2024 Financing Your Education Guide for Admits

FINANCING YOUR EDUCATION

Your Guide to Financial Aid at UC San Diego

YOUR JOURNEY STARTS HERE

The UC San Diego Financial Aid and Scholarships Office welcomes you to your future! You are about to embark on a world-class education at UC San Diego, and we are here to support you as you explore affordability options. We strive to provide you with a comprehensive financial aid package that allows you to join nearly 70% of students who receive more than $500 million in aid every year.

FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION CHECKLIST

Track your financial aid application process with this quick reference checklist. We are here to guide you through the steps in your financial aid journey.

APPLY AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE

File your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA)

Submit Cal Grant GPA Verification Form (first time students) with CSAC at csac.ca.gov/post/cal-grant-gpa-verification-form

Apply for outside scholarships

UNDERSTAND YOUR OPTIONS & FINANCIAL AID OFFER

View your financial aid offer, known as the College Financing Plan, in the Applicant Portal and compare to other offers

Learn the conditions of your scholarships, grants, work-study, and loans

Calculate your refund or balance due worksheet

Submit verification documents (if selected)

If you experience a loss of income, file a Preliminary Special Circumstances Appeal (if needed)

Meet with a financial aid counselor if you have any questions

If you experience unusual circumstances that prevent you from providing parental information, including an abusive family environment, abandonment, incarceration of a parent, human trafficking, or refugee or asylee status, please meet with a financial aid counselor to discuss an Unusual Circumstances Appeal.

Meet with a financial aid counselor if you have any questions

ACCEPT & MANAGE YOUR FINANCIAL AID IN TRITONLINK

Monitor your balance on TritonPay

Fulfill tasks for any loans you accept, e.g. Master Promissory Note, Entrance Counseling, etc.

Enroll in direct deposit

If offered work-study, learn more and start looking for a position at fas.ucsd.edu/types/work-study

Request a Cost of Attendance Appeal (if needed)

See full glossary of financial aid terms on page 18-19.

INVESTING IN YOUR FUTURE

As a UC San Diego student, you will be investing in a lifelong financial wellness plan. Here, you’ll make unforgettable memories and take big steps toward the career you have always dreamed of. Our team of financial aid professionals is excited to guide you through your aid options and work with you to create a financial plan that best fits your unique needs and goals, beginning with the programs listed here.

UC TUITION STABILITY PLAN

UC sets a flat tuition rate, including nonresident supplemental tuition, for undergraduates at the time they first enroll at UC San Diego. This means you and your family can plan ahead for the duration of your time at UC San Diego with peace of mind that systemwide tuition costs will not increase from year to year.

• The cost of your systemwide tuition rate will stay the same until you graduate (up to six academic years).

• Covers degree-seeking first-year and transfer undergraduates.

• Includes tuition and other required systemwide fees.

• Campus-based fees may still vary from year to year.

Additional Student Benefits:

• UC Tuition Stability Plan supports funding for financial aid programs.

• Funds will improve overall student experience over time by reducing class sizes, updating facilities, and enhancing student support services.

Systemwide tuition and fees may increase for a student due to unexpected changes in the university’s budget. Any such increase would require approval by the Board of Regents and would be communicated via email to any affected students.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCE APPEALS

Our team knows unexpected life changes can arise at any time, so if financial changes become a barrier to your educational goals, we’re prepared to help you through.

You can request a Special Circumstance Appeal if:

• Your family is experiencing extenuating financial circumstances.

• Your family’s current income becomes substantially less after submitting your annual FAFSA or CADAA.

An appeal will allow you to provide a written statement and documentation of your circumstances. Our office reviews appeals and documentation, and makes appropriate adjustments to financial aid offers when possible. The amount of support you could receive will depend on the change in your Student Aid Index (SAI) which cannot be reduced below -$1,500.

Changes generally considered:

• Layoff/unemployment

• Disability

• Retirement

• Death

• Divorce/separation

• Child or spousal support

• Out of pocket medical costs not covered by insurance from between January and December of the prior calendar year. Expenses must not exceed medical expenses as allowed by financial aid regulations.

PLANNING YOUR FINANCIAL AID

We are here to guide you through the steps in your financial aid journey.

1. APPLY EVERY YEAR, AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE

APPLYING FOR AID

Start by filing a FAFSA or CADAA every year.

• Priority deadline is March 2 each year (be sure to monitor your email for updates)

• UC San Diego’s school code is 001317.

• California residents applying for the first time must also submit a Cal Grant GPA Verification Form to the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) by March 2.

• You automatically apply for all UC, state, and federal grants and scholarships when you file your UC application for admission.

