Types of Financial Aid

Depending on financial and personal circumstances, students may be eligible to receive several types of financial aid.

Scholarships are particularly valuable because they typically help reduce how much the student is expected to work or borrow. Usually based on academic achievement as well as financial need, they awarded by the individual UC campus. They don't have to be repaid.

University grants are awarded to students who are unable to cover their educational costs through parent contribution and a reasonable level of part-time work and borrowing. Grants do not have to be repaid.

UC administers loan programs that help students and parents finance the cost of attendance. Most student loans are offered through federal programs that charge below-market interest rates and delay repayment until six months after the student stops attending school. Eligible students may receive subsidized loans, which do not accrue interest until after the student leaves school. Students at all income levels can borrow from the unsubsidized loan program, and there is a federal loan program (PLUS) to help parents cover their expected contribution.

In addition, jobs are available on and off campus for students who are eligible to work in the United States. Each UC campus has a student employment office that compiles job listings and helps students find work. Students who receive financial aid may also be given work-study awards. Work-study positions are similar to other types of student jobs, except that the wages are subsidized by the federal or state government or by the University.