OSU's Bridge to Success Program is a new financial aid initiative that in its first school year, 2008-09, will allow more than 10 percent of the Oregonian students who attend OSU to do so free of charge.

The program, which is the largest of its kind yet announced in Oregon, covers all tuition and fee costs for more than 3,000 in-state students. Additional funds will cover books and supplies for half of those students.

The awards are based on financial need and students» ability to show satisfactory progress toward completion of degrees, including taking 15 credits each term.

Another innovative aspect of the new program is its simplicity: Students don't need to apply, including those who applied for financial aid for the 2008-2009 school year. Any financial aid applicant who meets Pell Grant and Oregon Opportunity Grant eligibility and can show necessary progress toward degree will be automatically considered.

"As Oregon's land grant university, it is our mission to ensure that the sons and daughters of this state have access to a premier college education, and the Bridge to Success Program will help us fulfill that promise for worthy students with significant financial need," said OSU President Ed Ray.