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. Our Financial Aid Office can provide you with information and resources to help meet your financial needs while you pursue your academic goals. Visit the Financial Aid Office website for additional information.
Who Receives Financial Aid?
More than 70% of all UC Davis undergraduates received some form of financial aid, including scholarships.
Paying for College
We are committed to helping students who want a UC Davis degree reach their goals. Take a look at some of the tools we offer to help you get there, and how four students have turned that challenge into academic opportunity.
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 Net Price 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 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 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. Several types of loans are available:
Federal Subsidized Direct Loans are available to students who are eligible for financial aid based on need. Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loans and Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) are available for students and families who are ineligible for financial aid based on need. The federal government pays the interest on Subsidized Direct Loans while you are still in school, whereas interest accrues for Unsubsidized Direct Loans and PLUS. Arrangements can be made with Direct Loan Borrower Services to pay interest on unsubsidized loans and PLUS while you are still in school, or the interest will be capitalized by adding it to the total principal of the loan. In addition to the federal loan program resources, students may apply for alternative loans.
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 undergraduates in recognition of their outstanding 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 financial aid, you must:
- 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.
- Complete and file the FAFSA online at fafsa.ed.gov. The UC Davis school code is 001313; you'll need this when you apply.
- The FAFSA application can be submitted beginning January 1, 2013, by students planning to enroll during the 2013 academic year. For priority consideration, please be sure to submit your FAFSA by March 2, 2013.
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
- California residents can also apply for Cal Grants by submitting the GPA verification form, available online at csac.ca.gov, to the California Student Aid
Commission before March 2, 2013.
The priority deadline for filing the FAFSA is March 2, but you can apply for financial aid any time during the academic year. Direct Loans and Pell grants are available to those who qualify, and unsubsidized and alternative loans are available to students who do not qualify for need-based financial aid. After March 2, Cal Grants are not available and university funding may no longer be 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.
Establishing California Residency
If you are not a resident of California and would like to learn more about California residency, please visit the California Residence for Tuition Purposes page at the Financial Aid website and read the Ten Things You Need to Know About California Residency document.
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.
