Last year, Oregon declared free tuition for new students at community colleges. This year, the state is walking back its promises.

It comes as no surprise that Oregon won’t be able to fully fund the program. A high interest/participation rate coupled with limited funding doesn’t jive. Some individuals who signed up will not be able to participate in the free tuition program after all.

To fix the massive over-promise and under-deliver, the state is upping eligibility qualifications from its original standards. Some of the wealthier students will no longer qualify to participate.

The effort has been named the “Oregon Promise Grant.”

“…state grant that helps to cover most tuition costs at any Oregon community college for recent high school graduates and GED® recipients. Oregon Promise award amounts for 2017-18 are currently available in the OSAC Student Portal,” their website explains.