Glossary
Private Loan
Private loans can help to fill the gap between the cost of education and the amount of other financial aid offered. These loans are provided by private lenders for those students who need to borrow funds in excess of the yearly maximums for the federal loan programs. Most lenders will take applicants’ credit history into consideration when evaluating applicants’ eligibility. Students and/or parents may be eligible for these loans which have varying criteria (interest rates, minimum monthly repayments, etc.). They are not federally guaranteed student loans.
Federal student loans are available to most students regardless of income and provide a range of repayment options including income-based repayment plans and loan forgiveness benefits, which other education loans are not required to provide.
Students have the right and the ability to select the loan lender of their choice. We highly recommend that students exhaust their federal Direct Loan eligibility before pursuing funds through private loan. Also, be aware that parents of dependent students are able to borrow up to the complete cost of education through the federal Direct PLUS Loan program.
For more information and a list of lenders, visit Loans.
Assumed Cal Grant
Cal Grant A and Cal Grant B are awards funded by the State of California and administered by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). As you received a Cal Grant in the prior academic year, we assume that your Cal Grant will be renewed for the following year. However, this is contingent upon a review of financial need and confirmation by CSAC.
Cal Grant and Census Date Units: Each quarter's Cal Grant is partially based on whether an eligible student is enrolled full-time (12 or more units), 3/4-time (9-11.5 units), or 1/2-time (6-8.5 units). This measurement will be taken at census date (one day after the last day to add classes on GOLD). Students who are enrolled less than full-time on census date will have their Cal Grant for that quarter reduced to a level that reflects their enrollment level.
Cal Grant A and B
Cal Grant A and Cal Grant B are awards funded by the State of California and administered by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). UCSB is responsible for verifying that Cal Grant recipients continue to meet the eligibility requirements in the renewal years.
Cal Grant and Census Date Units: Each quarter's Cal Grant is partially based on whether an eligible student is enrolled full-time (12 or more units), 3/4-time (9-11.5 units), or 1/2-time (6-8.5 units). This measurement will be taken at census date (one day after the last day to add classes on GOLD). Students who are enrolled less than full-time on census date will have their Cal Grant for that quarter reduced to a level that reflects their enrollment level.
Cal Grant A
- Awarded to students form low and middle income families.
- Provides tuition assistance only. Maximum program length is 4 years
Cal Grant B
- Awarded to students from disadvantaged and low income families.
-
Provides an “access grant” only for subsistence expenses in the first year; thereafter, Cal Grant B
recipients get the access grant as well as tuition assistance. To distinguish between these components, UCSB splits
Cal Grant B awards into two awards:
- “Cal Grant B: Tuition” for that portion that partially covers mandatory UC tuition; and
- “Cal Grant B: Stipend” for that portion that is an “access grant” to cover subsistence expenses.
Cal Grant B recipients may elect to receive the full disbursement of their Access award to use towards educational expenses or have it applied to any outstanding balances on the student's BARC account. By choosing the first option, Cal Grant B recipients are responsible to resolve any account balances with BARC. Please contact the Cal Grant Coordinator for more information.
Chancellor's Scholarship
The Chancellor's Scholarship is a need based scholarship awarded by the Chancellor's Scholarship Committee based on the various information submitted on your Application for Undergraduate Admission and Scholarship. It is limited to students that reside in Santa Barbara, Ventura, Kern and San Luis Obispo Counties. This scholarship is renewable for three additional years provided you meet the minimum requirements to renew this scholarship.
Cost of Attendance
This is our projection of the educational expenses you will incur for the period of time you will be enrolled at UCSB this academic year. Click here to view a breakdown of the expenses that comprise your cost of attendance. Note: The Office of the Registrar determines California residency status. Until the Office of the Registrar determines your official residency status, our office uses the residency status you indicated on your financial aid application. If the Office of the Registrar classifies you as a non-resident of the State of California, your financial aid cost of attendance will reflect the additional expenses associated with that status.
Direct Stafford Loan Subsidized
This is the amount of the federal student loan that you can accept on the Financial Aid website. The loan must be repaid. Under the subsidized Direct Stafford Loan program, the federal government pays the interest that accrues while the student is enrolled in school. Repayment of principal and interest begins six months after the student graduates, withdraws, or attends school less than half time.
For current Direct Loan interest rates and fees, please visit Federal Student Aid - Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans.
For more information, view your Direct Loan Borrower's Rights and Responsibilities and Annual Federal Direct Loan Limits.
