State Financial Aid Application for Oregon
Information for Undocumented Students and Mixed Status Families
The Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) is committed to removing barriers that prevent Oregonians from being able to access state financial aid. The HECC Office of Student Access and Completion has become aware that some students from mixed-status families in Oregon have decided not to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) because they have concerns related to data privacy. As a result of not completing a FAFSA application, they are not able to access state aid. The HECC is providing an option for students in this circumstance to complete the ORSAA in lieu of the FAFSA to access state and institutional aid. The information below can be shared with students to enable them to make informed decisions on whether to submit a FAFSA or ORSAA
By completing the ORSAA, undocumented students and students in mixed-status families may demonstrate eligibility for state-funded and privately funded grant and scholarship programs administered by the HECC Office of Student Access and Completion (OSAC), as long as students meet all other program requirements. Information on eligibility and deadlines for these programs is available at www.OregonStudentAid.gov.
As part of the application process for these programs, individuals who are undocumented Oregon students or students with a DACA, TPS, or U-Visa status must complete the ORSAA to be considered for HECC-administered programs.
As of October 1, 2026, the ORSAA may be used in lieu of the FAFSA by students in mixed-status families to apply for Oregon state-administered financial aid programs. This expanded access to the ORSAA is effective as of the 2027-28 aid year. Please note that students from mixed-status families will forgo access to all federal aid in addition to Oregon Promise state funds if they decide to file the ORSAA instead of the FAFSA. Oregon Law requires all students eligible to file a FAFSA to do so to be eligible for the Oregon Promise. Students who do not complete the FAFSA will not be eligible for federal financial aid programs such as the Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, work study, and federal loans.
For additional information please read the MEMO: ORSAA for Mixed Status Families available in English and Spanish or read the FAQs: ORSAA for Mixed Status Families document.
Workforce Pell in Oregon - Policy Finalized
The HECC is developing processes for implementation of the Workforce Pell Grant in Oregon. Workforce Pell—established through Congress’s passage of H.R. 1 in 2025—expands Pell Grant eligibility to support learners enrolled in short-term, career-focused training programs that meet defined standards and lead to industry-recognized credentials. The HECC is responsible for Workforce Pell program policy and approval processes for Oregon. Thank you to those who provided input on the draft policy for Workforce Pell in Oregon. The final Oregon Workforce Pell Policy is now available on our web page: Workforce Pell Implementation in Oregon.
The HECC is developing an online program approval portal through which institutions of higher education will submit programs to be approved by the state to accept Workforce Pell Grants. More information is coming soon. After the HECC has approved a program at the state level, the institution will submit that program to ED for final approval. At this time, no programs have been approved, but it would be good to also re-review the website periodically for any updates.
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2026 ASPIRE Fall Conference
Get ready! The 2026 ASPIRE Fall Conference is happening October 2 at Oregon State University–Cascades campus in Bend, Oregon. This year’s conference includes 30 dynamic workshops designed to tackle the real-world challenges and emerging opportunities in Career and College Readiness (CCR).
Join educators, advisors, and professionals from across the state as we explore topics like expanding college access for neurodivergent students, mastering financial aid and scholarship strategies, and empowering students pursuing careers in the trades and apprenticeships.
Don’t miss this chance to connect, learn, and elevate your impact. Registration is now open.
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