10 surprising facts about UC financial aid

Nearly 70 percent of UC undergrads get some financial aid. We're not talking loans. This is money for school that doesn't need to be paid back.

2. UC tuition is fully covered for more than half of California students.

That's no typo. For most in-state students, if your household income is $100,000 or less and you qualify for financial aid, your UC tuition payment is ZERO. In fact, 53 percent of UC's California undergrads pay no tuition.

3. A debt-free path is possible.

Not only do a majority of California undergrads get help with tuition, but more than half of the Class of 2024 graduated completely debt-free, without any student loans at all.

If you do take out loans, know that UC students borrow far less than the national average. And special low-interest loans are available to both parents and students.

4. There's financial help available for middle-class families.

Costs are on the rise for just about everything, and middle-income families are feeling the pinch. Through its Middle-Class Scholarship program, California provides school dollars for families with annual incomes up to $226,000.

5. You're likely to get money. And more than you realize.

Lots of college applicants don't think they'll qualify for aid. But UC has one of the best financial aid programs in the country, and it's a good bet you'll be pleasantly surprised. Another surprise: Many financial aid applicants get more than they expected.

The takeaway: Apply for financial aid no matter what your income level or financial situation.

Fill out the online Free Application for Federal Student Aid - famously known to students as the FAFSA. The FAFSA opens in October. Fill it out no later than February to be sure you'll know how much money you can get when you get your admission offers. Undocumented students should apply using the California Dream Act application (see below).

7. Financial aid goes beyond tuition.

The average undergrad financial aid award covers more than tuition, providing, on average, about $4,500 more in grants and scholarships to help with costs like food, housing and living expenses.

8. There's money for undocumented Californians, too.

Everyone should have access to education. If you're an undocumented Californian, you may be eligible for state and UC dollars through the California Dream Act.

9. Think billions.

Last year University of California students received $1 billion in scholarships and grants from UC, $1 billion from the state of California and close to a billion dollars from federal and private sources. That's nearly $3 billion in grant money doesn't ever need to be paid back.

Don't leave money on the table! Fill out the FAFSA to see what you qualify for.

UC's new systemwide Financial Aid Calculator provides a simple way to estimate the amount of grants and scholarships you could receive before you fill out the FAFSA. It'll give you a quick picture of what your total UC costs are likely to be.

Get an estimate

10. UC is an investment with a high return.

UC graduates out-earn other California college grads and take in 84 percent more in lifetime earnings than their peers without degrees.

Don't just take our word for it: All nine UC undergraduate campuses have earned top marks for their combination of excellence and affordability from Money magazine. With all the economic, social and personal advantages that come with a UC degree, it's a value that's hard to beat.

"I was terrified I wouldn't be able to pay for UC. But I got a Pell Grant, I got work-study, I got a bunch of scholarships and I took a small loan. I was able to pay for tuition, books, food, rent - everything."

-Brandon Sánchez Mejia, UC Berkeley '24

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