Direct Stafford Loan Unsubsidized
This is the amount of the federal student loan that you can accept on the Financial Aid website. The loan must be repaid. Under the unsubsidized Direct Stafford Loan program, interest begins accruing immediately. This interest is calculated based on a daily interest formula, and students may either pay it or allow it to be added to the loan principal. Repayment of principal and accrued interest begins six months after the student graduates, withdraws, or attends school less than half time.
For current Direct Loan interest rates and fees, please visit Federal Student Aid - Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans.
For more information, view your Direct Loan Borrower's Rights and Responsibilities and Annual Federal Direct Loan Limits.
Estimated Cal Grant Eligibility
Cal Grant A and Cal Grant B are awards funded by the State of California and administered by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). UCSB requires all undergraduate, California resident, financial aid applicants to apply for a Cal Grant by submitting the Cal Grant GPA Verification Form to CSAC by the March 2 deadline. CSAC determines all new awards and directly notifies students. The amount listed is UCSB’s estimate of your Cal Grant eligibility. IMPORTANT - you may check the status of your Cal Grant at https://mygrantinfo.csac.ca.gov. We begin receiving our Cal Grant rosters from the California Student Aid Commission in August. If you do not receive the Cal Grant we will revise your aid package and replace it with other types of aid.
Cal Grant A
Awarded by the California Student Aid Commission to students from low and middle-income families. Provides tuition assistance only. Maximum program length is 4 years.
Cal Grant B
Awarded by the California Student Aid Commission to students from disadvantaged and low income families. Provides only subsistence awards in the first year; thereafter, both subsistence and tuition assistance are included. Maximum program length is 4 years. Minimum program length is 1 year.
All (except non-residents) freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors that meet Cal Grant eligibility criteria are assumed to have Cal Grant eligibility. Thus, UCSB inserts a "Estimated Cal Grant" into the aid package of these students. This estimated resource will be deleted only if we determine that the student did not meet the CSAC criteria for a new award. Students who did not submit a Cal Grant GPA Verification form to CSAC by March 2 may only receive additional Direct or PLUS loans.
Cal Grant and Census Date Units: Each quarter's Cal Grant is partially based on whether an eligible student is enrolled full-time (12 or more units), 3/4-time (9-11.5 units), or 1/2-time (6-8.5 units). This measurement will be taken at census date (one day after the last day to add classes on GOLD). Students who are enrolled less than full-time on census date will have their Cal Grant for that quarter reduced to a level that reflects their enrollment level.
Federal Pell Grant
A federal Pell Grant is gift aid and does not need to be repaid. Pell Grants are only available to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's degree and who are determined to have significant financial need.
Pell Grants and Census Date Units: Each quarter’s Pell Grant is partially based on whether an eligible student is enrolled full-time (12 or more units), 3/4-time (9-11.5 units), 1/2-time (6-8.5 units), or less than 1/2-time (below 6 units). This measurement will be taken at census date (one day after the last day to add classes on GOLD). Students who are enrolled less than full-time on census date will have their Pell Grants for that quarter reduced to a level that reflects their enrollment level.
Federal Perkins Loan
This is a federal loan that must be repaid. The interest rate is 5%. The interest does not accrue until repayment begins. Repayment begins nine months after you graduate, leave school, or drop to less than half-time.
Federal Parent PLUS Loan
This is the amount of Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) that the applicant’s parents are eligible to borrow. A parent may borrow less than the listed eligibility. The Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) is a federal loan for parents that must be repaid. For current Direct Loan interest rates and fees, please visit Federal Student Aid - PLUS Loans. Interest begins accruing as soon as the first disbursement is made. Repayment begins 60 days after the final disbursement for the academic year is made, but parents may defer payment while the student is enrolled at least half time by contacting their federal loan servicer found through Federal Loan Servicer. Only one parent’s name is permitted on the promissory note and the loan record. However, both parents can borrow separate amounts under their own names. A parent borrower must pass a credit check for the loan to be approved. In certain cases, a parent may be asked to provide a co-signer to the loan.
Your parent may apply for this loan at StudentAid.gov. For important information regarding the loan application process, please visit the PLUS Loan tab of My Aid Status.
Please note that some parents may not qualify for this loan due to adverse credit history. If your parent applies for the Parent PLUS Loan and is denied, they can do one of the following:
- Appeal the credit decision or call the Student Loan Support Center at (800) 557-7394.
- Seek a credit-worthy endorser (co-signor) by having that endorser log into StudentAid.gov and choose "Complete an Endorser Addendum", or by calling the Student Loan Support Center.
- Agree not to seek an endorser/appeal and the student can borrow an additional Unsubsidized Direct Stafford Loan. The student may submit the Request for Additional Unsubsidized Loan form found in the Forms section of our website.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
This Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is awarded to undergraduate students with "exceptional financial need." It is a type of federal grant that does not need to be repaid.
Federal Work-Study
Federal Work-Study is need based form of aid that is earned through employment and received in the form of a paycheck. Students begin earning their allocation once they are hired for an on-campus or qualifying off-campus job(s) and have an activated referral filled out by their employer and returned to the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. Many jobs are available only to those with Work-Study. Visit the Work-Study section of our website for more information.
Need-Based Employment
The following Need-Based Employment opportunities are available to help students develop professional skills and experience:
Federal Work-Study Program
Federal Work-Study is need based form of aid that is earned through employment and received in the form of a paycheck. Students begin earning their allocation once they are hired for an on-campus or qualifying off-campus job(s) and have an activated referral filled out by their employer and returned to the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. Many jobs are available only to those with Work-Study. Visit the Work-Study section of our website for more information.
Learning-Aligned Employment Program
Federal Work-Study ProgramFederal Work-Study is need-based form of aid that is earned through employment and received in the form of a paycheck. Students begin earning their allocation once they are hired for an on-campus or qualifying off-campus job(s) and have an activated referral filled out by their employer and returned to the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. Many jobs are available only to those with Work-Study. Visit the Work-Study section of our website for more information.Learning-Aligned Employment ProgramLearning-Aligned Employment Program (LAEP) awards are a need-based form of aid that is earned through employment and received in the form of a paycheck. LAEP positions at UCSB must be research-based and relevant to awarded students’ studies. Students begin earning their allocation once they are hired into a qualifying on-campus position and have an activated referral filled out by their employer and returned to the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. LAEP is awarded to ‘underrepresented’ students – as defined by the California Student Aid Commission - and is funded by the State of California.
Graduate PLUS Loan
Graduate PLUS loans are federal student loans for grad students. For the current Grad PLUS Loan interest rate and fees, please visit Federal Student Aid - PLUS Loans. Interest begins accruing as soon as the first disbursement is made. Loan servicers use a simple daily interest formula to calculate the interest as it accrues. Repayment of principal and accrued interest begins six months after the student graduates, leaves school, or drops to less than half-time attendance.
Grad students may apply for this loan at StudentLoans.gov. For important information regarding the loan application process, please visit Tab 6 of My Aid Status. Please note that some grad students may not qualify for this loan due to adverse credit history. If you apply for the Graduate PLUS Loan and are denied due to credit reasons, you can:
- Appeal the credit decision by calling Applicant Services at (800)557-7394
- Seek a credit-worthy endorser (co-signor) by following the instructions on the denial letter or by calling Applicant Services
Parent Contribution
This figure is not an actual amount that your parents must pay but an approximation of how much they should reasonably be able to contribute to their student’s educational expenses this academic year. It is based on the information that was provided on the financial aid application and any other data that we received from the student and the student’s parents.
PLUS Loan Eligibility
This is the amount of PLUS Loan for which the applicant qualifies. For more details regarding this loan, please refer to the PLUS Loan definition.
Possible Cal Grant Eligibility
Cal Grant A and Cal Grant B are awards funded by the State of California and administered by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). UCSB required all undergraduate, California resident, financial aid applicants to apply for a Cal Grant by submitting the Cal Grant GPA Verification Form to CSAC by the March 2 deadline. CSAC determines all new awards and directly notifies students. The amount listed is UCSB's estimate of your Cal Grant eligibility.
You may check the status of your Cal Grant at WebGrants 4 Students. We begin receiving our Cal Grant rosters from the California Student Aid Commission in August. If you do not receive the Cal Grant we will revise your aid package and replace it with other types of aid.
Cal Grant A
- Awarded to students form low and middle income families
- Provides tuition assistance only. Maximum program length is 4 years
Cal Grant B
- Awarded to students from disadvantaged and low income families
-
Provides an “access grant” only for subsistence expenses in the first year; thereafter, Cal Grant B
recipients get the access grant as well as tuition assistance. To distinguish between these components, UCSB splits
Cal Grant B awards into two awards:
- “Cal Grant B: Tuition” for that portion that partially covers mandatory UC tuition; and
- “Cal Grant B: Stipend” for that portion that is an “access grant” to cover subsistence expenses.
