Promise programs are a form of place-based financial aid that cover the cost of college tuition. In 2015, Oregon became the second state in the nation to launch a statewide promise program. The program, Oregon Promise, covers nearly all community college tuition. In collaboration with the state’s Higher Education Coordinating Commission and state and local education agencies, we studied data from the first two years of the program to assess its reach and impact.

Key findings included:

• Oregon Promise applicants reflected the demographics of Oregon public high school students overall
• There were fewer eligible applicants and recipients in the program’s second year, when an expected family contribution limit was added
• Just over half of first-year participants renewed their Oregon Promise award in the second year
• Portland metro area public high school graduates in 2015–16 with GPAs close to 2.5 saw positive impacts

Download the full report and study snapshot for more details.

Report