This page is part of the 2016 Lane website archive, and is presented for historical reference only.

FAQ

Scholarships

Frequently Asked Questions

What are scholarships?
Scholarships are considered "FREE" money because they do not need to be paid back.

What types of scholarships are available?
There are scholarships for all majors, non-traditional students, international students, people of all ages, all GPA's, single parents, women, men, once you start searching you'll see that there is a scholarship out there for everyone's personal goals or interests.

Are scholarships available for average students?
Yes, there are scholarships available for "average" students. Everyone has a chance for a scholarship, but you have to apply! Not all scholarships are based on GPA or academic performance.

Where do I find scholarships?
Here are helpful links where you can find variety of scholarships

Do scholarships affect my financial aid?
They may affect your financial aid. Each student has their specific financial aid "package." When you receive a scholarship meet with your financial aid officer to find out if the scholarship will affect your personal financial aid package.

Are scholarships the same as my financial aid?
Scholarships are part of the monetary package that helps pay for school. The term or name "financial aid" commonly refers to the package of government aid available after applying for the FAFSA or

Do I need to pay them back?
No. Scholarships are money that you are not required to pay back. If an application asks you to pay back, you might be filling out a loan application or the website/scholarship is a fraud or scam.

Are scholarships grants?
No, grants are another form of financial aid that you do not need to pay back. Most grants are need- based. This means they are usually awarded based on you or your family's financial situation.
The federal government is the largest source of need-based gift aid, primarily in the form of the Pell Grant.

How long does it take to apply for a scholarship?
The time it takes to apply to a scholarship varies. Many have their own specific criteria to be eligible.

What is involved in completing a scholarship application?
Personal contact information, essays, activity chart, references, etc.

Once I am awarded a scholarship where would I find it in my myLane account?
Go to your myLane account and log in. Once you are in myLane, click on the myFinances tab. On the right side you will see a tab that reads Financial Aid Award, click on Accept Awards and choose the year. Your financial aid awards will appear here. If you have questions, visit Financial Aid for any questions.

When will my scholarship be disbursed?
Once you accept your scholarship. The organization that awarded you the scholarship will then send it to you or to your school. The scholarship money will be disbursed after you have completed the first week of the term.

What are the names of some of the major scholarships that Lane students apply to?

Do my scholarships transfer schools with me?
If the scholarship is from a specific college, you can only use it at that specific college. If the scholarship is from another organization, you may be able to transfer the scholarship with you. You must contact the awarding organization to ask and make the necessary arrangements.

Is there a limit on how many scholarships that can be awarded?
No, there is no limit.

Is there a limit to how many scholarships that I can apply for?
No, there is not a limit on how many scholarships that a person can apply for.

How do I "submit" my Lane Foundation scholarship?
The Lane Foundation does not have a submit button. At the deadline date and time the applications are closed and retrieved from the Foundation.

What is the best time of year to apply for scholarships?
Most major scholarship applications open in mid-November-through the beginning of January. This is a good time to look at institution specific scholarships along with OSAC and The Lane Community College Foundation. However, scholarships are available all year.

Will scholarships affect my work study award?
Scholarships may affect your federal work study. Check with Financial Aid Advisor.

What happens to my unused scholarship money?
At Lane Community College the recipient receives the additional funds.

What are merit scholarships?
These awards are based on a student's academic, artistic, athletic or other abilities.

Are there workshops that I can attend?
Lane Community College offers an annual scholarship workshop called, "How to Pay for College...In ONE Day!" every January. Check the website for more information.

What if I never graduated high school?
Lane Community College requires that a student receive a GED or high school diploma before enrolling. For information on obtaining a GED. Contact the main Adult Basic and Secondary Education (ABSE) office at (541) 463-5214.

Are there scholarships for non-credit classes?
Yes, the Lane Foundation offers a few scholarships for non-credit classes. For more information on non-credit class scholarships check with the Continuing Education Department at the downtown campus (541) 463-6111

Do scholarships pay for child care?
Yes, there are scholarships that will help pay for child care expenses. OSAC has a child care grant that can be applied for each year. Go to the OSAC website and search for child care grant.

