The Financial Aid and Scholarships Office office provides "financial aid information for prospective undergraduates, continuing undergraduates, grad/professional students, parents, and veterans and their families." The different types of aid includes grants, scholarships, loans, work-study, military tuition assistance, ROTC funds, aid for summer session/study abroad/exchange programs, and more. Consultations are free and available during weekly business hours. The Financial Aid and Scholarship Office website it linked HERE -- we encourage you to explore it as you complete this module.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available for US citizens and eligible non-citizens (i.e. permanent residents). FAFSA is based on the previous year's tax return.
To be considered for financial aid, students must file a FAFSA every year. The U.S. government, California, and San Diego based financial aid are awarded based on FAFSA. The FAFSA should be filed no later than March 2nd to recieve priority funding and a Student Aid Report (SAR).
The California Dream Act is for undocumented students who qualify for the AB540 fee exemption. Like the FAFSA, the Dream Act is based on the previous year's tax returns.
Students should file the California Dream Act every year. State and UC San Diego financial aid can be awarded based on the Dream Act.
Documents should be submitted by May 21st to receive a Student Aid Report.
Most students get loans, grants, and scholarships because without them, many students would not be able to afford attending university. When helping students in need, make sure to convey the importance of filling out FAFSA or California Dream Act as early as possible so they can get priority funding. Additionally, educate students on the differences in types of aid.
Loans are self-help aid that must be repaid with interest. There are three types of loans: federal and university need-based loans, federal non-need based loans, and alternative loans. Since loans can affect future credit, students should only borrow what they need.
Grants are gift aid that students do not need to repay. There are three types of grants: federal, state, and university. Grants are awarded to students based on financial need. Examples of grants include: The Pell Grant, The Cal Grant, Opportunity Grant, Grant-In-Aid, and UC Blue and Gold Opportunity Grant.
Scholarships are gift aid awarded for either academic merit only, or merit and additional criteria such as major of interest, leadership, or finacial need. There are many scholarships available through UCSD as well as independent sites such as FastWeb.