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 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) every year.

• Priority deadline is March 2.

• UC San Diego’s school code is 001317

• You automatically apply for all UC, state, and federal grants and scholarships when you file your Admissions Application fafsa.gov | dream.csac.ca.gov

• 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.

Applying For Scholarships

You can also 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 annual when the application opens in the fall.

APPLICATION TIPS:

• 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 & AWARD 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 to see how much financial aid you could receive.

If financial circumstances change, file a Family Contribution Appeal.

Gift Aid Award Offers

Gift aid is awarded according to merit and/or need (based on your application). Gift aid is automatically accepted for you and no repayment is required.

Scholarships

Awarded on the basis of academic merit 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.

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

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.

Learn more online: fas.ucsd.edu/types/loans

Work Study

Awarded on the basis of need and allows you to earn money 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 award as soon as it is offered to you if you plan to use it during the year.

fas.ucsd.edu/types/work-study

3. ACCEPT & MANAGE YOUR AWARDS ON TRITONLINK

Use the financial aid portal in TritonLink to access and update your financial aid information.

Key features:

• View Awards 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 to ensure funds are ready by the start of the term.

• Link to Student Financial Solutions (SFS) to enroll in Direct Deposit to expedite refunds.

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

After accepting admission access TritonLink tools: students.ucsd.edu/my-tritonlink/tools/index.html

Out Of State Students

Gift aid is awarded according to merit and/or need (based on your application). Gift aid is automatically accepted for you and no repayment is required.

Residency is determined by the campus Residence Deputy and obtaining residency can be challenging for those from outside the state. We encourage families to develop a multi-year financial plan and understand residency requirements and all funding options: students.ucsd.edu/finances/fees/residence/about.html