Financial Aid Timeline
Financial Aid Timeline
To get the most out of your financial aid, it’s important to stay on top of key dates and deadlines. This timeline outlines what to do—and when—to make sure your aid is processed on time for the upcoming academic year.
From submitting your FAFSA or Dream Application to receiving your official aid offer, each step is essential. Use this guide to plan ahead and avoid missing out on grants, scholarships, and other funding opportunities.
October 1 – March 2
Submit your Financial Aid Application
Submit your FAFSA or Dream Application for the next academic year by March 2, the priority deadline for undergraduates. Meeting this deadline ensures full consideration for all types of aid offered at UC Santa Cruz.
California residents must meet this deadline to be eligible for institutional grant programs. If you’re a California resident and a new Cal Grant applicant, you must also submit a GPA Verification Form to the California Student Aid Commission by March 2.
Applications open October 1.
March – April
Conditional Aid Offers
New undergraduate students admitted to the fall quarter who submit a FAFSA or Dream Application will receive a conditional aid offer, based on the information provided in their application. The more accurate your data, the more accurate your estimate will be.
If there are errors in your application, we’ll notify you and post instructions on your MyUCSC To-Do List. Be sure to address these issues quickly—your conditional aid offer may change if your application is incorrect, incomplete, or doesn’t reflect your family’s ability to contribute.
June 2
Priority Document Submission Date
Fall aid applicants must submit all required documents listed on their MyUCSC To-Do List by this date (or by the date specified on the request). Documents must be received by the UC Santa Cruz Financial Aid and Scholarship Office to ensure consideration for all types of aid.
Note: This deadline does not apply to graduate students. Only California residents are eligible for institutional grant programs.
July 1 – September 1
Official Aid Offer Notification
Students who submit a financial aid application and complete all items on their MyUCSC To-Do List will receive an email when their official financial aid offer is available to view in MyUCSC. Admitted students will receive their official aid offer after they accept their admission offer.
August
What to Do After Accepting Aid
Fall quarter bills are now posted. Once you accept your aid offer, you can use the Payment Estimator in MyUCSC to estimate your quarterly expenses.
If you’re a first-time borrower, you must complete your loan promissory note and entrance counseling before funds will be applied to your student account.
Key Financial Aid Dates
SEP
2025-26
Financial Aid Disbursement
September 16, 2025
OCT
2026-27
FAFSA & CADAA Apps Open
October 1, 2025
MAR
2026-27
CA State Priority Deadline
March 2, 2026
JUN
2026-27
Financial Aid Appeals Open
June 1, 2026
AUG
2026-27
Verification doc deadline
August 15, 2026
Contact Us
Have a question or need support? We’re here to help.
Location: 205 Hahn Student Services (view map)
In-Person Advising: Monday–Friday, 1 – 5 p.m.
Phone and Zoom Advising (Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.):
Phone: Call (669) 900-6833
Zoom: Join Zoom drop-in