• Check out the Enrollment Checklist on your Applicant Portal to confirm your residency status. If you have outstanding forms, submit them as soon as possible because your residency determination will inform whether you pay in-state or out-of-state tuition.

fafsa.gov | dream.csac.ca.gov | csac.ca.gov

APPLICATION TIPS:

APPLYING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

We encourage you to begin applying for UC San Diego scholarships during your second year. Available scholarship amounts range from $500 to $10,000 and are open for a variety of majors and interests. Information on how to apply is emailed annually when the application opens in the fall.

• Double check for duplicate information on your financial aid applications.

• We strongly encourage you to also apply for outside scholarships.

• Remember to report all external scholarships to ensure an accurate aid offer.

• Aid eligibility is determined yearly and can vary based on funds available and changes in your application, residency status, or housing.

2. UNDERSTAND YOUR OPTIONS & FINANCIAL AID OFFER

We offer programs and tools to help you learn and strategize.

• Learn about any conditions of your gift aid (scholarships and grants) and work-study options.

• Take time to understand and ask questions about budgeting and any financial commitments like loans and fees.

• Use the Estimate Your Refund or Balance Due Worksheet on pages 12-13 to understand how much of your expenses your financial aid will cover.

If financial circumstances change, you can consider filing a Special Circumstances Appeal (see page 5).

GIFT AID OFFERS

Grants and scholarships, also known as gift aid, are offered based on residency, merit and/or need as determined by your aid application. Gift aid is automatically accepted for you and no repayment is required.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Offered on the basis of academic merit, residency, and financial need. Will vary in amount, duration, and requirements.

LOANS & WORK-STUDY AID OFFERS

GRANTS

GRANTS

Awarded from federal, state, and university funds according to your financial need.

Offered from federal, state, and university funds according to your financial need and residency.

Eligible students can receive support from loans and work-study jobs.

LOANS

Funds that you borrow and repay over a period of time with interest, usually after you graduate. Low-interest federal student loans and flexible payment options are available.

• Accept all or part of any loan(s) via the financial aid page on TritonLink. Then complete the additional documents required (Entrance Loan Counseling and Master Promissory Note).

• Parent PLUS loans are optional for parents of dependent students.

• It is important to understand the terms and conditions of loans and your responsibilities as a borrower.

fas.ucsd.edu/types/loans

WORK-STUDY

Offered on the basis of need and allows you to earn money to cover your educational expenses and build your professional skills by working a part-time job.

• Like any job, you apply for a position, get hired, and are paid directly based on the employer’s pay schedule.

• Accept your work-study offer as soon as it is available to you if you plan to use it during the year.

fas.ucsd.edu/types/work-study

3. ACCEPT & MANAGE YOUR FINANCIAL AID ON TRITONLINK

After accepting admission, access TritonLink tools to update your financial aid information.

Key features:

• View financial aid amounts by accessing TritonLink, choose “Financial Tools” then select “Financial Aid.”

• Delegate Access to allow a family member or supporter to help manage your student account under “Consent to Release Financial Aid/Scholarship Information.”

• Complete the Required Documents and Tasks as early as possible, and no later than July 1, to ensure funds are ready by the start of the quarter.

• Link to Student Financial Solutions (SFS) to enroll in direct deposit to expedite refunds.

• Financial aid funds will pay toward your bill directly on TritonPay.

students.ucsd.edu/my-tritonlink/tools

OUT-OF-STATE STUDENTS

Gift aid is offered according to merit and/or need (based on your application), as well as residency. Gift aid is automatically accepted for you and no repayment is required. To see your residency status, please check out the Enrollment Checklist in your Applicant Portal.

Note: Financial aid from the State of California and need-based institutional grants are not available to nonresidents (students whose parents live outside the state).

Residency is determined by Residence Deputy. Obtaining California residency for the purposes of tuition is extremely difficult for nonresident undergraduate students with nonresident parents, including transfer students from community colleges and other postsecondary institutions within California. Virtually all nonresident undergraduates with nonresident parents remain nonresidents for the duration of their undergraduate career at UC. ucop.edu/residency/establishing-residency.html

PLANNING YOUR FUTURE SUCCESS

Financing your UC San Diego education is a partnership. We want you to maximize all of the aid you are eligible for to ensure that you graduate with the lowest amount of debt possible.

We have many tools and online resources that simplify how you can budget and strategize.

Check out our Financial Literacy page for full details: fas.ucsd.edu/forms-and-resources/financial-literacy

ONCE YOU HAVE CHOSEN UC SAN DIEGO

Choosing to pursue your education at UC San Diego will be the start of something amazing. With planning, the right tools, and the support of our financial aid experts, you will be on the right track to successful financial well-being in college and beyond.

