Scholarships - The Office of Financial Aid

Scholarships

2010-2011 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 $2.9 million in scholarship funds provided by the University and private donors through the WOU Foundation. It is the student’s responsibility to understand application procedures and be aware of scholarship deadlines.

Academic scholarships

WOU offers a significant number of competitive scholarships to incoming undergraduate and transfer students based on academic achievement. These scholarships are awarded based on information provided from the WOU Undergraduate Admissions Application; no separate application is required. Apply for admission to WOU as early as possible and no later than February 17, 2010 for priority scholarship consideration. Awarding will continue for qualified students until funding is exhausted.

Presidential Scholarships

Awarded to graduating high school seniors
Minimum 3.40 high school GPA
Minimum 21 ACT or 1000 SAT (combined critical reading and math sections)
2010 high school graduates must complete a minimum of three college preparatory units with a C- or better in their senior year
Amounts vary from $1,000 to $3,500 per year, with most awards being $1,000
Renewable for up to four years
Students with at least a 3.80 high school GPA and 29 ACT or 1300 SAT (combined critical reading and math sections) will receive a four-year renewable award of $3,500 per year

Provost Transfer Scholarships

Awarded to new transfer students
Minimum 3.5 transferable GPA
Amount is $1,000 per year
Scholarships are renewable for a total of two years

Scholarships for new, continuing, and transfer WOU students

WOU Foundation Scholarships

Complete the WOU General Scholarship Application to be considered for over 100 different WOU scholarship programs, including scholarships from institutional funds and private donors through the WOU Foundation. Selection criteria vary by scholarship, but generally include academic merit, extracurricular activities, personal essays, and overall quality of application. Financial need, as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), is an additional factor for some scholarships.

Application deadline:

February 17, 2010 for incoming freshmen
April 15, 2010 for new transfer and all continuing WOU undergraduate students

Diversity Commitment Scholarship

At Western Oregon University, we believe a diverse campus community improves the overall quality of education our students receive by offering a mix of experiences, opinions, and viewpoints. We are committed to recognizing and supporting outstanding students from diverse cultural, educational, and economic backgrounds, with unique talents, interests, and life experiences. Apply for this scholarship using the Diversity Commitment Scholarship Application.

Awarded to high school senior and transfer students
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Scholarships are $3,500 per year
Renewable for up to four years for new freshmen and up to two years for transfer students

Application deadline:

February 17, 2010 for incoming freshmen
April 15, 2010 for new transfer students

David S. Brody Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 1995 by Dr. Richard W. Woodcock and Dr. Ana F. Munoz-Sandoval in memory of David S. Brody. This scholarship is awarded to students from diverse backgrounds, especially those who are traditionally under-represented in higher education. Awards are competitive and consider ethnic background, first-generation status, bilingual ability (Spanish/English preferred), financial need, educational background, community service, leadership and activities, and overall quality of application. This scholarship covers the cost of tuition, fees, books, supplies, and room and board as determined by the Financial Aid Office, less any other scholarships and grants received. This scholarship may be renewable as long as the recipient(s) maintain(s) satisfactory academic progress. This opportunity is only open to new students at WOU and the selection process will include on-campus interviews for the finalists. Apply for this scholarship using the David S. Brody Memorial Scholarship Application.

Application Deadline:

Postmarked by March 15, 2010 for incoming freshmen and new transfer students

High School Partnership Awards

Selected ASPIRE Programs. New undergraduate students may be eligible for a one-time $500 transition scholarship. See your ASPIRE coordinator for information on eligibility and nomination process. It is expected that two students per program will receive a scholarship. Please click here for the scholarship nomination form. Nomination deadline is Friday, March 12, 2010.

Selected TRIO (Upward Bound and Talent Search) Programs. New undergraduate students may be eligible for a one-time $500 transition scholarship. See your TRIO coordinator for information on eligibility and nomination process. It is expected that one student per program will receive a scholarship. Please click here for the scholarship nomination form. Nomination deadline is Friday, March 12, 2010.

Associate of Arts/Science Oregon Transfer Degree (AAOT/ASOT) Scholarship

New transfer students who have completed either an AAOT or ASOT may be eligible for a one-time $500 scholarship. Please click here for the scholarship application form.

Oregon Transfer Module (OTM) Scholarship

New transfer students who have completed the OTM may be eligible for a one-time $500 scholarship. Please click here for the scholarship application form.

Additional WOU scholarship opportunities

Departmental scholarships

The following departments or agencies may have scholarships and awards available to students. Students are advised to contact the department directly for specific award details and application procedures.

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

Graduate Scholarships

Western Oregon University currently receives funds from the Oregon Lottery which are used to award graduate scholarship opportunities in certain departments. Current programs are listed below. Students are advised to contact the department direclty for specific award details and application procedures.

History - Dr. John Rector, 503-838-8294

Music - Diane Tarter, 503-838-8593

Masters of Science in Education (Information Technology) - Susan Griffin, 503-838-8704

Masters of Art in Teaching (Math/Science) - Susan Griffin, 503-838-8704

Special Education (Bilingual) - Dr. Bob Brownbridge, 503-838-8961

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 application by clicking here.

Athletic scholarships

Western Oregon University awards athletic scholarships to exceptional student athletes in all of the official WOU sports within NCAA II guidelines. For more information regarding athletic scholarships, contact the Department of Athletics at (503) 838-8252 or the head coach of the sport.

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Scholarship opportunities from outside sources

The Oregon Student Assistance Commission (OSAC)

OSAC awards over $22.5 million in scholarship funding to Oregon residents each year. The OSAC Scholarship Application provides access to more than 400 scholarships and grants. In recent years, nearly one-third of WOU students who applied were awarded a scholarship by OSAC. The OSAC Scholarship Application deadline is March 1, 2010, with an Early Bird deadline of February 16, 2010. Check out the listing of scholarships and apply online at www.GetCollegeFunds.org.

Private scholarships

A number of private organizations offer scholarships and awards. We encourage you to check with businesses, churches, and civic organizations. The Financial Aid Office has also compiled a list of private scholarship information and resources for undergraduate and graduate students, available on our private scholarships page.

Hispanic metropolitan chamber

Since 1996, the Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber has awarded more than $708,000 in scholarships. Please visit their website at www.hmccoregon.com for more information and apply for their scholarships prior to the February 1 annual deadline.

State scholarship agencies

Scholarship Web sites

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:

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