Financial Aid and Scholarships

It is understood that you want as much grant and scholarship money as possible. When you are awarded your financial aid, your award will reflect your eligibility for available grant aid. When accepting your award, you may always request a lesser loan amount. Please note that loan funds are divided into equal disbursements, based on your enrollment at OSU within the given year. You may replace your Federal Work-Study funds with a Direct Ford loan, however this is dependent upon your loan eligibility. In addition, if you initially decline loan funds but find later that you in fact need them, you may also request that the loan be reinstated up to the total of your original offer. Please request any changes in writing by submitting a Loan Revision Request form to the office or via email at financial.aid@oregonstate.edu. Be aware that not all budget requests can be accommodated.

Additional Costs

In certain instances, your cost of attendance may be adjusted to include other allowable costs incurred to meet your educational needs. Requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine approval. Documentation of the additional expense must be included for consideration. If approved, additional expenses are usually funded with "self-help" assistance in the form of loans. Adjustments are not made for consumer debts, car payments, or private school tuition.

Adjustments may include, but are not limited to:

• Medical or dental cost not covered by insurance
• Computer expense (one time allowance)
• Child care cost for children 12 and under
• Commuting costs from outside the Corvallis area
• Costs related to students with disabilities
• Study abroad program fees

Parent or Student Expected Contributions (EFC)

The information you reported on your FAFSA is used to calculate a number called the Expected Family Contribution (EFC.  The EFC is not the amount of money that your family must provide. The school uses the EFC to determine the amount of your federal grants, loans, or work-study awards for which you may be eligible.

Changes in your situation:

Financial Aid offices may consider special or unusual circumstances that impacts your family situation.  Examples such as loss of employment, a one-time benefit (that affected your previous year's tax return), a change in marital status since filing the FAFSA, and major medical or dental expenses, may be considered. For more information please download and review the Special Conditions Appeal form, and feel free to contact us with any questions you might have.