Student Financial Aid

Update: 10/01/25: If the federal government shutdown is short or partial, UC expects minimal impacts on educational services and financial aid programs. The Federal Student Aid office is typically deemed an essential service that must continue operating to provide support for individuals seeking federal assistance (e.g., a student loan servicer or grant recipient). 

The fiscal year budget that Congress is currently considering applies to the 2026-27 academic year, which begins on July 1, 2026. The final discretionary funding for Pell Grants would impact grants that are issued after July 1, 2026.

• California Pell Coalition Letter to Congressional leadership (PDF file) (6/23/25)

• California Student Aid Commission: “Memo on AB 540 and Compliance With the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (IIRIRA)” (PDF file) (5/9/25)

• Fact sheet: Federal financial aid for UC students (PDF file) (4/29/25)

• Fact sheet: The importance of Pell Grants for UC students (PDF file) (4/29/25)

• Message to campus financial aid directors March 21, 2025 (PDF file) (3/24/25)

• Information about the now open 2025-26 FAFSA and CA Dream Act applications (2/7/25)

• Message to UC Financial aid directors (PDF file)(1/28/25)