges can I use it at


A: Oregon residents are eligible if they are pursuing an undergraduate degree or certificate and attending a community college, a public university, or a non-profit independent college at least half-time (need to meet the financial eligibility criteria). Out-of-state, nonresident students are not eligible.


Q: How do I apply for the Oregon Opportunity Grant


A: Your eligibility for the Oregon Opportunity Grant is determined from your federal financial aid application (FAFSA), available in paper form through your counselor’s office or any college financial aid office, or use the FAFSA online application at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov.


Q: How much financial aid can I get in this new program


A: The maximum annual grants will be $2,600 for a student at a community college and $3,200 for a student at four-year college or university. Grant amounts vary based on student’s specific financial need, as determined by the FAFSA process. Scholarships and college savings will not reduce the grant amount.


Q: How long will I receive the grant Do I get it until I finish my degree


A: Eligible students may receive the grants for the equivalent of 4 years, either eight full-time semesters or 12 quarter-based terms. Students should work closely with their campus academic advisers to plan carefully for graduation in four years whenever possible.


Q: When can I apply How will I be notified that I will receive aid


A: Apply for the new Oregon Opportunity Grant program by completing the FAFSA starting on or after Jan. 1, 2008. Students will be notified by the Oregon Students Assistance Commission by e-mail about their grant eligibility. Actual grant amounts will be provided by the college financial aid offices the student has applied to as part of their total financial aid package.


Q: If I am already receiving the Oregon Opportunity Grant now, will I be in the new program Will I receive more or less money than I have in the past


A: Current grant recipients who have not exhausted their four-year eligibility will be included in the new program when they file their FAFSA for the 2008-09 academic year. Most students will see increased grant amounts; students whose grants are less will maintain their previous amount for their remaining years of eligibility while continuously enrolled in their college.


Q: Where do I go for more information about the new Oregon Opportunity Grant program


A: Check out the Oregon Student Assistance Commission’s Web site getcollegefunds.org, see your high school guidance counselor or college financial aid office, or call the Oregon Student Assistance Commission at (541) 687-7400 — Eugene/Springfield area or (800) 452-8807 toll-free.

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