Free College: Portland State Offers Four Free Years to Qualifying Freshman

Portland State University is trying to boost enrollment among Oregonians, offering to pay for four years of classes as well all mandatory fees. The offer is for qualifying students who are admitted for classes starting in the fall 2017 semester.

"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."

To qualify, students must:

• Be accepted into PSU;
• Have a 3.4 grade point average;
• Apply for federal student aid;
• Be eligible for the Federal Pell Grant for low-income families;
• Apply for and accept federal and state grants; and
• Need to complete their application for federal student aid by Feb. 1 and apply for fall term admission by May 1.

If accepted, the program will cover 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 said in a release from PSU. "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 only available to full-time PSU students. It is not available for students co-admitted to a community college.

Photo PSU