Portland State University announced a program Tuesday to pay for tuition and mandatory fees for qualifying Oregonians entering PSU as full-time freshmen starting in fall 2017. Called “Four Years Free,” the program is designed for state residents who meet academic and financial requirements.
See this video about the program.
“There are so many costs associated with going to college,” said Shannon Carr, PSU’s executive director of admissions and new student programs. “We want to make it more affordable and attainable for Oregon residents.”
Students must be accepted into PSU, have a 3.4 grade point average and apply for federal student aid (FAFSA). They must be eligible for the Federal Pell Grant for low-income families and apply for and accept federal and state grants. Students need to complete their FAFSA application by Feb. 1 and apply for fall term admission by May 1.
Four Years Free covers tuition and mandatory fees for up to 15 credits per term for qualifying students. It does not cover housing or other college expenses, but for students taking a full 15-hour course load, it can save them nearly $8,400 per year.
PSU is sending information this week to high school counselors in the Portland metro area as they help prepare students for college.
“Money is an enormous issue,” said Lori Butler, a guidance counsellor at Cleveland High School in Portland. “Four Years Free at Portland State could make a huge difference for students who want to go straight to a four-year college but are concerned about the cost.”
Four Years Free is made possible by combining federal and state grants and money provided by PSU. Recipients are still encouraged to apply for additional grants and scholarships. Applications for PSU scholarships are due by Dec. 1.
Students who receive the Four Years Free award can keep receiving it throughout their undergraduate education (up to 12 consecutive terms of enrollment) by maintaining a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA, remaining eligible for the Pell Grant and completing the FAFSA application each year by Feb. 1.
Four Years Free is only available to full-time PSU students. It is not available for students co-admitted to a community college.