Do scholarships pay for living expenses (housing, utilities, etc.)?
Yes, there are scholarships that will help pay for living expenses.

What are the typical deadlines for scholarships?
There are scholarship deadlines throughout the entire year; however, many scholarships have deadlines in the beginning of the year typically January- March.

If I plan on attending a four year college how would I find scholarships for that?
You can find college- and university-specific scholarships on each institution's website. Many schools offer general scholarships along with major-specific scholarships. Often you can find major-specific scholarships by looking at the schools programs and major sites. Many of the deadlines for these scholarships are prior to the admissions deadlines.

Do I need to claim my scholarships on my taxes?
It depends on the scholarship. If you receive additional funds to pay for living expenses that are not school related you may need to file it with/report it on your taxes. Check with the donor/foundation that provided the scholarship to find out if the scholarship is taxable.

Is there an age requirement for scholarships?
Each scholarship will have its own requirements and sometimes there are age restrictions. Other scholarships may not have any age restrictions.

What is the Oregon Opportunity Grant?
The Oregon Opportunity Grant (OOG) is Oregon's largest state-funded need-based grant program for students planning to go to college. Students apply for the OOG by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Visit the Oregon Opportunity Grant website for further details.

Are scholarships renewable?
This depends on the scholarship. Often if the scholarship is renewable it will say on the application. To verify that a scholarship is renewable check with the scholarship donor/ or foundation.

Can I have a scholarship taken away once I have earned it?
Yes, if a person is not meeting the requirements of the scholarship it can be taken away.

Are scholarships the same every year?
Many scholarships are offered annually and tend to have the same deadlines, but always check the websites for updates.

Should I be concerned about companies and scholarships asking for fees?
Yes, you should be concerned. Do not fill out any application that asks you for a fee. Scholarships are free money.

Are there scholarships for people with disabilities?
Yes, go to the Incight Education Scholarship website for more information. You can also add it as criteria in your search engines.

Is it better to apply for bigger well known scholarships or smaller less known ones?
It's up to you, but the more you apply for the better your chances are of receiving a scholarship Remember the bigger scholarships may be very competitive while the smaller may be less competitive.

Are there scholarships available for individuals that have been in foster care?
Yes, go to the OSAC website and search for the Chaffee scholarship.

Are scholarships available for international students?
Yes, there are scholarships visit the College Scholarships for International Students and Non-Citizens website.

I do not qualify for financial aid can I still apply for scholarships?
Yes. There are some scholarships that you are still eligible for if you cannot apply for FAFSA. For instance the Lane Community College Foundation and OSAC offer scholarships for those that cannot apply for FAFSA. For instance, if you are planning to transfer to the University of Oregon, the General Scholarship will be good fit for you.

Also these links are helpful for you to find scholarships that don't require FAFSA:

What is a Hope scholarship?
The Hope Scholarship provides a federal income tax credit based on the first $4,000 in postsecondary education expenses paid by the taxpayer during the tax year. For more information consult a licensed tax preparer.

What is a Ford scholarship?
Not to be confused with the Ford Motor Company, The Ford Family Foundation located in Roseburg, Oregon provides four scholarship programs.

The application process for these scholarships is handled through the Office of Student Access and Completion (OSAC). The OSAC application opens in November. Start early!

Here is a summary of The Ford Family Foundation scholarships-

The Ford Scholars:

  • Graduating high school seniors and community college students transferring to a four-year school
  • Seeking bachelor's degree at an eligible college
  • Residents of Oregon or Siskiyou County, California

The Ford Opportunity:

  • Single parents who are "head of household"
  • Seeking bachelor's degree at an eligible college
  • Residents of Oregon or Siskiyou County, California

The Ford Restart:

  • Age 25 or older
  • Limited college credits
  • Seeking certificate, associate's or bachelor's degree at an eligible college
  • Reference form required
  • Residents of Oregon or Siskiyou County, California

The Ford Sons and Daughters:

  • Dependents of employees of Roseburg Forest Products Co.
  • Age 21 or younger
  • Can be used at any college in the United States