Prospective Undergraduates
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. Our admission program is need-blind, meaning, financial status will not affect the admission decision.
Learn more about the Finanical Aid process from the parent's perspective.
The First Step
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.
FAFSA
- UC San Diego School Code: 001317
If your financial circumstances have changed compared to the 2021 income information reported on your 2023-24 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 (ucsd.edu) for details.
Blue & Gold Guarantee
The Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan is the University of California’s commitment to covering your UC systemwide tuition/fees if you are a California resident, your family’s total income is less than $80,000 and you qualify for need based aid. Blue and Gold will cover only the tuition/fees that are not covered by existing gift aid.
Eligibility & Enrollment Requirements
Learn what you need to do to be eligible to receive and keep undergraduate financial aid.
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.
Packaging Policy
Learn how the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office calculates how much financial aid you're eligible to receive, and in what order awards are made.
Timeline
Use this timeline to keep track of important filing deadlines and other events during the year before you enter UC San Diego.
How You Receive Your Financial Aid
Link to resources that can help you manage your financial aid award.
Summer Session
Enrolling in the appropriate summer session classes can help you make faster progress toward your degree.
Financial Aid Estimator
Use the UC San Diego financial aid calculator to find an early estimate of your full-time cost of attendance and financial aid.
UC YouTube Resources
Videos focus on applying for financial aid and offer tips on other methods of financing your education.
Financial Aid Resources
Link to financial aid and scholarship forms, definitions, and other resources.
Resources for Parents
- Federal Undergraduate Loans (includes information about the Parent PLUS Loan)
- Prepaid Educational Savings Plans and Trusts (529, QTP)
- Federal Veterans Benefits
- California State Veterans Benefits
- Tuition Benefit Plans
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? Use this resource to find answers to all your frequently asked questions.