• FAFSA/ORSAA & CSS Profile applications

    EVERY senior should file either the FAFSA or ORSAA (not both - complete whichever you are eligible for), regardless of their family's economic situation, legal status, or certainty about their college or career plans! 

    FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

    Questions? Get Schooled offers comprehensive tutorials on how to complete the FAFSA.  

    The FAFSA application determines eligibility for: 

    • Pell Grant (up to $7495)
    • SEOG Grant (up to $4000)
    • Federal student loans (up to $5500, first year)
    • Federal Work-study

     To apply:

    1. In September, BOTH seniors AND a parent (referred to as "contributors") register for the FAFSA ID (FSA ID).
      • Students should use their personal email address, NOT their PPS email. 
    2. October 1, the FAFSA application opens for the following school year. Students and parents will submit the FAFSA application for every year the student is in college. 
    3. It is wise to apply for the FAFSA as early as possible! Many state grants and scholarships require the FAFSA. While there is no deadline for the FAFSA application, other types of aid that require the FAFSA are first come first serve.  
    4. Eligibility: Citizens, permanent residents and eligible noncitizens, and are enrolling in an eligible degree or certificate program at an eligible college or career/trade school
     
    Mixed Status Families (student has a SSN, and parents do not)

    Any student who is a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen should fill out the FAFSA. If a student is eligible for the FAFSA, and their parent does not have a social security number, the student should fill out the FAFSA and invite their parents to contribute to their FAFSA. 

    For more resources and information on the process for students in this situation, check out this FAFSA Hub for Mixed-Status Families.

    *A social security number is not required for parent contributors to create an FSA ID (instead of parent SSN, there are alternate steps to complete for mixed-status families)
     
    ORSAA: Oregon Student Aid Application

    The ORSAA is an application through the State of Oregon that determines eligibility for state-supported grants and scholarships. The ORSAA is:

    • For students who are Oregon residents and are undocumented or have DACA status 

    • Determines eligibility for certain need-based aid (grants, scholarships, tuition reduction)

    • Confidential (information not shared with other branches of government or other institutions)

    • Typically opens Oct 1 and remains open all school year (opening usually aligns with FAFSA, which is December 1 this year)

    Steps to apply:
    1. Confirm your eligibility and create an account using this filter tool.
    2. Complete the ORSAA. 
    Students who are US citizens or are eligible non-citizens do NOT file the ORSAA. No student should file both the FAFSA and the ORSAA. 
     

    CSS Profile

    Questions? Get Schooled offers a great tutorial on the CSS Profile and How to Complete It. 

    Some colleges require that students also complete the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE in addition to the FAFSA. Typically, students must complete this very detailed profile of their financial situation before the priority deadline for colleges. 

    NOTE: Early Decision/Early Action schools often require the CSS Profile at the same time as the application deadline, usually mid-November.