What you qualify for depends on many factors, but it all starts with applying for financial aid. You should apply for financial aid, even if you don’t think that you’ll qualify. It's the only way to guarantee you'll be considered for every type of aid possible, regardless of your income level.
Grants & scholarships
Think of grants and scholarships as free money or money that doesn't have to be paid back. Grants and scholarships (also called "gift aid") help reduce the cost of attending college.
Learn more about grants & scholarships »
Loans
A loan is borrowed money (you may hear terms like "borrowing" or "taking out loans" ) that you have to pay back with interest. Loans help you cover costs that aren't paid for by grants and scholarships.
Jobs & work-study
Most students who receive financial aid work part time during the school year. You can either find part-time jobs on or off campus on your own, or you may qualify for Federal Work-Study (or campus work-study).
Learn more about jobs & work-study »
UC financial aid programs
Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan
If your family's annual income is under $80,000 and you qualify for financial aid, you won't pay any systemwide tuition or fees under the Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan.
Learn more about the Blue and Gold Opporunity Plan »
Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) program
The MCS provides funding to covers a portion of the cost of attending for eligible undergraduates and to students pursuing a teaching credential who attend the University of California or a California State University.
Learn more about the Middle Class Scholarship program »
California DREAM Loan Program
The California DREAM Loan Program provides eligible undocumented AB 540 undergraduates with the option to borrow loans to help cover the cost of attending UC.