HOW AID WORKS

Everything you need to manage your financial aid is under the financial aid portal on TritonLink. Check your account regularly to stay current with your finances and updated balance.

VERIFICATION

Verification helps to ensure financial aid offers are as accurate as possible. We are only able to disburse federal, state, and institutional aid after verification is complete. If you’re selected, verification documents will appear under the Required Documents and Tasks section in the financial aid portal on TritonLink, and are due July 1.

fas.ucsd.edu/forms-and-resources/forms

DISBURSEMENTS & REFUNDS

We have you covered with easy access to your funds. Once you meet all eligibility requirements:

• Aid begins disbursing around 10 days before the first day of instruction

• Funds will first pay toward your bill directly on TritonPay.

• If your aid covers less than your bill, you will be responsible for paying the remaining balance.

• If your aid covers more than your bill (and your quarter balance is paid in full), you will receive a refund.

• Aid will be applied toward your tuition and fees first, then to housing (if living on campus).

• Be sure to sign up for direct deposit through TritonLink for quick and easy deposits of refunds.

sfs.ucsd.edu/student-accounts/direct-deposit.html

COST OF ATTENDANCE APPEAL

Your finances may change, and that’s OK! If you incur expenses during the academic year that are higher than the estimated cost of attendance, we may be able to increase your budget and cover them with additional loans with a Cost of Attendance (COA) Appeal. On occasion, other types of financial aid may be available, such as work-study or outside scholarships.

Expenses often considered include:

• Living expenses (including rent and utilities)

• Books and supplies

• Transportation/travel

• Child care

• Computer

• Medical care/disability

• Additional course fees/expenses

• Other educationally related costs

fas.ucsd.edu/forms-and-resources/forms

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

What balance can you expect after financial aid is applied? Compare your charges to your financial aid: the total is your expected balance (refund or amount due) after financial aid has been disbursed to cover tuition, fees, and other costs of attendance.

We want to help you plan and discover the financial avenues available to you. Share this worksheet with a representative from the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office (FAS). We’ll answer your questions and guide you through your options.

1. CALCULATE YOUR TOTAL CHARGES FOR THE QUARTER

FILL IN this column with your actual charges including tuition, UC Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), document fee, and on-campus housing (residence halls or on-campus apartments). Add the amounts and write the total under “Total Charges for the Term.”

Note: Charges will appear on your account about a month before the start of the term. You may not have every type of charge on your billing statement.

ALL ESTIMATED VALUES are subject to the availability of funding. Some applicants may be asked for more detailed information through our verification process, which could impact the estimated financial aid.

FILL IN the estimated grants, scholarships and loans with your actual offer amounts from your TritonLink or College Financing Plan for the term.

If you are receiving financial aid that is not listed, such as outside scholarships, add those under “Other Gift Aid.”

• Do not include work-study, as your work-study earnings will be paid directly to you and will not pay fees and other charges on your billing account directly.

• Only include loans you plan to borrow.

• Add the amounts and write the sum under “Total Financial Aid for Term.”

Note: You may not have every type of aid in your financial aid offer.

UC San Diego reserves the right to adjust financial aid offers to correct any packing errors at any time. Changes to qualifying information or revisions of federal, state, or institutional policy may result in updates to aid eligibility and adjustments of financial aid amounts.

Information is subject to change.

3. YOUR REFUND OR BALANCE DUE

SUBTRACT your total aid from your total charges and write down the amount here. Then divide this total by 3 to find out the total refund or balance due for each quarter.

Note: For information on contacting an advisor about your financial aid please visit fas.ucsd.edu/contact/index.html

ACADEMIC COSTS AT A GLANCE

Below are estimated costs for an academic year at UC San Diego before considering any financial aid you may receive. These costs represent basic tuition, fees, living expenses, and more, but the unseen value of a UC San Diego education reaches further. You will have access to world renowned professors, research and internship opportunities, a network of supportive Tritons, and so much more. Get ready to invest in your future!

WHAT IS THE TOTAL ESTIMATED COST BEFORE FINANCIAL AID?

Total expected cost combines direct costs and indirect costs to estimate the funding you will need for educational expenses for a year at UC San Diego.

A majority of students receive aid that lowers these amounts. View your net cost in TritonLink for an estimate of your yearly costs after accounting for grants and scholarships.

• On-Campus: $42,639

• Off-Campus: $43,686

• Living with Parents: $33,969

WE’RE HERE FOR YOU

Visit our website to learn more about your financial aid options and access tools to help you plan for the future. fas.ucsd.edu

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN MY ESTIMATED COST OF ATTENDANCE?