All (except non-residents) freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors that meet Cal Grant eligibility criteria are assumed to have Cal Grant eligibility. Thus, UCSB inserts an "Estimated Cal Grant" into the aid package of these students. This estimated resource will be deleted only if we determine that the student did not meet the CSAC criteria for a new award. Students who did not submit a Cal Grant GPA Verification form to CSAC by March 2 may only receive additional Direct or PLUS loans.
Cal Grant and Census Date Units: Each quarter's Cal Grant is partially based on whether an eligible student is enrolled full-time (12 or more units), 3/4-time (9-11.5 units), or 1/2-time (6-8.5 units). This measurement will be taken at census date (one day after the last day to add classes on GOLD). Students who are enrolled less than full-time on census date will have their Cal Grant for that quarter reduced to a level that reflects their enrollment level.
Federal Subsidized Direct Stafford Loan Eligibility
This is the amount of Subsidized Direct Loan for which you qualify. This is a federal student loan that must be repaid. Under the Subsidized Direct Loan program, the federal government pays the interest that accrues while the student is enrolled in school. Repayment of principal and interest begins six months after the student graduates, withdraws, or attends school less than half time. Students may borrow less than the stated eligibility.
For current Direct Loan interest rates and fees, please visit Federal Student Aid - Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans
For more information, view your Direct Loan Borrower's Rights and Responsibilities and Annual Federal Direct Loan Limits.
Federal Unsubsidized Direct Stafford Loan Eligibility
This is the amount of Unsubsidized Direct Loan for which you qualify. This is a federal student loan that must be repaid. Under the Unsubsidized Direct Loan program, interest begins accruing immediately. Students are charged quarterly for the amount of accrued interest. They may either pay it or allow it to be added to the loan principal. Repayment of principal and accrued interest begins six months after the student graduates, withdraws, or attends school less than half time. Students may borrow less than the stated eligibility.
For current Direct Loan interest rates and fees, please visit Federal Student Aid - Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans
For more information, view your Direct Loan Borrower's Rights and Responsibilities and Annual Federal Direct Loan Limits.
Regents Scholarship
The Regents Scholars selection committee conducts a comprehensive review of the applicant pool to determine the student's strength and breadth of academic preparation. Selection is based on a thorough review of the admissions application. To be eligible for the Regents Scholarship, you must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, a non-citizen student qualifying under California Assembly Bills 130 or 131, or an international student with outstanding academic qualifications. Only students who fall under these categories are eligible for the Regents Scholarship.
Applicants are notified in March if they have been selected. All decisions are final; appeals are not considered for Regents Scholarship decisions. The Regents Scholarship is a prestigious award for incoming freshman whose UC application shows outstanding academic achievement. Visit Scholarships for more information.
Student Contribution
This figure is not an actual amount that students must pay but an approximation of how much they should reasonably be expected to contribute to their own educational expenses at UCSB this academic year. This calculation is based on the information that was provided on the financial aid application and any other data that we received from the student.
Summer Session Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to continuing first year students who applied for summer financial aid by the priority deadline and who have significant financial need.
TEACH Grant
The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program provides up to $4,000 a year in grant aid to college students who plan to become teachers and who are committed to teaching in a Title I school in specified subject areas. More information on these teaching requirements can be found in Federal Student Aid's TEACH Grant Program Information Sheet (PDF)
Due to the restrictive nature of the TEACH requirements eligibility will be limited to those students that are already enrolled in UCSB’s Teacher Education Program (TEP) and who have been admitted to the M.ED. in Teaching. The UCSB Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships will contact the TEP students regarding their interest in this program.
UCSB New Freshman Scholarship
This scholarship is provided by the University of California and is awarded to new freshmen who applied by the March 2 priority filing deadline and who have significant financial need. Note that this scholarship is available to new freshman only. In subsequent years as continuing student scholarship eligibility is based on students’ UCSB GPA. This GPA review happens during the normal financial aid eligibility review and awarding process.
UCSB Scholarship
UCSB is committed to making a UC education possible for all admitted students. The UCSB Scholarship is awarded by the university in order to lower the net cost of a UC education for students with significant financial need. Eligibility will vary from year to year based on financial information provided on the financial aid application as well as the availability of funds.
Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan
A Financial Aid Initiative for University of California Undergraduates
The goal of the new “Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan” is to ensure that UC systemwide tuition does not deter the half of California households with incomes below $80,000 from aspiring to a UC education.
Under the Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan, UC will provide that financially needy undergraduates with family income up to the median for California households ($80,000) and who are enrolled in their first four years (two years if a transfer student) will have UC systemwide tuition covered by scholarship or grant awards.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan, students must:
- Be a California resident.
