Student Finance

Nonresident Tuition Exemptions

There are several populations that may be exempt from paying nonresident tuition at Portland State University under Tuition Equity (HB2787), Nonresident Tuition Exemptions (SB 553, SB 1552, and SB 312), and tribal enrollment that satisfies residency requirements.

Although students who qualify for these programs will be assessed resident tuition at Portland State University, a student’s formal residency classification does not change.

Tuition Equity

Tuition Equity (HB 2787) is a law providing students attending Oregon high schools greater access to higher education. It allows Portland State University to grant undocumented Oregon students the resident (in-state) tuition rate, if they meet specific criteria.

Learn More About Tuition Equity about this content

Resident Tuition Under SB 553 and SB 1522

Oregon Senate Bills 553 and 1522 are laws that grant eligible students resident (in-state) tuition rates. 

Eligibility

  • Have not established residence in another U.S. state or territory before arriving in Oregon, AND
  • Hold one of these statuses:
    • COFA Islanders: an individual who legally entered the US under a Compact of Free Association treaty between the US and any of the following countries:
      • The Republic of Palau;
      • The Republic of the Marshall Islands; or
      • The Federated States of Micronesia
    • Refugees: an individual granted refugee status by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
    • Special Immigrant Visa Holders: An individual from Iraq or Afghanistan who was provided with the status of special immigrant by the United States Department of Homeland Security under: 
      • (A) Section 1059(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006, P.L. 109-163, 119 Stat. 3444; 
      • (B) Section 1244(b) of the Refugee Crisis in Iraq Act of 2007, P.L. 110-181, 122 Stat. 397; or 
      • (C) Section 602(b) of the Afghan Allies Protection Act of 2009, P.L. 111-8, 123 Stat. 807.
    • An individual who is granted humanitarian parole, asylum, conditional permanent residency or temporary protected status by the United States Department of Homeland Security or other federal agency.

How to Apply

  1. Apply to PSU
  2. Log in to your application portal and complete the Resident Tuition Under SB 553/1522 Request Form.

Resident Tuition Under SB 312

Oregon Senate Bill 312 is a law that grants Native American (member of federally recognized Native American Tribe or Band), or Alaska Native (Yupik, Inuit, Aleut, or other Alaska Native) students who have completed grade 12 and received a diploma (in accordance with ORS 329.451) in an Oregon High School eligibility to pay resident (in-state) tuition and fees.

Eligibility

  • Member of federally recognized Native American Tribe or Band or Alaska Native (Yupik, Inuit, Aleut, or other Alaska Native) AND
  • Completed grade 12 and received a diploma (in accordance with ORS 329.451) in an Oregon High School

Students may be considered Oregon residents based on their Tribal enrollment. If you are an enrolled member of a Native American Tribe which had traditional and customary tribal boundaries that included parts of the State of Oregon or which had ceded or reserved lands within the State of Oregon.

How to Apply

  1. Apply to PSU
  2. Log in to your application portal and complete the Resident Tuition Under SB 312 Request Form.

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