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In school
9 programs people in this spot often look for.
Free or low-cost classes to earn your GED
Program: Adult Education / GED Prep (Oregon community colleges)
Low-cost classes (with fee waivers if you can't pay) to earn a high-school-equivalency diploma or improve reading, writing, and math, and move into college or job training.
Who it’s for: Adults 16 and older who want a GED or high-school equivalency, or to build basic skills (fee waivers for those who can't pay)
See the rule
“Adult Education is a non-credit program that prepares students for credit classes and the GED® test.” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Up to $2,500 back for the first years of college
Program: American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC)
An education tax credit worth up to $2,500 per student for the first four years of college; up to $1,000 is refundable, so it can pay out even if you owe no tax.
Who it’s for: Students (you or a dependent) in their first four years of college, at least half-time, with income under $90,000 ($180,000 married)
See the rule
“AOTC allows a credit up to $2,500 per eligible student. ... AOTC is partially refundable, 40%. ... Your modified adjusted gross income must be less than $90,000, ($180,000 if married filing jointly).” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
College grant for current or former foster youth
Program: Chafee Education and Training Grant
A need-based grant for college or training, up to $5,000 a year.
Who it’s for: People 25 or younger — current or former foster youth, age 25 or younger, in college or training
See the rule
“The maximum award amount for the 2025-2026 academic year is $5,000.” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Free college money you never pay back
Program: Federal Pell Grant
A need-based federal grant for college or career school (up to about $7,395/year) that you don't repay. Unlocked by filing the FAFSA (or Oregon's ORSAA if you can't file the FAFSA).
Who it’s for: Undergraduate students with financial need who haven't earned a bachelor's degree — file the FAFSA or ORSAA
See the rule
“A Federal Pell Grant is awarded to students who meet eligibility requirements according to federal guidelines. The amount received is determined by your student aid index (SAI) number and your enrollment.” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Free college tuition for foster or homeless youth
Program: Foster Youth Tuition & Fee Waiver (HB 2095)
Waives all remaining tuition and fees at Oregon public colleges after other aid, for up to 4 years or a bachelor's degree.
Who it’s for: People 25 or younger — current or former foster or homeless youth under 25 pursuing a first degree
See the rule
“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.” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Life-skills, housing, and tutoring support for foster youth
Program: Independent Living Program (ILP)
Life-skills training, financial help, housing help, tutoring, and transportation for youth leaving foster care.
Who it’s for: People 14 to 24 — youth 14–24 who are or were in foster care
See the rule
“Age 14 or older and in ODHS or Tribal foster care, OR a former foster child under age 24” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Oregon's largest need-based college grant
Program: Oregon Opportunity Grant
A need-based state grant for undergraduates at Oregon colleges.
Who it’s for: Oregon residents with financial need pursuing a first college degree (undocumented and DACA students may qualify)
See the rule
“Undocumented students, including DACA students, are eligible for the Oregon Opportunity Grant if they meet all eligibility requirements.” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Money for community college
Program: Oregon Promise Grant
A state grant that helps pay tuition at any Oregon community college for recent high school or GED graduates. Apply during your senior year or right after your GED.
Who it’s for: Recent high-school graduates or GED earners starting an Oregon community college soon
See the rule
“The Oregon Promise is a state grant that helps cover tuition costs at any Oregon community college for recent high school graduates and GED® test graduates.” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Free after-school and family support at neighborhood schools
Program: SUN Community Schools
Free after-school programs, mentoring, food, family activities, and social services using schools as community hubs.
Who it’s for: Students and families at a SUN Community School site
See the rule
“The SUN Service System utilizes schools as community hubs to organize and integrate social and support services for youth, families, and community members to promote educational success and family self-sufficiency.” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Browse every program by kind of help instead.