- Submit a financial aid application and provide any requested documentation to verify income and other eligibility criteria by campus deadlines.
- Apply for a Cal Grant (if not already a recipient).
- Have financial need (as determined for federal need-based aid programs).
- Have income below $80,000 as determined for federal need-based aid programs. This is a measure of parents’ income for dependent students. It is a measure of student’s (and spouses, if applicable) income for independent students.
- Be in their first four years (two if a transfer student) of University undergraduate attendance.
- Be enrolled in an academic year term (summer is excluded).
- Meet campus basic requirements for UC grant assistance (e.g., be an on-time applicant, be enrolled at least half-time, meet campus satisfactory academic progress standards, not already hold a bachelor’s degree, not be in default on student loans, etc.).
No student will receive more scholarship and grant support than the calculated financial need.
Integration with Other UC Aid Programs
All sources of scholarship and grant awards (federal, State, institutional, and private sources including outside agency scholarships) will count towards covering tuition and meeting the Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan commitment.
In addition to the minimum funding under the Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan, undergraduates with sufficient financial need will receive additional grant support to help defray other educational expenses (e.g., books, living expenses, transportation, etc.).
Effective Date and Activation Plans
The majority of students who meet the income eligibility standard will already have sufficient grant and scholarship support to cover full UC systemwide tuition based on our standard financial aid packaging guidelines. Thus, we do not plan to identify students needing additional grant funds to meet the Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan guidelines until mid-to-late fall quarter.
EAP RTA Funds
This grant is for EAP students and comes from the University of California and is awarded based upon need and on time status. It may be used to fund all or part of your UCSB grant eligibility.
AB540 Non-Resident Tuition Waiver
The Non-Resident portion of the tuition expense is waived for AB540 eligible students. Eligibility is determined by the Residency Deputy in the Office of the Registrar as part of the Statement of Legal Residence (SLR) process.
UCSB Work-Study
UCSB Work-Study is awarded to high need students and provides employment opportunities. Students earn their allocation with either on-campus or off-campus employers and receive a monthly paycheck for wages earned.
If you're a CA Dream Act aid recipient, this award may only be activated if you have obtained a social security number after the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) granted you Deferred Action status and you received an Employment Authorization Card.
Professional Experience Opportunity
The following Professional Experience Opportunities are available to help students develop professional skills and experience:
UCSB Work-Study
UCSB Work-Study is awarded to high need students and provides employment opportunities. Students earn their allocation with either on-campus or off-campus employers and receive a monthly paycheck for wages earned. If you're a CA Dream Act aid recipient, this award may only be activated if you have obtained a social security number after the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) granted you Deferred Action status and you received an Employment Authorization Card.
The Monarch Opportunity Scholarship
The Monarch Opportunity Scholarship is a program designed to help students gain professional experiences. Students receive a matching scholarship for participating in professional experience programs. This opportunity is available to Dream Scholars who have not been granted Deferred Action Status (DACA).
Professional Experience Opportunity
The following Professional Experience Opportunities are available to help students develop professional skills and experience:
UCSB Work-Study
UCSB Work-Study is awarded to high need students and provides employment opportunities. Students earn their allocation with either on-campus or off-campus employers and receive a monthly paycheck for wages earned. If you're a CA Dream Act aid recipient, this award may only be activated if you have obtained a social security number after the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) granted you Deferred Action status and you received an Employment Authorization Card.
Learning-Aligned Employment Program
Learning-Aligned Employment Program (LAEP) awards are a need-based form of aid that is earned through employment and received in the form of a paycheck. LAEP positions at UCSB must be research-based and relevant to awarded students’ studies. Students begin earning their allocation once they are hired into a qualifying on-campus position and have an activated referral filled out by their employer and returned to the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. LAEP is awarded to ‘underrepresented’ students – as defined by the California Student Aid Commission - and is funded by the State of California. If you're a CA Dream Act aid recipient, this award may only be activated if you have obtained a social security number after the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) granted you Deferred Action status and you received an Employment Authorization Card.
The Monarch Opportunity Scholarship
The Monarch Opportunity Scholarship is a program designed to help students gain professional experiences. Students receive a matching scholarship for participating in professional experience programs. This opportunity is available to Dream Scholars who have not been granted Deferred Action Status (DACA).
Middle Class Scholarship
This is an estimate of your Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) based on your current FAFSA/CADAA information, assumed residency, cost of attendance, and all other resources in your Financial Aid Offer. Final eligibility and award amounts are determined by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). Any changes to your FAFSA/CADAA, residency determination, cost of attendance, or additional resources you receive from other sources will affect your eligibility for this aid. Additionally, MCS award amounts may be reduced if CSAC determines that their funding is insufficient to cover all MCS awards. The UCSB Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships has no discretion in these determinations.
