(1) “Cost of education” includes but is not limited to, tuition, fees and living expenses.
(2) “Eligible post-secondary institution” means:
(a) A public university listed in ORS 352.002;
(b) A community college operated under ORS chapter 341;
(c) The Oregon Health and Science University; or
(d) An Oregon-based, generally accredited, not-for-profit institution of higher education.
(3) “Qualified student” means any resident student, or student exempted from paying nonresident tuition under ORS 352.287, who plans to attend an eligible post-secondary institution and who:
(a) Has not achieved a baccalaureate or higher degree from any post-secondary institution;
(b) Is enrolled in an eligible program as defined by rule of the Higher Education Coordinating Commission; and
(c) Is making satisfactory academic progress as defined by rule of the commission.
Note: Section 5, chapter 383, Oregon Laws 2025, provides:
Sec. 5. (1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, the amendments to ORS 348.180, 348.205, 348.260 and 348.263 by sections 1 to 4 of this 2025 Act first apply to the 2026-2027 academic year.
(2) The Higher Education Coordinating Commission may delay implementation of awards to qualified students in eligible programs that do not lead to a degree until the 2027-2028 academic year if the commission determines additional time is required to ensure proper implementation or to ensure such awards are issued in a manner that aligns with federal government initiatives to award such students. [2025 c.383 §5]