Oregon Private College Week, August 2

Governor Kate Brown has declared August 3-7, 2015 to be Oregon Private College Week. The proclamation cites the indispensable contributions of the state’s private, nonprofit sector of higher education to Oregon’s communities and to the state’s 40-40-20 education attainment goal. Eleven private, nonprofit colleges and universities across the state are opening their doors to prospective students and their families during Oregon Private College Week. Students who visit at least four institutions during the week will receive application fee waivers. Students may use these fee waivers to apply to any Alliance member college or university. Together, Alliance colleges and universities enroll 19% of Oregon’s undergraduate students, award 23% of Oregon’s undergraduate degrees and confer 24% of the bachelor’s degrees awarded to minority students in the state, including high-need fields such as STEM (21%), health professions (35%), business (24%), and public administration and social service (27%). Together, the private nonprofit sector offers degrees in more than 240 fields of study, such as engineering and computer science. The majority of students enrolled in Alliance member institutions graduates within four years and begins to make an immediate contribution to Oregon’s economy. Also cited in Governor Brown’s proclamation is the economic contribution that Oregon’s private, nonprofit colleges and universities make to the state’s economy. During Oregon Private College Week, prospective students and their families are invited to learn about academic programs and financial aid, meet experts in admission, and tour the campus. College officials will also address common myths about private higher education: * Thirty-two percent of Alliance undergraduates qualify for federal Pell Grants based on income. * The Alliance member institutions are cost effective. The average indebtedness of Alliance graduates is lower than the national average for private colleges and universities and similar to that of public institution graduates. * Ninety-two percent of first time, first year students receive financial aid, with an average grant and scholarship award of over $18,000. Sessions will begin at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information about Oregon Private College Week, to view a list of participating colleges or to register, please visit www.oregonprivatecolleges.com. The Matched College Savings Program (MCSP) and SALT are sponsors of Oregon Private College Week.