Meeting the cost of an undergraduate education is a significant investment. At UC San Diego, we are committed to providing a comprehensive need-based financial aid program that makes it financially possible for admitted students to attend.
UC 2025-26 Priority Filing Deadline
If the FAFSA and CADAA are released as planned, the State and Institutional priority deadline for the 2025-26 academic year is extended to April 2, 2025.
How to Apply for Financial Aid
The first step to apply for financial aid is to submit the appropriate application, ideally by the priority deadline.
The FAFSA is available for US citizens and eligible non-citizens (ie, permanent residents).
The California Dream Act Application is available for undocumented students who qualify for the AB540 fee exemption.
Notes:
2024-25: If your financial circumstances have changed compared to the 2022 income information reported on your 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or CA Dream Act Application, you can file a Special Circumstances appeal with UC San Diego. Please visit Forms for details.
2025-26: If your financial circumstances have changed since you submitted your 2023 income information on the 2025-26 FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application, you may be eligible to submit a Special Circumstances appeal to UC San Diego. The appeal form will be available in late summer 2025.
Topics for Current Undergraduates
Eligibility & Enrollment Requirements
Learn what you need to do to maintain your financial aid eligibility.
Cost of Attendance
Use this estimated cost of attendance to help decide how much money you'll need to attend UC San Diego and how much financial aid you may need to meet that goal.
How You Receive Your Financial Aid
Link to resources that can help you manage your financial aid award.
Timeline
Use this timeline to keep track of important filing deadlines and other events which begin the year before each new fall quarter begins.
Net Price Calculator
Use this tool to see how much financial aid you may be eligible to receive for in the 2025-26 academic year.
Video Resources
Videos focus on applying for financial aid and offer tips on other methods of financing your education.
FAQ
Have questions? Use this resource to find answers to all your frequently asked questions.