Alternative Funding

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate students should seek information about graduate and teaching assistantships from the Office of Graduate Studies, 111 Cramer Hall, 503-725-8410.

Alternative/Private Loan Programs

Many lenders offer alternative/private education student loan programs. These are separate from the federal Stafford and PLUS loan programs that PSU administers and are not federally regulated lending programs. It is recommended that all students first apply for federal financial aid before applying for alternative or non-federal funding. The terms/interest rates vary on these loans. These outside resources will be taken into consideration when determining the student's eligibility for financial aid.

Although we are unable to recommend one particular lender. There are some alternative loan lenders with which we have had favorable experience. A comparison of Portland State University preferred alternative loan lenders can be viewed on College Lender List, and specific materials about each lender can be found by following the links below:

Citibank
Sallie Mae
Wells Fargo

Here are some example questions (pdf, 17kb) that you should research and ask from potential lenders. It is your responsibility to determine if any particular program is better for your needs than another. To see more information about alternative loans, please visit our alternative loan information page.

AmeriCorps Program

This federal program is for any citizen or legal resident age 17 or older (sixteen in the case of some youth corps programs) who may serve before, during, or after post-secondary education. In general, participants must be high school graduates or agree to achieve their GED prior to receiving the education award. While AmeriCorps will focus on young adults, men and women of all ages, economic backgrounds, racial and ethnic groups, regions, religions, and people with disabilities, are encouraged to apply.

All AmeriCorps members will serve in programs proposed by state and local government organizations, nonprofit agencies, schools, police departments, and institutions of higher education, or in one of two national programs: AmeriCorps VISTA or AmeriCorps (National Civilian Community Corps). Depending on the program and your own skills, you might work independently, helping a local group establish a needed service, or in pairs, small groups, or large teams. You might work intensively on a single project throughout your term, or, with your team, meet a variety of community needs.

Full-time participants will receive a modest living allowance (in general about $7,500 although some may offer up to $15,000 a year), health and child care benefits (if needed), and an education award of $4,725 for each term of service up to two terms. Part-time participants may receive a living allowance and other benefits at the discretion of the program. Part-time participants will receive an education award of $2,362 for each of up to two terms of service.

For more information on how to apply please call 800-94A-Corps or visit their web site at: www.americorps.org.

The State of Oregon Department of Human Services

The State of Oregon Department of Human Services provides many forms of assistance to families. Please refer to their web site for more information regarding resources that may be available.