Financial Aid

The university maintains a robust financial aid program of grants, scholarships, loans, and part-time employment for undergraduate students who require financial assistance. The Financial Aid and Scholarships Office administers these resources to help bridge the gap between the cost of education and what parents and students can reasonably contribute.

If you are a dependent student, the contribution expected from you and your parents is determined through an analysis of your family’s financial strength, considering such variables as income, number of dependents, living expenses, and savings and investments (excluding your primary residence). Federal, state, and university policies and procedures are applied. The same analysis is used for married and independent students with the exception of parent information. The federal definition of an “independent student” is used to determine your dependency when you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

UC Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan is is our commitment to offering financial aid that greatly benefits all California students and provides cost predictability to all students. Most California families that earn up to $100,000 receive enough grant and scholarship funds to cover their UC tuition. With an average aid package including up to $22,000 in grants and scholarships, many California students are able to work part-time to cover their remaining costs, allowing them to graduate with minimal debt and oftentimes debt-free. As a UC student, your tuition amount will be set when you first enroll and will remain the same for up to six years. Students are automatically considered for all aid sources by submitting their aid application annually by March 2.

No student will receive need-based scholarship and grant assistance in excess of their calculated financial need. All sources of scholarship and grant aid (including federal, state, institutional, private, and outside agency awards) will be applied toward educational expenses and fulfillment of the UC Blue and Gold commitment. Most students who meet the program’s income eligibility criteria receive scholarship and grant funding that exceeds the minimum commitment to cover systemwide tuition and fees.

In addition to the minimum funding provided through the UC Blue and Gold commitment, undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need may receive additional grant assistance to help cover other educational expenses, such as books, housing and food, transportation, and personal expenses.

Application Deadlines

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) may be submitted online at the Federal Student Aid website on or after Oct. 1 of the year prior to the academic year you wish to receive aid (e.g., Oct. 1, 2020, for applicants for fall 2021). Students who are ineligible to complete the FAFSA, but who meet AB 540 criteria, may be eligible to file the Dream Application. Submit a financial aid application each year before the priority deadline of March 2 to be eligible for all types of aid.

Students admitted for fall quarter will receive an estimated financial aid award in April.

The Financial Aid and Scholarships Office may require additional documentation from applicants. These applicants will be sent an email instructing them to login to MyUCSC and view their “To Do List,” where required documents are requested (e.g., copies of student and parent tax returns or other forms). They will be directed to review and submit documents through MyAid Verify. This link is also located in the MyUCSC portal in the Financial Aid Tile. Students can then click the “Financial Resources” link on that page and complete submission. These documents must be received by the deadline on the “To Do List” for a student to be considered for all sources of aid administered by UC Santa Cruz. The deadline is June 2.

Conditional awards for admitted students may change as a result of the review of documentation.

Applicants who submit verification documents after the deadlines will be considered for aid based on availability.

Students admitted for winter quarter must have submitted a FAFSA by their admission notification date. Items requested on your MyUCSC “To Do List” must be submitted by December 2. Award notifications will be made as soon as possible after you are admitted/readmitted and all requested financial aid documents are received.

Types of Aid

If you apply for financial aid and meet the application deadlines, you are considered for all types of aid described below. Based on your financial need, your financial aid package may include a combination of grants, scholarships, loans, and work opportunities.

Grants

UC Santa Cruz Grants are awarded to eligible undergraduate students who are California residents pursuing their first bachelor’s degree. These grants are awarded based on demonstrated financial need, which is determined by subtracting the Student Aid Index (SAI) and other need-based aid resources from the student’s cost of attendance. To be considered for UC grant assistance, students must complete all required financial aid applications and supporting documentation by established deadlines. Students are also responsible for reviewing and accepting eligible financial aid awards through MyUCSC. Awards that are not accepted by the end of the student’s first term of attendance may be canceled or rescinded.
Cal Grant A & B are state-funded grants administered by the California Student Aid Commission for eligible California residents who meet program eligibility, financial need, and academic criteria. To be considered, students must submit either the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA), as applicable, by the established state deadline. First-time applicants must also ensure that a Cal Grant GPA Verification is submitted by the applicable deadline, unless a GPA is submitted electronically by the student’s school. At the University of California, Cal Grant awards may help cover systemwide tuition and student services fees. Award amounts and eligibility are determined annually by the California Student Aid Commission based on state regulations and available funding.

