Federal Undergraduate Loans
Learn about federal loans for undergraduate students.
Federal Graduate/ Professional School Loans
Learn about federal loans for graduate and professional school students.
Federal Direct Loan Program
Learn about the Federal Direct Loan Program, which applies to all federal loans provided to UC San Diego students and parents after June 2010.
California Dream Loans
Learn about California Dream loans for undergraduate students.
University Undergraduate and Quon Family Loans
Learn about university loans for undergraduate students.
Short-Term Emergency Loans
Learn about short-term emergency loans available to students.
Private Education Loan Programs
Learn about student loans and other programs available from private sources.
Receiving Your Loan
Learn how to complete the entrance loan counseling requirement so you can receive your loan.
Campus Loan Servicer: ECSI
The University of California has engaged the services of Heartland ECSI, Inc. (ECSI) to replace Conduent [formerly ACS Education Services (ACS)] as the servicer for all of the University's campus-based student loans effective August 2017. This is a system-wide change impacting all University of California campuses.
Repaying Your Student Loan
Learn more about your responsibilities as a borrower and about the exit loan counseling requirement.
UC Private Lender Lists
See the University of California's lists of private lenders, find out how the UC developed the lists, and learn your rights in choosing a lender.
Financial Aid and Withdrawing from UC San Diego
Find out what financial aid or student loan recipients need to know about withdrawal at UC San Diego.
Facts About Loans
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We strongly advise students to borrow only what they need.
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Loans are self-help aid that you must repay with interest.
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Borrowing is a serious responsibility and can affect your future credit rating.
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Learn about repaying your student loan.
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Stay in close touch with the holder of your loan.
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Always make your loan payments on time.
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Use this debt management tool to determine your monthly payments under the standard repayment plan. Carefully determine how much educational debt you can reasonably afford.
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See important loan consolidation information for graduating borrowers.
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Before you borrow, pursue outside agency scholarships.
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You may be eligible for 3 types of loans:
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Federal and university need-based loans
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Federal non-need-based loans
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Alternative loans
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You're required to sign promissory notes and to attend loan counseling sessions before you can receive disbursements of your loans.
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Make sure you're eligible to receive loans: Review eligibility requirements for prospective undergraduates, current undergraduates, or graduate students.
To Apply for Loans
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File your 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the March 3, 2025 to be considered for all federal and university loans. You may still apply after March 3 for federal and private loans.
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Federal student loans are available to most students regardless of income and provide a range of repayment options including income-based repayment plans and loan forgiveness benefits, which other education loans are not required to provide.
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Follow any additional instructions for specific loan types: