and Beyond!

Every state has 2-year schools in the form of community colleges, technical colleges or junior colleges. These schools are less expensive than 4-year schools, can be more convenient and can be a jumpstart to your college education. Read on to learn more about these 2-year institutions of higher learning.

Two-year colleges primarily award associate's degrees, certificates and diplomas. Many 2-year schools offer general education courses and programs in the humanities, arts and sciences that can help students eventually transfer their credits over to a 4-year institution. However, 2-year schools also offer vocational and technical programs that can prepare students to enter the workforce.

Save money: Costs are typically much lower than those at four-year colleges. According to the 2021 Community College Review, public community colleges on average charge $5,155 yearly for in-state students and $8,835 for out-of-state students. As a point of comparison, our report shows that the average 2021-22 annual tuition for public four-year colleges was $10,740 for in-state students and $27,560 for out-of-state students.

Prepare to transfer to a four-year college: Many community college graduates decide to transfer to four-year schools to complete their bachelor’s degrees. Smart planning can help ensure that the credits you earn will count toward your degree at the four-year college you hope to attend. Find out more about transferring.

Get ready for a career: If you want to enter the workforce sooner, you can earn a certificate or degree in a career-oriented field, such as firefighting or engineering technology.

Try out college: Most programs are open admission. This means that you can go to college even if your high school grades aren’t strong. A community college is also a good option if you’re not sure you’re ready for college. You’ll have a chance to challenge yourself and see if college is right for you.

Take advantage of a flexible schedule: Most community colleges offer an element of convenience to students. You can attend full time or part time, as well as schedule your courses around home and work commitments. There’s a campus within a short driving distance of most towns in the United States.

As of 2022, 20 states offer tuition-free community college for eligible students. Different states have their own eligibility criteria for community college applicants. High school GPA, full-time student status, and in-state residency are examples of eligibility criteria.

The Oregon Promise is a state grant that helps cover tuition costs at any Oregon community college for recent high school graduates and GED® test graduates. Students must apply during their senior year or immediately after GED® test completion. The application is open for students who will graduate between October 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024 can APPLY NOW. Students who graduated prior to October 1, 2023 cannot apply for the grant.

Please read the following Fact Sheets regarding Oregon Promise 2023-24 (current college students):

• Fact Sheet for New Students and Families
• General Fact Sheet

AWARD AMOUNTS

Awards range from $2,058 to $4,248 (in 2023-24) for full-time, full-year students. Award amounts for 2024-25 will be determined in Spring 2024.

Who is Eligible?

• Submit the Oregon Promise Grant application AND the FAFSA or ORSAA by the appropriate deadline, and list at least one Oregon community college on the FAFSA or ORSAA.
• Be a recent Oregon high school graduate or GED® test graduate.
• Attend an Oregon community college by your required start term, based on your graduation date.
• Have a 2.0 cumulative high school GPA or higher, or a 145 grade on all GED® tests.
• Be an Oregon resident for at least 12 months prior to college attendance.
  • For dependent students, your parent(s) must also live in Oregon.
• Have no more than 90 college credits completed or attempted.
• Students may be subject to eligibility requirements based on their Expected Family Contribution (EFC) or Student Aid Index (SAI). EFC/SAI eligibility requirements are subject to change based on available funding.

How long can I receive the grant?

If eligible, students can receive Oregon Promise until they have attempted a total of 90 credits. There is no limit to the number of the years or terms you can receive the grant; it is based on the 90 credit limit. Watch this quick video for more information. All of the following types of credits count toward the 90 credit limit:

• College credits you take while in high school or as part of a high school completion program
• College credits you take during summer term*
• College credits you take at another college or university while dual-enrolled at a community college
• College credits for courses you withdraw from or fail
• Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) credits earned
• Any other college credits you attempt or complete prior to and during your time as an Oregon Promise recipient

*Oregon Promise does not pay for summer courses.

Requirements for entrance into two-year colleges are less stringent than those of four-year colleges and universities. Most two-year colleges have an 'open door' policy, meaning anyone who meets a few simple entrance requirements will be admitted. Requirements for entrance into two-year colleges generally include educational background information, relevant testing scores and an admission application and supporting paperwork.

Basic Requirements for Admission:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Minimum High School GPA
• 4 Years of English
• 3 years of Math
• 3 Years of Science
• 3 Years of Social Science

For more selective colleges, plan on taking 4 years of each of these core classes. Students who are interested in STEM fields should take 4 years of math and science.

Colleges have different class and credit requirements. These are often greater than the requirements to graduate from high school. Check with the colleges you’re interested in for specific requirements.

Talk to a counselor or teacher at your school about what you plan to do after high school. They can advise you on the classes you should take to meet your goal.

Oregonians are served by 17 community colleges, with over 60 campuses and centers throughout the state. Collectively, community colleges are the largest provider of education via distance technology, enabling remote study for job preparation or the accumulation of credits for transfer to a four-year university or degree track courses at the community colleges themselves. Explore Oregon’s 17 community colleges below.

1. Blue Mountain Community College (BMCC), Pendleton
2. Central Oregon Community College (COCC), Bend
3. Chemeketa Community College (Chemeketa CC), Salem
4. Clackamas Community College (Clackamas CC), Oregon City
5. Clatsop Community College (Clatsop CC), Astoria
6. Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC), The Dalles
7. Klamath Community College (KCC), Klamath Falls
8. Lane Community College (LCC), Eugene
9. Linn-Benton Community College (LBCC), Albany
10. Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC), Gresham
11. Oregon Coast Community College (OCCC), Newport
12. Portland Community College (PCC), Portland
13. Rogue Community College (RCC), Grants Pass
14. Southwestern Oregon Community College (SOCC), Coos Bay
15. Tillamook Bay Community College (TBCC), Tillamook
16. Treasure Valley Community College (TVCC), Ontario
17. Umpqua Community College (UCC), Roseburg