Middle-Class Scholarship is funded by the California Student Aid Commission and awarded to eligible California resident students who meet annual income and asset thresholds established by the commission. Middle Class Scholarship funds are considered last-dollar aid within a student’s financial aid package and may be reduced or adjusted based on other forms of gift aid, including federal, state, institutional, private, and outside scholarship assistance received.
Federal Pell Grants are awarded to eligible undergraduate students who demonstrate significant financial need as determined by the Student Aid Index (SAI). Award amounts vary based on a student’s financial circumstances, enrollment status, and federal eligibility criteria. Maximum award amounts are established annually by Congress. For the 2026–27 academic year, the maximum Federal Pell Grant award is $7,395.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG) are awarded to eligible undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. These federal grants are intended to supplement other sources of financial aid, including institutional grant assistance. Funding is limited, and priority consideration is given to students who meet all applicable financial aid application deadlines. Award amounts vary based on eligibility and available funding, with a maximum annual award of $4,000.

Scholarships

UC Santa Cruz Scholarships range from $3,000 to $53,000 annually. Scholarship funding is provided through the generosity of private donors, alumni, and university resources. Entering undergraduate students are automatically considered for scholarships based on information provided in the UC Application for Undergraduate Admission, including responses to scholarship-related questions and application essays. Continuing students are also automatically considered for scholarship opportunities based on a variety of factors, which may include academic achievement, cumulative GPA, financial need, leadership, talent, or other criteria established by the donor or university. Selected students may be notified of scholarship awards throughout the academic year.
Regents Scholarships are the most prestigious merit scholarships awarded to undergraduates. Freshman Regent Scholars receive a total of $20,000 paid over four years. New junior transfers and continuing students selected in the junior year receive the Regents Scholarship for a total of $10,000 paid over two years. The scholarship amount varies for continuing students based on the year in college and year appointed.
Sabatte Scholarship is a prestigious UCSC merit scholarship awarded to eligible California resident first-year students, including students qualifying under the AB540 exemption, who demonstrate academic achievement and financial need. Established through a bequest from UCSC alumnus Richard “Rick” Sabatte, the scholarship is designed to provide a full financial aid package through gift aid after other grants and scholarships are applied. Annual award amounts vary based on financial need and available funding and are renewable for up to four years, or 12 quarters.
Other Scholarships: Additional campus scholarships are available through university and donor-supported programs. Eligibility criteria may include academic achievement, financial need, area of study, class level, college affiliation, leadership, community involvement, career interests, or other factors established by the donor or program guidelines. Scholarship award amounts vary and may range up to $5,000 annually.

Need-Based Loans

University Loans are offered to first-year undergraduate students. Repayment begins nine months after a student falls below half time enrollment or graduates from the university. During repayment, the interest rate accrues at 5 percent annually.
Federal Direct Subsidized Student Loans are funded by the federal government and are available to eligible undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need. Annual loan eligibility is determined by federal borrowing limits, student dependency status, academic level, and enrollment status. Loan amounts may be prorated based on enrollment intensity, as defined under federal regulations. Students are responsible for a federal origination fee, which is deducted from the total accepted loan amount prior to disbursement. Repayment begins six months after a student graduates, withdraws, or falls below half-time enrollment. Federal interest rates and loan fees are established annually by the U.S. Department of Education and are hosted by Federal Student Aid.
CA Dream Loans are offered to eligible students who meet AB 540 eligibility requirements and demonstrate financial need. The program is funded through the State of California and the University of California to help students cover educational expenses. Repayment begins nine months after a student graduates, withdraws, or falls below half-time enrollment. Interest accrues during repayment at a fixed annual rate established by the program.

