Navigating Financial Aid at UCI: A Comprehensive Guide to Programs and Eligibility

The University of California, Irvine (UCI) is committed to making education accessible to all eligible students, regardless of their financial circumstances. UCI administers a range of financial assistance programs to help students pursue their educational goals. About 75 percent of UCI’s enrolled students are offered some form of financial aid. This article provides a detailed overview of the various student aid programs available at UCI and the eligibility requirements for each.

UCI's Commitment to Financial Accessibility

At UCI, the administration does not want a lack of financial resources to get in the way of a student’s future. All eligible students and their parents can receive some type of aid, regardless of the family's income and assets. UCI determines financial aid eligibility by evaluating the family's ability to pay. Parents are expected to contribute to their children's education to the extent they are able; this ability is determined by the information provided on the financial aid application. As a student, you reap the benefit from your education, so it makes sense that you do your part to help pay for it. Students who demonstrate that they need financial assistance in order to attend may be eligible for scholarships, grants, loans, and/or work-study awards through the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. In addition to awarding aid on the basis of financial need, some scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence.

Applying for Financial Aid: The FAFSA and Other Requirements

To obtain financial aid, new and continuing students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submit the necessary supporting documents each year. The FAFSA form is available at fafsa.gov. Renewal notifications are sent to current financial aid recipients. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible after December 1st. The priority deadline to file the FAFSA for loans, work-study, and most grants is March 2nd. The University expects the student and the parent (or spouse) to contribute toward the educational costs to the extent possible. An analysis of the FAFSA and supporting documents determines how much student aid the student would receive if the student attended the University. Income, assets and the size of the family are the major factors considered in the analysis. Assets include, but are not limited to, equity in real estate other than family residence; stocks, bonds and other securities; business equity; and cash, savings and checking accounts.

California Dream Act Application

Submit a California Dream Act Application as soon as possible after it becomes available on December 1st, but no later than March 2nd. Students who are admitted to the University and intend to enroll should submit a Statement of Legal Residence.

Understanding Financial Aid Eligibility

Your financial aid eligibility is determined by your cost of attendance and the expected student contribution. Financial aid awards will be processed based on full-time enrollment at UCI, and cost of attendance budget components, including the tuition and fees, will be based on full time enrollment. You are eligible to receive financial aid for courses that are required for your degree program. Your financial aid is paid based on the number of units in which you are enrolled at UCI. At the end of the add/drop period, your financial aid will be reviewed. If you decrease your enrollment, your aid will be adjusted, and you may be billed for any overpayment. Any courses added after the add/drop period are not considered for additional financial aid grants.

Special Expenditures

Financial aid recipients who are in need of money for special expenditures (beyond the cost of books and basic supplies associated with certain courses of study) may make an appointment to see a financial aid counselor to explore the possibility of a budget add-on, based on the availability of funds. Federal financial aid programs are subject to regulations that define the criteria students must meet to qualify and maintain eligibility for those programs.

Enrollment Requirements to Receive Other Financial Aid at UCI

Your financial aid is paid based on the number of units in which you are enrolled at UCI. At the end of the add/drop period, your financial aid will be reviewed. If you decrease your enrollment, your aid will be adjusted, and you may be billed for any overpayment. Any courses added after the add/drop period are not considered for additional financial aid grants.

Pell Grant Verification

If you receive a Pell Grant, at the end of the term, the university will verify that you attended all of the courses for which you were paid Pell Grant funds.

Withdrawal Policy

Students who withdraw from UCI prior to completing 60 percent of the period for which they received federal financial aid will be subject to both the UC Fee Refund Policy and the Federal Return of Title IV Funds policy. Title IV Funds are federal funds awarded to a student to meet educational expenses.

Types of Financial Aid at UCI

UCI offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.

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Scholarships

UCI scholarships are awarded based on the basis of academic ability and promise and do not require repayment. Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, financial need, leadership experience, community service, and overcoming adversity.

Distinguished Scholarships

UCI offers Distinguished scholarships to select entering freshmen and transfer students with proven high academic achievement and leadership potential. The Distinguished Scholarships include the Regents’ Scholarship, the Chancellor’s Excellence Scholarship, and the Directors’ Scholarship. Recipients are selected based on the information gathered on the UC Application for Undergraduate Admission. Additional materials, such as the scholarship application, are neither required nor considered in the selection process.