California Dream Loan
This is the amount of CA Dream Loan funds for which the applicant qualifies. This is a student loan that must be repaid. Under the CA Dream Loan Program, the interest rate matches the Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan. Interest will not accrue on the loan as long as the applicant maintains a half-time enrollment status (between 6-8.9 units).
Applicants may receive a maximum of $4,000 per academic year, however offered amounts will be determined from year-to-year based on funding. Additionally, applicants can receive a maximum of $20,000 in Dream Loans at UCSB throughout the duration of their academic career. Once the applicant graduates, or ceases to be half-time, there is a 6-month "grace period" before repayment begins. For additional information regarding the CA Dream Loan Program, visit the University of California website
UCSB Promise Scholarship
The UCSB Promise Scholarship was established to recognize talented undergraduates who have demonstrated significant potential to embark on a journey of rigorous academics, cutting-edge research, and student leadership. Selection is based on a comprehensive review of the admission application, including test scores and grades, as well as financial need. To be eligible for UCSB's Promise Scholarship, you must be a California resident or AB540 eligible, file a FAFSA or California Dream Act Application by the priority deadline, and show sufficient financial need as determined by the UCSB Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.
Incoming freshman Promise Scholars receive $120,000 across four years and incoming transfer students receive $60,000 across two years while studying at UCSB.
UC Health Insurance Grant
All UCSB students are automatically enrolled in and charged for UC Health Insurance Plan (UCSHIP) unless they submit an approved insurance waiver with the UCSB Student Health Insurance Office. This grant helps cover the cost of UCSHIP for the academic year and the amount of this grant is dependent upon your financial need.
Students who waive out of UCSHIP will no longer be eligible to receive the Health Insurance Grant. The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships will not consider any appeals from students who waive out. If you do waive out of UCSHIP, your total financial aid will still include the cost of the Gaucho Access Plan (GAP) in order to ensure students have adequate funding to sign up for that program.
If you currently have a Medi-Cal plan and choose to stay enrolled in UCSHIP (and not waive out), then UCSHIP will become your primary insurance and you will be responsible for the copays, coinsurance, and deductibles associated with the plan. In order to waive out of UCSHIP using Medi-Cal, you must be assigned to Santa Barbara County or have statewide Medi-Cal coverage.
For more detailed information about UCSHIP, waiving out, and GAP, please visit the UCSB Student Health Insurance Office website, or contact the UCSB Student Health Insurance Office at shsinsurance@sa.ucsb.edu.
Gaucho Health Insurance Waiver
The Gaucho Health Insurance Waiver is for students who opt out of the Gaucho Health Insurance on campus. Students who opt out of GHI will not be eligible to receive the GHI Grant. The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships will not consider any appeals from students who waive out of GHI. For more information about this waiver, please visit the Policies and Disclosures section.
Your total financial aid will still include the full cost of the Gaucho Access Plan (GAP) in order to ensure students have adequate funding to sign up for that program. For more information about Gaucho Health Insurance, please visit UCSB's Student Health office website. Students can email SHSWaivers@sa.ucsb.edu if they decide to unwaive from GHI.
Gaucho Family Fund
In order to support UCSB students with dependents, the Division of Student Affairs offers the Gaucho Family Fund, which helps offset education related costs associated with raising a family while also attending college. This annual gift is awarded to UCSB undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need and who are in good standing with the university. The Gaucho Family Fund is renewable and works in tandem with UCSB's other robust financial aid programs.
UCSB Loan
This is a UCSB loan that must be repaid. The interest rate is 5%. The interest does not accrue until repayment begins. Repayment begins nine months after you graduate, leave school, or drop to less than half-time.
Scholarship Place Hold
The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships has been notified of a scholarship you will be receiving for the academic year. This placeholder has been added to your award letter to allow for revisions to be made to your award. This will not disburse directly to you or your BARC account. The placeholder will be replaced with a fund that can disburse directly to you or your BARC account after the funds are received from the donor.
Self-Reported Scholarship
The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships has been notified of a scholarship you will be receiving for the academic year. This placeholder has been added to your award letter to allow for revisions to be made to your award. The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships is required to adjust aid for all resources reported to us from external agencies. This scholarship will be sent directly to you by the scholarship agency. You will not see this on your BARC account.
Assumed Residency
Cost of Attendance and Awards are based on a combination of factors from the Admissions Application, such as the state from which you graduated from high school.
