UC San Diego Remains Accessible
and Affordable

The University of California offers a robust financial aid program to help families at every income level

February 18, 2010

By Christine Clark

UC San Diego has an important message for students and families who are facing financial difficulties: Help is available through financial aid.  “Perhaps you are worried about paying for school because of job losses, reduction in work hours, or some other financial disaster that has impacted your family,” says Ann Klein, director of UC San Diego’s Financial Aid Office.  “Our financial aid officers can show you options that will help you so you can continue your education at UC San Diego. It is never too late to talk with a financial aid officer.”

Although state funds to the University of California have declined 51 percent over the last decade and students are faced with fee increases, UC San Diego can help students afford college even when their parents are faced with significant financial hardship. The university’s financial aid programs from federal, state, university and private sources assist students in paying for college through grants, work study, loans and scholarships.

More than half of UC San Diego undergraduate students receive need-based support and the university remains affordable and accessible to middle and low-income students.  However, for students to access the best available aid, they must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form by March 2 at www.fafsa.ed.gov.  California residents also should submit the Cal Grant Grade Point Average Verification Form by March 2 to qualify for the state Cal Grant.  

UC San Diego is committed to ensuring that talented and deserving students have access to the world-class education and academic excellence that the university offers, regardless of their economic status.  “I couldn’t attend a school like this if I didn’t have scholarships backing me,” said freshman Nicole Garcia, the first in her family out of four generations to attend college. “I don’t have to worry that my studies are taking away money that could be used for doctor’s bills for my grandmother or necessities that need to be paid at home.”
UC San Diego offers a myriad of financial aid resources for students on an ongoing basis. More than half of the university’s undergraduate students receive need-based support and one-third receive the Federal Pell Grant and the state Cal Grant.  Students who think they won’t qualify or who think the process is too complicated can read the “Five Myths of Financial Aid” on the UC San Diego Financial Aid Office website at http://fao.ucsd.edu  to learn more about financial aid and how easy it is to apply. 

Prospective and current undergraduate students have access to programs such as the Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan. Under the Plan, California residents whose families earn less than $60,000 a year (up to $70,000 beginning in 2010-11), will have their UC systemwide fees covered by grants and scholarships from UC or other sources, if they qualify for need-based financial aid. For other families earning up to $100,000 (and up to $120,000 beginning in 2010-2011), UC offers additional grant money that offsets half of any fee increases for need based students who qualify for aid.
In addition, UC San Diego’s Financial Aid Office website provides students with online tools to access continuing undergraduate scholarships to help with college costs, research and studying abroad.  The university also gives students access to free search methods that will help them uncover private sources of funding.  These search engines help students seek scholarships from companies, unions, trade associations, religious organizations, service groups, foundations, clubs and community organizations.

Students who qualify for financial aid work-study awards will have access to the UC San Diego’s Career Services Center’s lists of open positions.  These may include education-related or community service positions that are on-campus or positions with local nonprofit, government or community-based organizations.
To help fund scholarships and fellowships for all who need them, UC San Diego recently launched the $50 million “Invent the Future” fundraising campaign. For more information, visit www.inventthefuture.ucsd.edu.

Media Contact: Christine Clark, 858-534-7618