From the Gazette Times:

Oregon State University is leveraging state and federal financial aid packages in a new program that will allow 10 percent of its in-state students — about 1,500 people — to attend the university without paying tuition or fees.

“We’re pretty excited. Tuition costs and the costs associated with a college education are pretty daunting for many of our students,� said OSU President Ed Ray.

“Some pretty extraordinary people come from pretty ordinary circumstances, and they need help to get their education. But then they accomplish extraordinary things.�

The program, called “Bridge to Success,� starts this fall, and students already at OSU would be eligible.

The university is identifying students with the greatest need who would qualify for the additional grant money. The aid would not have to be repaid.

Award amounts will vary, but could be as much as $4,800 annually on top of federal and state financial aid, said Emilio Vejil, OSU director of financial aid.

I think that the most remarkable feature of this program is that students don’t need to complete additional applications beyond the application for admission and the FAFSA. This is an important concept because one of the huge challenges that students with high need face is a lack of good information. This process will remove that wall for our neediest students.

If you have any questions about the Bridge to Success Program, you should contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

This is a truly great day for OSU and the State of Oregon! Full press release here.

-jm