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Financial Aid

At UC Davis, we want to make a college education affordable for all students regardless of their families' financial situations. While you and your parents will be expected to contribute a certain amount toward your fees and cost of living, we have a number of financial aid and scholarship resources available to assist you in meeting your expenses.

Who Receives Financial Aid?

Approximately 64% of all UC Davis undergraduates received some form of financial aid, including scholarships.

We award financial aid based on the following formula:

  • Cost of Attendance minus Expected Family Contribution equals Need.

Your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is determined by the U.S. Department of Education. You can estimate your EFC with this online calculator from the College Board. You can also use the UC Davis Financial Aid calculator to get an early estimate of your full-time cost of attendance and financial aid at UC Davis.

Based on your need, determined using the formula above, you may be eligible for state or federal grants. The amount remaining after subtracting your eligibility for federal and state grants is called your Remaining Need.

You are expected to contribute to the cost of your own college attendance by working during the school year or summer. After your expected contribution is subtracted from your remaining need, you may be eligible for UC Grants to meet all or part of the remaining cost.

What Types of Aid are Available?

  • Grants are available from the federal government (Pell Grants, ACG/SMART Grants and Supplemental Opportunity Grants), the State of California (Cal Grants) and from the university (UC Grants). They are awarded in cases of exceptional financial need and coursework, and do not need to be repaid.
  • Loans allow you to defer the cost of your education by borrowing money while in school and repaying it after graduation. Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) and Unsubsidized Direct Loans are available for students and families who are ineligible for financial aid based on need. The federal government pays the interest on subsidized loans while you are still in school. Entrance Loan Counseling, informing you about your rights and responsibilities as a borrower, is required the first time you take out a student loan.
  • The Federal Work-Study program provides work experience for undergraduates with financial need. You'll gain valuable work experience while you help meet the cost of your education.
  • Scholarships are awarded to outstanding undergraduates in recognition of their academic achievements, leadership and/or promise. Financial need is not considered in determining either eligibility or the size of most awards. Need-based scholarships are granted to students who apply and qualify for need-based financial aid.
  • The Student Employment Center works closely with employers in the surrounding community to provide job opportunities for UC Davis students.

How do I Apply for Aid?

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

To be considered for any form of need-based financial aid or scholarships, you must:

  1. Obtain at Personal Identification Number (PIN) at pin.ed.gov. The PIN allows you and your parents to sign the FAFSA online and make limited changes later if needed.
  2. Complete and file the FAFSA online at fafsa.ed.gov. The UC Davis school code is 001212; you'll need this when you apply.
  3. The FAFSA application must be submitted between January 1 and March 2, 2009 for planned attendance in the 2009-10 academic year.

    You may be asked to verify the information on your FAFSA, so keep copies of important papers such as income tax returns, W-2 forms and bank statements.

Cal Grants

  1. To apply for Cal Grants, submit the GPA verification form, available online at csac.ca.gov, to the California Student Aid Commission before March 2, 2009.

With the exception of Cal Grants (which have an absolute deadline of March 2), you can apply for financial aid any time during the year. Direct Loans and Pell grants are available to those who qualify. For students who do not qualify for need-based financial aid, unsubsidized and alternative loans are available.

Student Jobs

Financial Aid's Student Employment Center offers extensive employment opportunities on campus and in the surrounding communities. Search for a job online at jobs.ucdavis.edu or stop by Dutton Hall for assistance.

Scholarships

Regardless of your financial situation, you may be eligible for a scholarship. Find out more about merit-based and need-based scholarships at UC Davis.