Non-Need-Based Loans

The following loans are available to both undergraduate and graduate students:

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Student Loans are funded by the federal government and can be borrowed up to the federal limits based on student status (please see Direct Loan Limit Chart below). Unsubsidized loans are offered to students who do not demonstrate financial need or who have exhausted all need based aid. Interest accrues on unsubsidized loans from the date the loan is disbursed. The student pays an origination fee which is deducted from the total accepted amount of the loan. Students may begin repaying principal and interest on Federal Direct Unsubsidized Student Loans immediately, pay only interest immediately, or defer both principal and interest until they are no longer enrolled in school at least half time.
Federal Direct Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS).are available to eligible parents of dependent undergraduate students. Eligibility is subject to a credit review conducted by the U.S. Department of Education. Beginning July 1, 2026, new parent borrowers may borrow up to $20,000 annually per student, with a maximum aggregate borrowing limit of $65,000 per student, subject to federal regulations and the student’s remaining cost of attendance after other financial aid is applied. Federal origination fees are deducted from the loan prior to disbursement. Interest rates and loan fees are updated annually and are hosted by Federal Student Aid. Repayment generally begins 60 days after the final loan disbursement for the academic year; however, borrowers may request a deferment while the student remains enrolled at least half-time and for an additional six months after the student graduates, withdraws, or falls below half-time enrollment. Interest rates and loan fees are established annually by the U.S. Department of Education.

Annual and Lifetime Federal Direct Student Loan Limits

Federal student loan borrowing limits and repayment provisions are subject to change based on federal legislation and regulatory updates. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law on July 4, 2025, introduced changes to federal student aid programs, including student and parent borrowing provisions. Some changes became effective immediately, while others will be implemented in future academic years. Students and borrowers are encouraged to review current federal student aid guidance and university communications for the most up-to-date information regarding eligibility, borrowing limits, repayment options, and other federal loan requirements.

	Subsidized Loans	Unsubsidized Loans	Combined Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans
Dependent Students
Freshman	$3,500	$2,000	$5,500
Sophomores	$4,500	$2,000	$6,500
Juniors and Seniors	$5,500	$2,000	$7,500
Lifetime Loan Limits	$23,000	$31,000
Independent Students¹
Freshman	$3,500	$6,000	$9,500
Sophomores	$4,500	$6,000	$10,500
Juniors and Seniors	$5,500	$7,000	$12,500
Lifetime Loan Limits	$23,000	$57,000
Graduate Students	N/A	$20,500	$20,500
Lifetime Loan Limits (includes akk Subsidized loans received for graduate and/or professional studies)		$100,000 (for borrowers who are not and have never been professional students)
¹ Refers to students who answered "yes" to any dependency status question on the FAFSA. These loan limits also apply to dependent undergraduate students whose parents were denied a PLUS loan due to adverse credit history.

Other Loans

The University of California develops and publishes lists of private lenders who offer the most favorable terms for UC borrowers. Lender lists may be found on UCSC’s Financial Aid and Scholarships website under Private Loans and are also available at www.elmselect.com.

Federal Work-Study

Federal Work-Study provides eligible students with demonstrated financial need the opportunity to earn wages through part-time employment while enrolled at UC Santa Cruz. Work-study positions may be available both on campus and with approved community service organizations.

Employment opportunities may be posted through the Career Success website and other campus hiring channels; however, not all positions are centrally advertised. Students are encouraged to explore opportunities through campus departments, colleges, dining services, faculty, staff, and other university networks. The Career Success office offers resources and assistance with résumé development, interview preparation, and job-search strategies. Federal Work-Study eligibility does not guarantee employment, and positions are competitive.

Loan Forgiveness Programs

Under certain circumstances, federal student loan borrowers may qualify for partial or full loan forgiveness, cancellation, or repayment assistance through federal programs. Eligibility may be based on factors such as public service employment, military service, volunteer service, teaching, or employment in designated high-need fields or communities. Additional information about federal loan forgiveness and repayment programs is available through Federal Student Aid.

More Information

For additional information regarding financial aid applications, eligibility requirements, student rights and responsibilities, or document submission deadlines, contact the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office. We are located at 205 Hahn Student Services Building.