Willamette University will cover tuition for Oregon students whose families earn $80,000 or less in adjusted gross income, the Salem-based university announced Wednesday, Sept. 2.

Two new non-competitive scholarships make the offer possible, as Salem Reporter reported.

The Oregon Access Scholarship applies to Willamette College on State Street in Salem. The Oregon Arts Scholarship covers Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA), Willamette's Portland campus. Both take effect for students enrolling in fall 2027.

The income threshold covers roughly half of Oregon families, according to Central Oregon Daily.

At current rates, the scholarships represent real savings. Willamette College tuition runs $56,640 per year, according to the university's published fee schedule. PNCA tuition is $54,400 per year. Total cost of attendance, including housing and meals, reaches $74,812 at Willamette College and $68,140 at PNCA. Whether the new scholarships cover costs beyond tuition has not been specified.

"Non-competitive" means eligible students are not ranked against each other for the awards. Any Oregon student from a qualifying household who is admitted receives the scholarship.

First-year and transfer students can apply during the fall 2026 admissions cycle for fall 2027 enrollment, according to a university press release. The university has not published a specific application deadline for the scholarships.

Prospective students can find details through Willamette College's admissions office at 900 State St. in Salem.