Grants

Grants and scholarships are referred to as 'gift aid' and come from the federal government, state government, college, or private/nonprofit organizations. Grants are a type of financial aid that does not have to be repaid (except under certain circumstances) and are needs-based. Scholarships are usually merit-based or a combination of merit and need. Below are the types of grants that are available to COCC students.

Grants

 

  • Federal Pell Grant
    The Federal Pell Grant program was established to provide financial aid for eligible undergraduate students with financial need. Eligibility for other federal aid is determined after the Federal Pell Grant is taken into consideration. Federal Pell Grant awards in 2024-25 range up to $7,395 depending on a student's SAI, cost of attendance, and enrollment. Students with a prior bachelor's degree are not eligible. Students enrolled in less than 12 credits may receive the Pell Grant at a pro-rated amount (see chart below). Pell Grants will be paid to all students who are eligible and enrolled in summer term.
  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) 
    COCC is responsible for selecting eligible students and determining the amount of the aid offer. (The Federal SEOG awards are for undergraduates with exceptional financial need and gives priority to students who receive Federal Pell Grants.) Federal SEOG awards at COCC are $900 per student and are not prorated. This grant has limited funding so not everyone who qualifies will receive this grant. This is why it is important to apply early for financial aid. Students with a prior bachelor's degree are not eligible. SEOG will be paid to all students who are eligible and enrolled in summer term.
  • Oregon Opportunity Grant (OOG)
    The state of Oregon provides funds for this grant program. Eligibility is based on financial need as defined by the Office of Student Access and Completion using the FAFSA® information and is limited to 12 cumulative quarters. Students must have a minimum of one year legal residency in Oregon and be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credits in fall term to receive an OOG Grant. Students who are eligible but delay enrollment until winter or spring may lose their eligibility for one year. Students with a prior bachelor's degree are not eligible. Students enrolled in a course of study leading to a degree in theology, divinity, or religious education are not eligible. Oregon Opportunity Grant currently is set by the state of Oregon budget. Students at COCC may receive a varied amount depending on financial eligibility and enrollment. The Opportunity Grant is not available for summer term.
  • Oregon Promise Grant
    Oregon Promise is a state grant that helps cover tuition at any Oregon community college for recent high school graduates and GED test graduates. Oregon Promise will not cover the full cost of college. Oregon Promise is administered by the Higher Education Coordinating Commission Office of Student Access and Completion. Click here for more information.
  • Oregon Tribal State Grant
    The Oregon Tribal Student Grant program was established to provide grants to eligible Oregon tribal students to offset the cost of attendance for attending eligible Oregon colleges and universities. Current continuing and new students are encouraged to apply. To find out more, visit the Office of Student Access and Completion (OSAC).
  • Oregon National Guard State Tuition Assistance 

    The Oregon National Guard State Tuition Assistance (ONGSTA) program* provides funding toward undergraduate tuition, certain fees, and a book allowance, at eligible Oregon postsecondary institutions for current Oregon National Guard Members. The grant can be used up to 90 credits at an Oregon community college and up to 180 quarter credits/120 semester credits at eligible Oregon universities and colleges. Award amounts vary depending on the type of institution the student attends and their eligibility for other military tuition assistance. ONGSTA is available for Army National Guard, Army National Guard Cadets, and Air National Guard.

    *Application for Federal Tuition Assistance is required prior to applying for the Oregon National Guard State Tuition Assistance program.


Grant Enrollment Prorated Amounts

Enrollment

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

Federal Pell Grant*

8%

17%

25%

33%

42%

50%

58%

67%

75%

83%

92%

100%

Oregon Promise Grant**

0%

0%

0%

0%

0%

50%

58%

67%

75%

83%

92%

100%

Enrollment

1/4 time

1-5 credits

1/2 time

6-8 credits

3/4 time

9-11 credits

Full time

12+ credits

Federal SEOG Grant

100%

100%

100%

100%

Oregon Opportunity Grant**

not eligible

50%

50%

100%

COCC Merit Scholarship**

not eligible

100%

100%

100%

COCC Foundation Scholarship**

not eligible

50%

75%

100%

Federal Work-Study Program

eligible to earn

eligible to earn

eligible to earn

eligible to earn

Federal Direct Student Loans

not eligible

100%

100%

100%

*Estimated percentages

** Funding  not available for summer term