Below are the estimated expenses you should plan to have for one year at UC San Diego. Financial aid reduces these costs.

DIRECT & INDIRECT COSTS

The total Cost of Attendance is not a bill but instead comprises the items that represent the annual estimated cost of attendance used to determine annual financial aid eligibility. It includes direct costs (expenses that will be charged) such as Tuition and Fees, and Housing for on campus residency) and indirect costs (estimated out of pocket expenses that will not be charged to your bill) including Housing if in an off-campus residence, Food, Books and Supplies, Transportation, and other Education costs. For more information on Cost of Attendance visit Cost of Attendance.

DIRECT COSTS

TUITION, FEES & LIVING ON CAMPUS

Set amount charged by the university. Out-ofstate students pay an additional Nonresident Supplemental Tuition of $34,200. Estimated housing expenses are for the fall, winter and spring quarters.

HEALTH INSURANCE

Students can receive extra aid to cover this requirement. May be waived for personal insurance that is equivalent or better (file waiver by July 1).

INDIRECT COSTS

BOOKS & OTHER COSTS

Budgeting and a spending plan are key to managing costs like school supplies, off-campus transportation, and additional living expenses. Your student bus pass will get you around for free.

LIVING EXPENSES (OFF-CAMPUS)

Divide the estimated amounts for off-campus and living with parents by quarter or by 9 months to develop a budget.

2024-25 estimated costs for undergraduate students. Actual tuition, fees, and charges are subject to change by the Regents of the University of California. Final approved 2024–25 tuition and fee levels may be higher or lower than the amounts presented here. For updated figures: fas.ucsd.edu/cost-of-attendance

&FINANCIAL LITERACY MONEY MANAGEMENT

FREE TOOLS AND RESOURCES

• Financial Literacy Guidance from Federal Student Aid

• Annual Credit Report.com - View your credit reports from each of the three big credit agencies (Equifax, Transunion, and Experian) for free!

• Credit Karma

• Comparing Federal and Private Student Loans

• Student Loan Repayment Calculator

• Credit Card Insider

• Managing Money During College - Not sure how to handle your finances and student aid (grants, scholarships, loans, work-study) while you’re in school?

• GradSense Financial Tools - Budget calculator, job tips, helpful links and find out how much student debt makes sense for your degree.

• Nerd Wallet Cost of Living Calculator - Want to see how much more/less it will cost to live in a city when you graduate? Check out this calculator.

• Mint - See where your money goes.

• Feed the Pig - Tips and interactive tools for savings.

• Identity Theft Resource Center - Do you need help with an identity theft problem? Have a question on what you can do to protect yourself? This site can provide you with one-on-one assistance for all types of identity theft for free.

• San Diego Financial Literacy Center - This non-profit organization provides financial literacy videos and workshops through on-site community events to San Diego County residents on a variety of topics. One-on-one, confidential financial consultations and budget analysis are available. Check out their upcoming events.

FINANCIAL LITERACY & MONEY MANAGEMENT VIDEOS

• Budgeting

• Financial Literacy in College

• Responsible Borrowing

SPECIALIZED CENTERS & RESOURCES AT UC SAN DIEGO

• Basic Needs

• Triton Food Pantry

• Student Promoted Access Center for Education and Service (SPACES)

• CARE at the Sexual Assault Resource Center

• Student Health Services

• Student Legal Services

• The Zone - A lounge for student well-being

• Undocumented Student Services

• Office For Students With Disabilities

• Office for the Prevention of Harassment & Discrimination

• Counseling and Psychological Services

• Student Veteran Resources

• Child Care Resources

• Office of Academic Support & Instructional Services (OASIS)

• Writing Programs and Resources

• Career Center

• Housing Resources

• UC San Diego Housing Dining Hospitality

• Tax Information for Students - The IRS has a web page designated specifically for students.

• UC San Diego Campus Card Discounts

• Teaching and Learning Commons

PHONE APPLICATIONS

• Mint - Free phone app that helps you create budgets, receive alerts for unusual account charges and bill reminders, and get custom tips for reducing fees and saving money. The app gives your free credit score and teaches you how you can improve it now to get the things you want later.

• Square Cash - Send and request money for free with this phone app. Financial incentives for referring friends and trying the service. Great way to split meal checks and pay friends back.

• VenMo - Similar to Square Cash, but is not as private. Transactions can be posted on the app’s social media feed or Facebook if desired.

• Personal Capital - Phone app to easily manage cash flow, track and pay back student loans, or even begin planning for retirement.

