OSU finds unexpected demand for tuition program for low- and middle-income students

More students are taking advantage of Oregon State University's "Bridge to Success" program than its creators expected. Announced last spring to begin with this fall's term, the program was expected to cover fees and tuition for about 10 percent of its Oregon students, or about 1,500 people.

OSU officials, however, have approved awards for some 2,400 students, about half of whom have income levels that qualify them for assistance with books and supplies.

That would be a relief for many lower- to middle-income students. OSU estimates the average cost of resident undergraduate tuition for 2008-09 at $6,123. In addition to the Pell and Opportunity Grant eligibility criteria for students who want to apply to the Bridge to Success program, the student "must be registered for and complete a minimum of 15 credits each term and continue to make satisfactory academic progress," according to OSU.

Those terms were agreeable to Carlota Araujo, 20, of Umatilla.

"I found out a couple of weeks ago. I was very shocked. I was thankful, because my parents, we're going through a lot of financial situations. I was very excited to know that I can pay for school," Araujo said.

Her mother had paid for Araujo's college costs, but a recent back injury has left her mother unable to work. Araujo, a junior majoring in pre-health management and policy, said she was considering either dropping out of OSU or else applying for student loans to supplement the grants she receives.

"I was totally scared," Araujo said. "I guess I was picked at the right moment."

Jim Richter of Pendleton, a senior, said he didn't know much about his Bridge to Success award yet. But he figured it would mean he wouldn't have as many loans to repay.

"We're paycheck to paycheck," said his mother, Tammy Richter. "The financial assistance is greatly needed."

The Bridge to Success grant funding does not have to be repaid. Award amounts may vary, but could be as much as $4,800 on top of federal and state financial aid. Textbooks and supplies would typically cost about $1,500 per student each year.

Support for the Bridge to Success program comes from four sources: the federal Pell Grant, the state-funded Oregon Opportunity Grant, private grant funds raised in support of the Campaign for OSU and operating funds that the university has redirected toward the program. Together, they've provided enough money to cover the greater demand.

"The Campaign for OSU is doing well, and it has helped us with increased gift aid we can use," said Kate Peterson, assistant provost for enrollment management and one of the creators of the Bridge to Success program.

Pell Grant funding also has increased, as has the Oregon Opportunity Grant, which frees up resources in the pool for more students.

Not every student approved will actually enroll at OSU, however, Peterson said. Still, Emilio Vejil, OSU director of financial aid and scholarships, added that many more than 1,500 should get the awards.

According to the Associated Press, colleges across the country have similar programs in place, but the practice is far more common at selective private schools, such as Harvard or Princeton.

OSU officials said Bridge to Success is the largest program in Oregon.

The University of Oregon has a program called PathwayOregon that enables lower-income students to attend the university tuition-free.

In a previous interview, a UO official anticipated only 400 freshmen would benefit starting this fall, but the figure would grow to 1,600 in four years.

OSU's program doesn't have a deadline. "Students can apply even now, and if they qualify for the program, they could receive the funding," Vejil said.

Listen in

To hear OSU President Ed Ray talk about the Bridge to Success program, see www.youtube.com/oregonstate.

Kyle Odegard can be contacted at kyle.odegard@lee.net or 758-9523.