The Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) partners with the Office of Student Access and Completion (OSAC) to determine potentially eligible students and to match DHS data with a student’s FAFSA/ORSAA information. Based on information listed on the FAFSA/ORSAA, OSAC provides a list of eligible students to be considered for a Tuition and Fee Waiver in the Financial Aid Offices (FAO) Portal.
Eligibility: The Tuition and Fee Waiver is for undergraduate students who meet one of the following criteria:
- Were in the care and custody of DHS, or one of the nine federally recognized Tribes in Oregon. Former or current foster youth must have spent at least 180 days (6 months) in substitute care after age 14, AND did not leave substitute care and custody of (DHS or Tribe) prior to the youth’s 16th birthday;
- Adopted former foster youth who have spent at least 180 days (6 months) in substitute care and were adopted on or after January 1, 2012; or
- Experienced homelessness for at least 180 days (6 months) between ages 14 and 24 years old and meet the following requirements:
- While experiencing homelessness, received services from an organization contracted by DHS or a host home; AND
- Was at least 16 years of age when last receiving services
Requirements: The undergraduate student must access the Tuition and Fee Waive prior to the age of 25 by:
- Enrolling at an eligible Oregon public 2- or 4-yr college or university
- Complete a FAFSA or ORSAA each year. Students must complete verification documents/information as requested by their school in a timely manner
*Students are eligible for the waiver up to 4 years (12 terms of full-time enrollment) or until they have earned a bachelor's degree, whichever comes first.
OSAC informs all eligible schools listed on the FAFSA/ORSAA of a student's eligibility for the Tuition and Fee Waiver. A student may list several eligible institutions on their FAFSA/ORSAA; all will be notified of the student's eligibility.
Waiver Amount: The school shall waive all tuition and fee costs after a student's federal grants, Oregon Opportunity Grant, and institutional aid have been applied to the student's account.
Tuition and Fee Waiver FAQ