Financial aid will ultimately be based on the residency determination made by the Office of the Registrar via the Statement of Legal Residency (SLR) process. Non-resident students are ineligible to receive Cal Grant, Middle Class Scholarship, and need-based UCSB Grants and Scholarships. However, you will be considered for all federal financial aid, such as Pell grants and federal student loans.
Summer Housing Incentive
This incentive credits students living in University Apartments with up to $1,000 to help cover housing fees during the summer. In order to remain eligible for the housing incentive, you must enroll in and complete 12 units during the summer (any combination of sessions).
Preferred Housing Plan
This option is based on the housing plan you selected on the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application. This is not an offer or guarantee of housing. If your housing plan is different, your Cost of Attendance and Grants and Scholarships may be different when you receive your Financial Aid Award Letter.
Living Situation During the Year
Reflects housing categories as determined by the campus. For example, some campuses have more than one type of university housing and so may have a different cost of attendance for each housing type. Your living situation means where you will live for the academic year (academic terms of enrollment).
Living at Home
A student who is living with a relative, usually a parent, is considered to be living at home. On the financial aid application this is called Commuter. Your campus will use varying methods to confirm your living situation so that you are assigned the appropriate Cost of Attendance.
Private Housing
Any apartment, shared house, fraternity or sorority not owned or on contract with the university. If you are living with relatives, see Living at Home. On the financial aid application, this is called Off Campus.
Your campus will use varying methods to confirm your living situation so that you are assigned the appropriate Cost of Attendance.
University Housing
Any residence hall or apartment owned or on contract with the university is considered to be living in university housing. On the financial aid application, this is called On Campus. Your campus will use varying methods to confirm your living situation so that you are assigned the appropriate Cost of Attendance.
Books and Supplies
This is an indirect cost. An indirect cost is not billed to your college student account. This is an allowance for books, course materials, and equipment, (e.g., writing utensils, paper, computer purchase, etc.) which must include all such costs required of all students in the same course of study, including a reasonable allowance for the rental or upfront purchase of a personal computer, as determined by the university. This is an estimated average of these costs while attending college.
UC Student Health Insurance
All UCSB students are automatically enrolled in and charged for UC Health Insurance Plan (UCSHIP) unless they submit an approved insurance waiver with the UCSB Student Health Insurance Office. This grant helps cover the cost of UCSHIP for the academic year and the amount of this grant is dependent upon your financial need.
Students who waive out of UCSHIP will no longer be eligible to receive the Health Insurance Grant. The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships will not consider any appeals from students who waive out. If you do waive out of UCSHIP, your total financial aid will still include the cost of the Gaucho Access Plan (GAP) in order to ensure students have adequate funding to sign up for that program.
If you currently have a Medi-Cal plan and choose to stay enrolled in UCSHIP (and not waive out), then UCSHIP will become your primary insurance and you will be responsible for the copays, coinsurance, and deductibles associated with the plan. In order to waive out of UCSHIP using Medi-Cal, you must be assigned to Santa Barbara County or have statewide Medi-Cal coverage.
For more detailed information about UCSHIP, waiving out, and GAP, please visit the UCSB Student Health Insurance Office website, or contact the UCSB Student Health Insurance Office at shsinsurance@sa.ucsb.edu.
Campus Fees
This is a direct cost. A direct cost is a charge billed to your college student account. These fees help fund a variety of student-related services, such as student government, student public transportation, building improvements, etc. Campus-based fees are established, increased or renewed by student vote in campus elections.
Living Expenses
This is an indirect cost for students not living in university housing. An indirect cost is not billed to your college student account. However, it is a direct cost for students living in university housing. A direct cost is one billed to your student account, but the amount will vary depending upon your housing selection. The amount listed here is an estimated average of the cost of housing, food and utilities while attending college, even if living at home with parents.
This amount represents an allowance for food and housing costs, as determined by the university, to be incurred by the student attending the institution on at least a half-time basis, including a standard food allowance that provides the equivalent of three meals each day, regardless of whether a student chooses university owned or operated food services (i.e., housing or meal plans). This includes an allowance for purchasing food off campus for a student that does not elect university owned or operated food services.
Personal Expenses
This is an indirect cost. An indirect cost is not billed to your college student account. It is an estimated average of the cost of incidental expenses such as personal hygiene, laundry, clothing and reasonable entertainment for students enrolled on at least a half-time basis.
Transportation Costs
This is an indirect cost. An indirect cost is not billed to your college student account. This is an allowance, as determined by the university, which may include transportation between campus, residences, place of work, and traveling to and from home on breaks. It is an estimated average of these costs while attending college.
