To apply for financial aid, submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid FAFSA every year no later than March 2nd.  This is the only application you need for all types of aid including grants, scholarships, loans and work-study.  If necessary, you may provide estimated income information and correct it later.

Before you start your FAFSA, it is helpful to complete a FAFSA Worksheet. 

You and your parent must establish a PIN before you submit a FAFSA. Apply at the U.S. Department of Education's PIN site.

The School Code for UC Santa Cruz is 001321.

After you complete the FAFSA, return to the FAFSA website to check the status of your FAFSA. You may be required to make corrections to your data.  If your FAFSA is in a rejected status, we will be unable to offer you financial aid. If this happens, read the comments for instructions and take action to resolve a rejected application. 

For help with your FAFSA, call 1-800-4FEDAID (1-800-433-3243); Mon–Fri: 8:00 a.m.–12:00 midnight Eastern Time or Sat: 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Or, you may contact our Financial Aid Advisers.

If you are not eligible to submit a FAFSA but you think you will qualify to be considered for the AB540 Non-Resident Tuition Waiver, you will be able to apply for UC grants for winter 2013 and spring 2013 terms.  You will apply using a new state application which is under development. It is expceted to be available around April 2nd.  Please refer to the state website for information.