Chafee Education and Training Voucher Program

Oregon’s Chafee Education and Training Voucher supports current and former foster youth pursuing postsecondary education or training. Potentially eligible students include those still in care; those with at least 180 days in care after age 13 who exited at age 14 or older; or those adopted or placed in guardianship after age 13 under the program’s date rule. Applicants must be 25 or younger.

The process requires FAFSA and a separate online Chafee application. If foster care was in another state, Oregon recommends applying through that state; if applying in Oregon, an official letter documenting entry and exit dates and other details is required. Eligibility is verified by the Department of Human Services Independent Living Program.

The 2026–27 application is open, with term deadlines: winter 2027 on November 1, 2026; spring on February 1; and summer on May 1. The page retains an older paragraph mentioning 2025–26 and a $5,000 cap for that year, so that amount should not be presented as current for 2026–27. The college calculates the award based on need, enrollment, and other aid.

Students who change schools must update the OSAC portal because transferring funds between campuses can take time. The grant is sent to the college and calculated after other aid; contact financial aid before the first term to learn when it will post. The state asks applicants to respond quickly to document requests.

To compare this benefit with other options, ask financial aid for an estimate separating tuition, fees, housing, and excluded expenses. Confirm whether it renews annually, what GPA or course load it requires, and whom to contact if the student account does not show the payment. Keep award letters and receipts until the school confirms disbursement.

Official program information and application