UCI-Campuswide Scholarship Application

Entering freshmen and transfer students may submit the UCI-campuswide scholarship application through ScholarshipUniverse to be considered for scholarships based on available funds. Students will be notified about their potential scholarships prior to the start of the next academic year. The UCI Alumni Association also offers scholarships by invitation. Admitted students who have submitted a Statement of Intent to Register and meet the criteria for qualifications will be invited to apply for an Alumni Association Scholarship.

Scholarships for Continuing Students

Continuing students may apply to campus-wide scholarships and school-specific scholarships through the ScholarshipUniverse platform during the January application period for the upcoming academic year. The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships reviews these applications and considers applicants for all eligible scholarships. UCI scholarships may be either merit-based and/or need-based.

Grants

Grants are awarded on the basis of financial need. There is no repayment requirement.

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Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant is the largest federally funded grant program and provided up to a maximum of $7,395 for the 2024-25 academic year. To be eligible, students must be U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens, be enrolled as undergraduates, have not previously received a bachelor’s degree, and demonstrate financial need. Students must use the FAFSA to apply for this grant. Students must be enrolled full time (12 units) to receive the full grant.

Cal Grant A

Cal Grant A is a state-funded grant program which currently provides awards to be applied to the payment of University tuition and fees. Cal Grant A awards pay up to the amount of system-wide fees. To be eligible, applicants must be California residents and demonstrate financial need. Students must use the FAFSA and GPA Verification Form to apply for Cal Grant A. The filing deadline for new applicants is March 2nd for the following year.

Cal Grant B

Cal Grant B is a state-funded grant program which provided access awards in the 2024-25 year up to a maximum of $1,648 for living expenses during the student's first year. In subsequent years, students qualify for this access award plus an award for tuition and fees. Cal Grant B tuition/fee awards paid up to the amount of system-wide fees. To be eligible, applicants must be California residents, demonstrate financial need, and be entering college or not have completed more than one quarter of college work. Students must use the FAFSA and GPA Verification Form to apply for Cal Grant B. The filing deadline for new applicants is March 2nd for the following year. Students must be enrolled full time (12 units) to receive the full grant, and enrolled at least half time (6 or more units) to receive a prorated amount.

Middle Class Scholarship (MCS)

Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) is a state-funded scholarship program which currently provides awards to be applied to the payment of University tuition and fees. To be eligible, applicants must be undergraduate students who are California residents or AB-540 eligible and have a household income no greater than $226,000 and household assets of no more than $226,000 (for the 2024-25 year). Students must use the FAFSA/California Dream Application to apply for this award. The filing deadline for new applicants is March 2nd for the following year. Students must be enrolled at least half time (6 units) to receive the scholarship.

UCI Grant

UCI Grant is funded by The Regents of the University of California and by the State of California and provides grant aid for full-time students who demonstrate financial need. Other available gift aid that the student is eligible for (i.e. citizens and eligible noncitizens who are undergraduate students and have demonstrated financial need.

Loans

Loans are often part of a financial aid award. They provide recipients with an opportunity to defer the cost of their education by borrowing when needed and paying later. However, loan recipients must pay interest on the amount borrowed. A student’s loan responsibility, prior to acceptance of the loan, is to understand the terms of the loan. After accepting the loan, the recipient must repay the loan in accordance with the repayment schedule; advise the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships upon leaving UCI; participate in an exit interview; and provide the Financial Services Office with a current address after leaving UCI.

Federal Direct Student Loans

Federal Direct Student Loans are available to Legal and Forensic Psychology students. Loans are available up to the cost of attendance for the program. Students who demonstrate financial need may be eligible for up to $8,500 in subsidized loan proceeds with any remaining eligibility provided in unsubsidized loans. The Federal Direct Student Loan program has two types of loans available:

Subsidized loans: Interest accrues on a borrower's loan while the borrower is in school, grace, or authorized periods of deferment, and is paid by the government.
Unsubsidized loans: The borrower is fully responsible for paying the interest that accrues on the loan. Interest on an unsubsidized loan accrues from the date of disbursement and continues throughout the life of the loan.

