FAQ

  • How do I Apply for Financial Aid?

    To apply for Financial Aid, you must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or CA Dream Act Application (CADAA). Priority filing deadlines are March 2 of each year. Refer to How to Apply for more information.
  • Am I Eligible for Financial Aid?

    To be eligible for aid through the FAFSA, you must:

    To be eligible for aid through the CADAA you must:

    The following students are not eligible for Financial Aid:

    • UCSB PACE (Formerly Extension)
    • Students who have defaulted on a prior student loan or who owe a repayment of aid to the U.S. Department of Education
  • What if My Financial Aid Doesn't Cover My Fees?

    If the Financial Aid in your BARC account does not cover your university fees and charges, you must pay the remaining balance due before the quarterly fee deadline or you will be considered late, charged a $50 late fee, and may be dropped from your classes.

  • Can I Afford a UC Education?

    The University of California has provided a comprehensive explanation of the Financial Aid process at the University of California website.

  • How Much Does it Cost to Attend UCSB?

    To view the estimated cost attendance for undergraduate and graduate students at UCSB, please visit Cost of Attendance.

    The Cost of Attendance includes direct and indirect costs and is based off the 9 month academic year.

  • Will I be Charged Non-Resident Supplemental Tuition?

    Most students who live in another state are considered "non-California resident" students, and will incur higher University fees. The amount of loans in a non-California resident's Financial Aid package will increase to cover their increased costs.

    However, under AB 540 legislation, students enrolled or in the process of enrolling at a University of California campus after January 1, 2002, who attended a high school in California for three or more years, and who graduated from a California high school (or attained the equivalent), may qualify for an exemption from the nonresident tuition. Undergraduate, graduate, and professional students are eligible to apply for this exemption. For more information, visit the Registrar's website.

  • How will the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships Contact Me?

    Our office will usually contact you through your university email account. If you do not have a university email account, you must activate it at the U-mail website.

    Please check your email frequently to ensure you are receiving all important emails we send to you.  Furthermore, if you forward your U-mail to a different address, please update the mail filters of your forwarding address to accept e-mails from "ucsb.edu."

  • Can I Access My Student's Financial Aid Information?

    The confidentiality of student Financial Aid information is protected in accordance with the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 and UC Santa Barbara Policy and Procedure “Student Education Records – Disclosure of Information” issued March 2004 (available from the UCSB Registrar).

    Providing access to student Financial Aid records or information contained in these records to unauthorized persons is also prohibited. Your student’s information cannot be disclosed to third parties (parent, spouse, sibling, friend, landlord, associate, etc.) without their written consent.

    If your student wishes to grant access to you or another third party, they must complete the Student Consent to Release UCSB Financial Aid Information to a Designated Third Party form. This form must be completed each academic year and is accessed through My Aid Status.

  • What is the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) / Student Aid Index (SAI)?

    The EFC/SAI is a figure used to determine your student's Financial Aid. The calculation of the EFC/SAI is based on the information that you provided on your FAFSA. This figure is not an actual amount that you must pay but an approximation of how much you should reasonably be able to contribute to your student’s educational expenses this academic year.

    *The Student Aid Index (SAI) will replace the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) in 2024-2025.

  • What if My Actual Educational Costs Exceed the Estimated Expenses?

    If a student believes the cost of attendance used in determining their Financial Aid was insufficient, they may request to increase their budget (and aid eligibility) with a Cost of Attendance Appeal. Due to fund limitations, budget increases are funded with additional loan eligibility.

  • What Financial Resources are Available for International Students?

    Please visit these web sites for additional information:

    For more information about scholarships for international students, visit Scholarships.

  • Where can I Find More Information?

    • California Student Aid Commission (CSAC)

      CSAC is the principal California state agency responsible for administering the state’s Financial Aid programs for students attending public and private universities, colleges, and vocational schools in California. Its central mission is to make education beyond high school financially accessible to all Californians.

      Please visit their website for a thorough explanation of the Financial Aid programs CSAC administers, especially the Cal Grant A and Cal Grant B programs. You’ll also find information about the California Chafee Grant Program for eligible foster youth and former foster youth. Finally, explore their WebGrants for Students, a CSAC website created just for students. This website provides students with the resources, information, and tools needed to assist them with the college financial aid process.

    • Federal Student Aid

      This is the U.S. Department of Education's site for free information on preparing for and funding education beyond high school. Whether you're in elementary or high school, a parent, or a counselor, this site offers a wealth of information and publications. The information provided on this website will help you make informed decisions regarding all phases of a college, technical, or trade school education, and career choice.

  • How do I Apply for Scholarships?

    To learn more about available scholarships at UCSB, visit Scholarships.