Many grants, scholarships and loans are awarded based on financial need.  A few UC Santa Cruz scholarships are awarded based on academic merit. State Cal Grants are awarded based on both financial need and GPA. There are 2 federal loan programs that do not have a need requirement.   

Financial need is calculated as follows:

     Cost of attendance    
     minus EFC (Expected Family Contribution from FAFSA) 
     minus any other financial awards a student receives
     equals financial need

Students who meet application deadlines will be considered for all types of aid administered by UC Santa Cruz.  Students who miss deadlines, will be considered for aid based on the availability of funds.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Students must be US citizens or eligible non-citizens to receive most forms of aid at UC Santa Cruz.  Exceptions include students who qualify for aid under the California Dream Act.  Also, new non-California resident students and new international students on a student visa may qualify for the Undergraduate Dean's Award.

2. Students must be enrolled in a degree program - all students admitted to UC Santa Cruz meet this requirement (students seeking a second bachelor's degree are eligible for student loans only).  Students enrolled in Summer Session only or enrolled but not admitted to the University are not eligible for financial aid. 

3. Students must be enrolled at least half-time (6 units for undergraduate students/5 units for graduate students)

4. Students must not be in default on a student loan or owe a repayment on a federal grant.

Students who attended a California high school for 3 years may qualify to have their non-resident tuition waived under AB540 legislation.

Important Note for Non-California residents:  Financial aid will not cover non-resident tuition.