University Loan

University Loan, funded by The Regents of the University of California, provides long-term loans to undergraduates who are full-time students who demonstrate financial need. The maximum amount for an academic year is typically $3,600. Interest of five percent a year begins six months after the student ceases to be enrolled at least half time, and repayment must be completed within ten years.

DREAM Loan

DREAM Loan, funded by The Regents of the University of California and the State of California, provides long-term subsidized loans to CADAA (California DREAM Act Application) applicants who demonstrate financial aid eligibility. The maximum amount for an academic year is $4,000. citizens or eligible noncitizens, and who demonstrate financial need.

Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans

Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans are available regardless of financial need. Interest will begin to accrue upon receipt of loan funds. The student may make repayments while enrolled in school, but if the student chooses not to pay the interest while in school, the interest will accumulate and will be added to the principal amount of the loan. During an academic year the maximum a dependent student may borrow is $5,500, freshmen; $6,500, sophomores; $7,500, juniors and seniors. Independent students may borrow an annual maximum of: $9,500, freshmen; $10,500, sophomores; $12,500, juniors and seniors; $20,500, graduate/professional; and $32,000, medical students. These maximum amounts include any amount borrowed under the Subsidized Federal Direct Loan program. Students may borrow an amount equal to the cost of attendance, less any estimated financial assistance up to the annual loan limits in effect at the time the loan is disbursed.

Federal Graduate PLUS Loans

Federal Graduate PLUS Loans are available to graduate and professional-level students. Students may borrow up to the cost of education for the academic year, less any estimated financial aid.

Federal Direct Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)

Federal Direct Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) are designed to assist parents of dependent undergraduate students who are unable to demonstrate financial need for campus-based funds. Parents are eligible to borrow up to the cost of education for the academic year, less any estimated financial aid each academic year, on a student’s behalf. The loan is limited to parents who do not have adverse credit histories as defined by regulation. Cumulative maximum: None. Deferment period before repayment: 60 days from day of final check disbursement for loan period.

Work-Study Programs

Federal Work-Study Program

The Federal Work-Study Program offers eligible students who demonstrate need an opportunity to pay for their living and educational expenses as they occur. By participating in the Federal Work-Study Program, students can reduce the amount of the loan to be repaid after leaving school. Students awarded work-study have the choice of obtaining a work-study job either on campus or off campus at an approved nonprofit agency. A variety of work opportunities are available, and such part-time work experience can be a valuable asset when seeking employment after graduation. Students eligible for work-study will be notified as such via their UCI Financial Aid award notification.

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Work-Study Program

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Work-Study Program is managed by the Veteran Services Center (VSC) at UC Irvine and available to active duty, reservists, National Guard, veterans and dependents (adult children and spouses) who are receiving VA education benefits, including Chapters 30, 31, 32, 33, 35, and 1606.

Program-Specific Aid: Legal and Forensic Psychology (M.A.S.)

Because the Legal and Forensic Psychology program is a fully accredited graduate degree, all enrolled students are eligible to apply for federal student loans. The first step in obtaining a loan is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) (federal school code 001314). The FAFSA applications usually process within one to four weeks, after the processing period you will sent sent a Student Aid Report (SAR). Once your application has been fully reviewed you will receive notification from the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships if any additional information is needed. You can check the status of your application.

Important Note on Fee Waivers

*This program is a self-supporting degree program, and certain fee waivers traditionally accepted by the University of California may, or may not, be accepted. For example, STUDENTS ENROLLING IN THIS PROGRAM CANNOT USE CAL VET TUITION/FEE EXEMPTIONS; THIS PROGAM IS NOT SUPPORTED WITH STATE FUNDS AND IS NOT SUBJECT TO THE STATE LAW REGARDING CAL VET TUITION/FEE EXEMPTIONS.

Additional Resources

UCI Division of Career Pathways: Located in the Student Services I building, assists UCI students in obtaining part- or full-time, on- and off-campus jobs and internships during the academic year as well as summer.
Graduate Division: Most graduate fellowship programs are administered by the Graduate Division, 120 Aldrich Hall, telephone 949-824-4611.
Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships: For information on all forms of student financial aid available to eligible students with disabilities, interested students should follow the regular financial aid application procedures and should notify the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships of any additional expenses they may incur because of a disability.
Employer Tuition Reimbursement and Union Assistance: We also encourage you to check with your employer for tuition reimbursement programs and with your union for tuition assistance or scholarships.

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