Frequently Asked Questions about Scholarships

How do I apply for scholarships at the University of Oregon?

How do I qualify for merit-based scholarships?

How do I qualify for need-based scholarships?

What scholarships are available to transfer students?

What scholarships are available to graduate students?

What scholarships are available to international students?

Typically, what are the deadlines for scholarships?

What are some good tips for finding scholarships in my community?

Do I need to notify the UO if I receive a outside (private) scholarship?

What effect will outside scholarships have on my financial aid package?

I received a scholarship check from a private donor. What do I need to do?

I've been contacted by companies offering to help me find scholarships for a fee. Is it worth it?

I lost my renewable scholarship in a previous term, but now I am meeting the eligibility requirements. Can I get the scholarship back?

How can I learn more about UO scholarships?

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How do I apply for scholarships at the University of Oregon?
To apply for scholarships at the University of Oregon, follow these steps:

  1. Apply for Admission: To be eligible for scholarships, you must first apply for admission to the University of Oregon. You can do this through the UO Admission website. 

  2. Receive your UO Student ID: Within a few days of applying for admission, you will receive your UO Student ID number. You can find this ID by logging into your Status Portal.

  3. Access the Scholarship Dashboard: After you have your UO Student ID, you can log into the Scholarship Dashboard- the central platform for finding available scholarships. Continuing students can log in anytime using their Duck ID and password. 

  4. Complete your Student Profile: To apply for scholarships, you first need to complete and submit your Student Profile in the Scholarship Dashboard. This helps match you to scholarships that you may be eligible to receive.

  5. Apply for Scholarships: After identifying scholarships you're eligible for, carefully follow the application instructions on the dashboard. Keep in mind that each scholarship may have different eligibility criteria and documentation requirements, such as essays, letters of recommendation, or transcripts.

  6. Check with Your Program or College: Some programs or colleges at UO have their own specific scholarship application processes. Be sure to check with your academic program or department to see if there are any additional scholarships or application steps you need to take.

 

How do I qualify for merit-based scholarships?
To qualify for merit-based scholarships, you'll typically need to meet certain academic and personal criteria. Criteria may include leadership, involvement in activities, geographical background, ethnic background, intended major, and career goals. Pay special attention to the eligibility requirements and selection criteria for each scholarship.

 

How do I qualify for need-based scholarships?
To qualify for need-based scholarships at the University of Oregon you must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The government uses this form to calculate your Student Aid Index (replacing "estimated family contribution" beginning with the 2024-25 FAFSA). The financial aid office subtracts your Student Aid Index from your cost of attendance to determine your financial need. If you are determined to have financial need, you may be eligible for some need-based scholarships. Be sure to submit your FAFSA by any relevant deadlines, as many need-based scholarships have specific submission requirements.

 

What scholarships are available to transfer students?
At the UO, transfer students are eligible for all scholarships available to returning students. Scholarships are generally awarded at the beginning of the academic year, which may make sources very limited for mid-year transfers. Be sure to explore all opportunities through the Scholarship Dashboard and reach out to your department for additional scholarship information.

 

What scholarships are available to graduate students?
At the UO, graduate students may be eligible for the General University Scholarship and Graduate School Scholarships, Awards and Fellowships. Graduate students are also eligible for Graduate Employee positions.

 

What scholarships are available to international students?
UO Excellence, General University, Summit, and Apex Scholarships are available to qualified international students, as are a number of awards through International Affairs. You may also want to search for other scholarships.

 

Typically, what are the deadlines for scholarships?
Typically, scholarship deadlines at the University of Oregon are between January and April for awards that begin in the following fall term. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

  • Prime deadline months: January through April are the most common months for scholarship applications.
  • Annual scholarships: Many scholarships are awarded only once a year, so missing the deadline can mean waiting until the next cycle.
  • Late submissions: Applications submitted past the deadline are usually not considered.

Be sure to check specific scholarship deadlines on the Scholarship Dashboard or with your department to stay on track!

 

What are some good tips for finding scholarships in my community?
Here are some good tips for finding scholarships in your community:

  1. Local Organizations:

    • Check with local churches, community centers, and civic organizations. Many offer scholarships to local students.
    • Reach out to local professional associations and cultural organizations. These often offer scholarships based on career interests or cultural background.

  2. High School:

    • Your high school may have scholarships available for students in your area. Ask your school’s guidance counselor about local opportunities.

  3. Use Scholarship Search Engines:

    • Use free online tools like Fastweb or Scholarships.com to find community-based scholarships. These sites allow you to filter opportunities by location, interests, and eligibility. 
    • The University of Oregon has a Scholarship Bulletin Board that lists scholarship opportunities from organizations outside of the UO. 

