UC San Diego Students Receive Financial Aid. Are You Getting Yours?

For students and families concerned about how to pay for their education, help is available. UC San Diego’s financial aid programs offer a wide variety of options, including grants, loans, work study and scholarships for students at all income levels. More than 60 percent of UC San Diego undergraduates receive need-based support. The key to receiving the best available financial aid is filing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the March 2 deadline. The application is simple and can be completed online; be sure to include UC San Diego’s FAFSA school code: 001317.

For students and families who think they may not qualify for financial aid, or find the FAFSA process confusing, the Financial Aid Office has a variety of online tools, including an online video series that covers everything from the basics of applying for financial aid to credit scoring and military service benefits. Financial aid counselors are also available year-round to meet with students.

“It’s never too late to talk with a financial aid counselor,” says Ann Klein, director of UC San Diego’s Financial Aid Office. “We know that financial circumstances can change for families—due to unexpected medical expenses, job losses and other unpredictable occurrences. Our office is a resource providing students and families with options that will help them continue their education at UC San Diego.”

In special circumstances, students may file an appeal to change the information on their submitted FAFSA. Appeals are based on an unexpected loss of income or additional expenses incurred beyond the standard UC San Diego budget. In some instances, short term emergency student loans are also available.

For California residents whose families earn up to $80,000, the University of California continues to offer the Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan. Undergraduate students who qualify will have their UC systemwide fees (currently $12,192) covered by grants and scholarships from UC and/or other sources. To be Blue and Gold eligible, a student must meet federal and UC financial aid eligibility requirements, including filing the FAFSA on time by the March 2 deadline.

The Financial Aid Office website also provides online tools and search engines to help students find scholarships offered by companies, unions, trade associations, religious organizations, service groups, foundations, clubs, community organizations and other private sources. In addition, UC San Diego offers undergraduate research scholarships and study abroad scholarships to help continuing students expand their education.

Ranked one of the top ten best value public universities in the nation by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine, UC San Diego is committed to remaining accessible and affordable to middle and low-income students, despite the decline of state funding and rise of student fees. “I know how difficult it is—I paid my way through college,” said alumnus and donor Tony Jackson, who serves on the UC San Diego Undergraduate Scholarship Council. “Now I want to make a difference and positively impact deserving students.”

For more information about financial aid resources at UC San Diego, visit the Financial Aid Office website.