Financial aid
What is financial aid?
Grants, scholarships, loans and work-study are all forms of financial assistance — and extremely popular ones at that. In fact, nearly two-thirds of UC undergraduates receive some financial aid with an average award of around $14,000. For California residents, that covers nearly half the cost of attending UC for a full year.
Grants
Grants are like cash gifts. They don't have to be repaid. There are a number of grants available to students who qualify, from federal Pell Grants and state Cal Grants, to UC grants.
Scholarships
Both the UC system and individual UC campuses offer scholarships based on merit and financial need.
Loans
Many students and parents borrow money, or take out loans, for college. Federal direct loans are available to most students who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents and eligible non-citizens regardless of income.
Federal student loans are required by law to provide a range of flexible repayment options, including, but not limited to, income-based repayment and income-contingent repayment plans, and loan forgiveness benefits, which other private student loan lenders are not required to provide. Campus financial aid offices can guide you through your options.
Federal work-study
Funded by the federal government, this program provides financial assistance through student employment.
Student employment
We expect most students seeking financial aid to work part time during the school year and full time in the summers, unless they go to summer school. Most part-time jobs on or near campus pay roughly the same amount as a work-study award.