Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 575 - HIGHER EDUCATION COORDINATING COMMISSION, OFFICE OF STUDENT ACCESS AND COMPLETION
Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) Chapter 575
Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC), Office of Student Access and Completion (OSAC)
575-001 — General Provisions
Purpose and Scope
Establishes the authority and responsibilities of the HECC and OSAC.
Ensures student access to higher education and supports completion.
Administers state financial aid, scholarship programs, and student loan services.
Definitions
Key terms include:
Commission – Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC).
Office – Office of Student Access and Completion (OSAC).
Financial Aid – State grants, scholarships, or other programs to assist students.
Eligible Student – Student meeting OSAC criteria for financial aid or program participation.
Institution – Postsecondary schools, universities, or colleges recognized by HECC.
575-010 — Administration of Programs
Program Authority
OSAC administers all state-supported student aid programs.
Responsibilities include:
Distributing grants and scholarships,
Managing student loan repayment programs,
Providing guidance to students and institutions.
Application Requirements
Students must submit complete and accurate applications to be considered for financial aid.
Institutions may assist in verifying eligibility and enrollment status.
Verification
OSAC may require verification of student eligibility, including income, residency, or enrollment documentation.
575-020 — Financial Aid Eligibility
General Eligibility
Applicants must be residents of Oregon unless a program allows non-resident participation.
Must be enrolled in an eligible institution or program.
Must meet academic progress standards as defined by OSAC.
Program-Specific Rules
Each grant or scholarship program may have additional eligibility criteria.
Programs may prioritize underserved populations, academic merit, or financial need.
575-030 — Awards and Disbursement
Award Determination
Awards are determined based on available funding, eligibility criteria, and program rules.
Priority may be given to first-time applicants, need-based applicants, or specific program goals.
Disbursement
Funds are disbursed to institutions to apply directly to tuition, fees, or approved educational expenses.
Students may receive refunds for amounts exceeding direct costs as permitted by program rules.
575-040 — Renewal and Continuing Eligibility
Students must maintain eligibility for continuing awards.
Renewal requirements include:
Enrollment in an eligible program,
Satisfactory academic progress,
Submission of required renewal documentation.
Failure to maintain eligibility may result in suspension or termination of aid.
575-050 — Loan Programs and Repayment
Loan Administration
OSAC administers state student loan programs, including origination, servicing, and collections.
Borrowers must comply with repayment terms, deferment rules, and reporting requirements.
Default and Collections
Borrowers in default may face penalties, including referral to collections and reporting to credit agencies.
OSAC provides guidance and options for repayment assistance, deferment, or consolidation.
575-060 — Compliance and Recordkeeping
Institutional Responsibilities
Institutions must report enrollment, financial aid, and academic progress data to OSAC.
Must maintain records for audit and compliance purposes.
Student Responsibilities
Students must provide accurate information and maintain documentation of eligibility.
Must comply with program rules and reporting requirements.
575-070 — Appeals and Advisory Opinions
Appeals
Students may appeal decisions regarding financial aid awards or eligibility.
Appeals are reviewed by OSAC staff or designated committees.
Advisory Opinions
OSAC may issue guidance to institutions or students regarding interpretation of rules.
Opinions provide clarification but do not override existing regulations.
575-080 — Administrative Rules and Updates
The Commission may adopt, amend, or repeal rules to ensure effective program administration.
Rules are intended to promote transparency, fairness, and accountability in student aid programs.
This summary covers the core structure of OAR Chapter 575, including program administration, student eligibility, awards, renewal, loan administration, compliance, appeals, and rulemaking.
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