WOU: Scholarships - The Office of Financial Aid

Scholarships

2008-2009 Western Oregon University scholarships

At Western Oregon University, scholarships are a way to recognize and support a variety of outstanding students. Scholarships are part of the overall campus commitment to providing a high-quality education at the state's most affordable rate. Each year, the Financial Aid Office administers nearly $2.5 million in scholarship funds provided by the University and private donors through the WOU Foundation. It is the student’s responsibility to know scholarship deadlines. Because donations are received throughout the year, new scholarships may become available.

Apply for admission to WOU as soon as possible and before February 15th for priority scholarship consideration.

Click on the links below for specific scholarship information for:

Additional WOU scholarship opportunities

Voyager Awards

With this program, Oregon members of the National Guard and Reserves who have been deployed in a combat zone since September 11, 2001 may receive an award to help cover the cost of tuition and fees. Download complete information and an application by clicking here.

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Departmental scholarships

The following individual departments or other agencies may have scholarships and awards available to students. There are a variety of scholarships and awards available and they all require separate applications obtained directly from the department.

Departmental Contacts:
Army ROTC	503-838-8280	Library	503-838-8240
Art	503-838-8340	Music	503-838-8275
Biology/ Earth and Physical Science	503-838-8206	Special Education	503-838-8322
Dance	503-838-8879	Theatre	503-838-8879

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Athletic scholarships

The institution awards athletic scholarships within NCAA II guidelines. For more information please contact the head coach of the sport.

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Scholarship opportunities from outside sources

The Oregon Student Assistance Commission (OSAC)
OSAC awards $22.5 million in scholarship funding to Oregon residents each year. The OSAC scholarship application provides access to more than 340 scholarships and grants. In recent years, nearly one-third of WOU students who applied received an OSAC scholarship. Application available in late December each year. More information available on the OSAC Web site.

College Insider Resources
Getting into a top college, and then paying for it, is getting harder. Tom Smith, cofounder of College Insider Resources is hoping that a Web site he's created will make everything easier. On the site, high school students can apply for more than $8,000 in scholarships. The scholarship application connects students with the colleges they're interested in, and the site leads students to other scholarship resources and information on college admissions. The application and information is free.

Private Scholarships

A number of private organizations offer scholarships and awards. We encourage you to check with businesses, churches and civic organizations to find out about potential awards. A private scholarship notebook is located at the Financial Aid Office front desk for your convenience. The notebook contains any notices that we have received regarding private scholarships and awards. Additionally, students are encouraged to consult the numerous scholarship directories at the Hamersly Library.

Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber
The Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber offers scholarships annually. Since 1996, HMC has awarded more than $708,000 in scholarships. Please see their website and apply for scholarships prior to their February 1 annual deadline.

State Scholarship Agencies

Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education

Arizona Commission for Postsecondary Education

California Student Aid Commission

Colorado Commission on Higher Education

Hawaii University System

Idaho State Board of Education

Montana Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education

Nevada Department of Education

Oregon Student Assistance Commission

Utah State Board of Regents

Washington State College Success Foundation

Scholarship Websites

No matter where you live, various sources of information about scholarships and awards exist nearby. Places to inquire include public libraries, school counseling or financial aid offices, service organizations, corporations, labor unions, professional associations, minority programs, community groups and the following Web sites:

The Admissions Office

College and Career

College Insider Resources

Collegenet

Information on Scholarship Scams

The Smart Student Guide to Financial Aid web site contains the latest information on scholarship scams that defraud parents and students, and on how to identify legitimate organizations.

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Taxability of various types of educational assistance

Note: Some or all of your financial aid (from scholarships, fellowships, need-based education grants, and qualified tuition reductions) may be considered taxable income. Please consult IRS Publication 970, Chapter 1 for more information.

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For more information