GLOSSARY

Cost of Attendance (COA)

The total amount (not including grants and scholarships) that it will cost you to go to school during the 2024-2025 school year. COA includes tuition and fees; housing and meals; and allowances for books, supplies, transportation, loan fees, and dependent care. It also includes miscellaneous and personal expenses, such as an allowance for the rental or purchase of a personal computer; costs related to a disability; and reasonable costs for eligible study-abroad programs. For students attending less than half-time, the COA includes tuition and fees; an allowance for books, supplies, and transportation; and dependent care expenses.

Direct and Indirect Costs

The estimated Cost of Attendance is not a bill but instead comprises of the items that represent the annual estimated cost of attendance used to determine annual financial aid eligibility. It includes direct costs (expenses that will be charged) such as Tuition and Fees, and Housing for on campus residency) and indirect costs (estimated out of pocket expenses that will not be charged to your bill) including Housing if in an off campus residence, Food, Books and Supplies, Transportation, and other Education costs. For more information on Cost of Attendance visit our Cost of Attendance webpage.

Direct Subsidized Loan

Loans that the U.S. Department of Education pays the interest on while you’re in school at least halftime, for the first six months after you leave school (referred to as a grace period), and during a period of deferment (a postponement of loan payments).

Direct Unsubsidized Loan

Loans that the borrower is responsible for paying the interest on during all periods. If you choose not to pay the interest while you are in school and during grace periods and deferment or forbearance periods, your interest will accrue (accumulate) and be capitalized (that is, your interest will be added to the principal amount of your loan).

Student Aid Index

A number used by your school to calculate the amount of student aid you are eligible to receive. It is based on the financial information provided in your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or your California Dream Act Application (CADAA). This is not the amount your family will have to pay for college, nor is it the amount of student aid you will receive.

Work-Study

A federal student aid program that provides part-time employment while the student is enrolled in school to help pay their education expenses. The student must seek out and apply for work-study jobs at their school. The student will be paid directly for the hours they work and may not automatically be credited to pay for institutional tuition or fees. The amount you earn cannot exceed the total amount offered by the school for the award year. The availability of work-study jobs varies by school. Please note that Work-Study earnings may be taxed in certain scenarios; however, the income you earn will not be counted against you when calculating your Student Aid Index on the FAFSA or CADAA.

Grants and Scholarships

Student aid funds that do not have to be repaid. Grants are often need-based, while scholarships are usually merit-based. Occasionally you may have to pay back part or all of a grant if, for example, you withdraw from school before finishing a quarter. If you use a grant or scholarship to cover your living expenses, the amount of your scholarship may be counted as taxable income on your tax return.

Loans

Borrowed money that must be repaid with interest. Federal, state and university loans typically have a lower interest rate than loans from private lenders. Federal loans, listed from most advantageous to least advantageous, are called Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and Parent PLUS Loans. You can find more information about the loans UC San Diego offers at https://fas.ucsd.edu/types/ loans/index.html.

Net Price

An estimate of the actual cost that a student and their family need to pay in a given year to cover education expenses for the student to attend a particular school. Net price is determined by taking the institution’s cost of attendance and subtracting any grants and scholarships for which the student may be eligible. The net price may also be met with loans, work and sometimes with outside scholarships.

Non-Federal Private Education Loan

A private education loan is a loan issued expressly for postsecondary education expenses to a borrower (either through the educational institution or directly to the borrower) from a private educational lender, rather than as a Title IV, HEA loan offered by the Department of Education.

Origination Fees

An upfront fee charged by a lender, not the school, for processing a new loan application. It is compensation for putting the loan in place. Origination fees are quoted as a percentage of the total loan.

Parent Plus Loan

A loan available to the parents of dependent undergraduate students for which the borrower is fully responsible for paying the interest regardless of the loan status.

Teach Grant Program

Provides grants of up to $4,000 a year to students who are completing or plan to complete coursework needed to begin a career in teaching. If you do not meet the requirements of your service obligation, all TEACH Grants you received will be converted to Direct Unsubsidized Loans. You must repay these loans in full, with interest charged from the date of each TEACH Grant disbursement. Service obligation information can be found at https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/teach.

Tuition Payment Plan

A tuition payment plan offered by an institution may allow students to spread out their payments. It includes an extension of credit of 90 days or less in which the educational institution is the lender, or of one year or less where an interest rate will not be applied to the credit payment.

VA Education Benefits

Benefits that help Veterans, service members, and their qualified family members with needs like paying college tuition, finding the right school or training program, and getting career counseling. You can find more information here: https://www.va.gov/education/.

For more information visit https://studentaid.gov.