University of California, Santa Barbara

Applying

To apply for Financial Aid, you must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To assist students with filling out the FAFSA, our office has created the "7 Easy Steps to the FAFSA" tutorial series.

Here are a few key things to remember when applying for Financial Aid:

  • To complete a FAFSA, you and your custodial parent (if applicable) will need a Personal Identification Number (PIN)
  • Complete a new FAFSA for each academic year
  • Complete the FAFSA before March 2. If you miss this deadline, you will only be considered for Federal Direct Loans and Pell Grant
  • Remember to list UC Santa Barbara’s school code (#001320) in the "School Selection" section of the FAFSA

Other Application Requirements

  • Scholarships: The University awards a limited amount of scholarships to students each year. There is no additional application requirement for these scholarships. However, a student may also pursue other scholarships which have their own specific application requirements. For more information, visit Scholarships
  • Cal Grant: The Cal Grant, a grant awarded to California residents, has additional application requirements beyond the FAFSA. Refer to the Types of Aid - Cal Grant for more information

After the FAFSA

  • Approximately 1-2 weeks after you complete the FAFSA, you will receive an e-mail informing you to check your processing status on the FAFSA website. If you did not provide an e-mail address, the FAFSA processor will mail you a Student Aid Report (SAR). Carefully review your status and follow the instructions if you need to make any corrections. Our office will receive your information as long as UC Santa Barbara, school code #001320, is listed in the "School Selection" section
  • Newly admitted freshmen will be sent an e-mail in April informing them to view their Unofficial Financial Aid Eligibility Letter, which will assist them in their admissions decision
  • Newly admitted transfers will be sent an e-mail in May informing them to view their Unofficial Financial Aid Eligibility Letter, which will assist them in their admissions decision
  • All students will be sent a U-Mail informing them to check the status of their Financial Aid application in My Aid Status