Financial Aid Information for Dreamer Students

At the University of Oregon, the term “Dreamers” refers to Undocumented, DACA-mented, Tuition Equity, and students of mixed status families.

ORSAA

The Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA) is an alternative to the FAFSA for undocumented Oregon students including students who have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status or Temporary Protected Status (TPS).  

By submitting the ORSAA, eligible Resident undergraduates can be considered for the Oregon Opportunity Grant, which is a grant managed by the State of Oregon. 

Additionally, by submitting the ORSAA, Resident and Non Resident students who are undergraduate, graduate or law students can demonstrate financial need for scholarships like the Diversity Excellence Scholarship, Opportunity Through Excellence Scholarships and other departmental scholarships. 

Scholarships

Dreamer students are eligible for most of the same scholarships as other domestic students (excluding PathwayOregon). 

First Year Students
Continuing and Transfer Students
Graduate and Law Students

Opportunity Through Excellence: Fund the Dream Scholarship 

This is a one year award that ranges from $5,000 - $9,000. The scholarship is open to both undergraduate and graduate students. In order to be eligible, students must be:

  • Currently enrolled at UO, or apply for admission as an Incoming Graduate, Law or Transfer student for Fall 2025 (incoming freshmen are not eligible to apply)
  • A first generation college student
  • Able to show financial need
  • Ineligible for federal financial aid

To apply 

  • Transfer students and incoming Graduate & Law students who are not already attending UO must apply for Admission no later than March 15, 2025.
  • Scholarship application deadline is April 1, 2025.

Opportunity Through Excellence Scholarship

There are also several scholarship opportunities available through the OSAC Scholarship Application.

Tuition Equity

DACA and undocumented Oregon residents can be exempt from paying nonresident tuition and fees by completing and submitting the Tuition Equity Affidavit to the Office of Admissions.

Nonresidents of Oregon are ineligible for Tuition Equity and are subject to nonresident tuition and fees.

Mixed-Status Families

Students that are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens and whose parents do not have a social security number are still eligible to submit the FAFSA with these additional instructions.   

A student whose parent cannot obtain a Parent PLUS Loan due to not having a Social Security Number is allowed to borrow additional unsubsidized Stafford loan amounts. Please contact the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships for instructions on how to proceed.