  4. Employer Scholarships:

    • Contact large companies in your area or your parent's employer. Many businesses offer scholarships to children of employees or to students from their local community.

  5. Nonprofits and Foundations:

    • Look for local nonprofit organizations or foundations that may offer scholarships, even if you’re not directly involved with them. Many organizations award scholarships to community members.

  6. Networking:

    • Ask friends, family, and neighbors about any scholarship opportunities they may know of. Sometimes opportunities are shared through word-of-mouth.

By exploring these local avenues, you can find a variety of scholarships that may not be widely advertised.

 

Do I need to notify the UO if I receive a outside (private) scholarship?
Yes, you must notify the UO if you receive an outside scholarship.

Here's what you need to know:

  1. Reporting Requirement: All recipients of financial aid are required to report any educational resources, including private scholarships, to the UO. 

  2. When to Report: You must report any scholarships as soon as you are aware of them. This applies even if you don't know about the scholarship until after the school year begins.

  3. How to Report: You can report your private scholarship via:

Reporting your outside scholarship ensures your financial aid package is adjusted correctly and remains in compliance with UO’s policies.

 

What effect will outside scholarships have on my financial aid package?
If you receive outside scholarships, they may affect your financial aid package. Here's how:

  1. Notify the Financial Aid Office: You are required to report any outside scholarships to the Financial Aid Office so they can be factored into your financial aid eligibility.

  2. Impact on Financial Aid: The total amount of financial aid (including private scholarships) cannot exceed your cost of attendance. If your private scholarship increases your total aid, it may result in a reduction of other financial aid, often your loans.

    • If the UO has already met 100% of your demonstrated need and you receive an outside scholarship, your financial aid package may need to be adjusted. 
    • Loans are adjusted first, if possible, to accommodate the outside scholarship.

It's important to report outside scholarships promptly to avoid any issues with your financial aid.

 

I received a scholarship check from a private donor. What do I need to do?
If you receive a scholarship check from a private donor, here’s what you need to do, depending on how the check is made payable:

  1. Scholarship Check Made Payable Directly to You (the student)

    • Report the Scholarship: Notify the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office via email or Duckweb (instructions).
    • Deposit the Check: You can then deposit the check into your personal bank account and use it for educational expenses.

  2. Scholarship Check Made Payable to Both You and the University of Oregon

    • Endorse the Check: Sign the check.
    • Deliver or Mail the Check: Send the endorsed check to the University of Oregon for deposit into your student account.

  3. Scholarship Check Made Payable Only to the University of Oregon

    • Deliver or Mail the Check: Send the check directly to the UO Cashier’s Office for deposit into your student account.

Disbursement Policy:

Without specific instructions from the donor, the university's policy is to disburse scholarships of $2500 or less in full. Scholarships over $2500 are automatically disbursed in three equal installments for the three terms of the academic year.

Where to Send the Scholarship Check:

Mail or deliver the check to the UO Cashier’s Office (located in the Thompson Building on campus):

UO Cashiers
PO Box 3237
Eugene, OR 97403-0237

Make sure the check includes your name and UO ID number.

 

I've been contacted by companies offering to help me find scholarships for a fee. Is it worth it?
Be very cautious when contacted by companies offering to help you find scholarships for a fee. These are often scholarship scams. Here are some important tips to keep in mind:

Red Flags of Scholarship Scams:

  • "This scholarship is guaranteed or your money back."
  • "You can't get this information anywhere else."
  • "We'll do all the work."
  • "This scholarship will cost you some money."

What You Should Know:

  • Legitimate scholarships are free to apply for. You should never pay for a scholarship search or application.
  • Be skeptical of unsolicited offers, especially if they seem too good to be true.
  • Scammers may try to pressure you with promises of "exclusive" scholarships or guaranteed awards.

What to Do:

 

I lost my renewable scholarship in a previous term, but now I am meeting the eligibility requirements. Can I get the scholarship back?
If you lost your renewable scholarship but are now meeting the eligibility requirements, you may be able to have the scholarship reinstated. Here's what you need to know:

  1. Work Towards Reinstatement: If you did not meet the renewal criteria, you can work on raising your GPA or completing the necessary credits to meet the requirements.
  2. Notify the Financial Aid Office: Once you are meeting the eligibility requirements again, it is your responsibility to notify the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office.
  3. Reinstatement Policy:
    • No retroactive reinstatement: You cannot have the scholarship reinstated for past terms during which you were ineligible.
    • Timely Notification: If you don’t notify the office promptly, you will not be able to receive the scholarship for any term that has already passed.
    • There is a limited time window of typically 5 years to receive your scholarship.

 

How can I learn more about UO Scholarships?
The Financial Aid and Scholarship office host several scholarship workshops during the school year. You can attend a virtual or in-person workshop to learn about scholarships and get tips on applying. 

 

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