UC Tuition
This is a direct cost. A direct cost is a charge billed to your college student account. UC tuition is the total amount you are charged for classes (also known as systemwide tuition), student services fees and nonresident supplemental tuition (if you are a nonresident), rounded to the nearest dollar. All students pay UC Tuition. Your tuition amount is based on the year you first enrolled in a degree program at UC and on whether you are a CA resident or a nonresident. UC Tuition should remain the same cost each year for up to six years from the time of your first enrollment (barring any unexpected economic changes).
Bill Villa Scholarship
The Bill Villa Scholarship is a need-based award for UCSB undergraduates who graduated from Santa Barbara High School.
June and Todd Brouhard Scholarship
The June and Todd Brouhard Scholarship is awarded to UCSB undergraduates with financial need.
California Promise Scholarship
The California Promise Scholarship is a need-based award for currently registered UCSB undergraduates with a minimum GPA of 3.6. Recipients must be California residents.
Chancellor's Scholarship
The Chancellor's Scholarship was created in honor of Chancellor Henry Yang's inauguration, and is awarded to UCSB undergraduates with financial need and demonstrated academic merit.
Cindy and Evan Goldberg Scholarship
The Cindy and Evan Goldberg Scholarship is a need-based award for first-generation college students. If recipients remain eligible and enrolled, the scholarship can be renewed for multiple years.
Connie Frank Scholarship
The Connie Frank Scholarship is an award designed to support pre-med students with financial need who have already completed their first year at UCSB.
Crankstart Transfer Scholarship
The Crankstart Transfer Scholarship is awarded to California Community College students who have transferred to UCSB. This award is funded by the Crankstart Foundation.
Gaucho Scholars Fund
The Gaucho Scholars Fund provides need-based scholarships for UCSB undergraduates who demonstrate academic merit.
George and Marjorie Meyer Memorial Scholarship
The George and Marjorie Meyer Memorial Scholarship is a need-based award for UCSB undergraduates whose parents are serving or have served in a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.
John and Betty Groebli Scholarship
The John and Betty Groebli Scholarship is designed to support UCSB undergraduates who may fall outside the scope of state and federal aid eligibility but who otherwise have or exhibit demonstrated financial need.
June Williams Memorial Scholarship
The June Williams Memorial Scholarship is awarded to high achieving undergraduate students who have financial need.
Kevin Patrick Moran Memorial Scholarship
The Kevin Patrick Moran Memorial Scholarship is an undergraduate award for UCSB students majoring in Political Science or Economics.
Mathilda Christiansen Kuehl and William Kuehl Scholarship
The Mathilda Christiansen Kuehl and William Kuehl Scholarship is an undergraduate award for UCSB students with financial need who are majoring in the Humanities or Fine Arts.
Minority Alumni Scholarship
The Minority Alumni Scholarship recipients are selected by the UCSB Educational Opportunity Program.
Osher Scholarship
The Osher Scholarship is awarded to students with financial need who are transferring or have transferred from a California Community College and demonstrate academic promise and commitment to obtaining a baccalaureate degree.
Stapelmann Scholarship
The Stapelmann Scholarship is a need-based award for full-time undergraduate students at UCSB. As long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements, you can receive this award for more than one year.
Gunther Family Scholarship
The Gunther Family Scholarship is a need-based scholarship for Santa Barbara Community College students who transfer to UCSB, major in the natural sciences or engineering, and demonstrate academic merit.
Kohn Scholarship
The Kohn Scholarship is a need-based award for California Community College students transferring to UCSB and majoring in the natural sciences or engineering.
Richard and Erika Davis Scholarship
The Richard and Erika Davis Scholarship is an award for UCSB undergraduates who have financial need and high academic merit.
UCSB Oakland Promise Scholarship
The UCSB Oakland Promise Scholarship is a need-based award for UCSB undergraduates who participated in the UC Oakland Promise Program.
URC Interfaith Scholarship
The University Religious Conference Interfaith Scholarship is a need-based award for undergraduates residing at Merton House who demonstrate academic merit.
Yolanda Garcia Scholarship
The Yolanda Garcia Scholarship is a need-based award for first-generation undergraduates who demonstrate a commitment to social justice and community-building.
Zorich Family Scholarship
The Zorich Family Scholarship is a need-based award for incoming first year or transfer students.
UCSB Bay Area Scholarship
The UCSB Bay Area Scholarship is a need-based award for full-time undergraduate students who graduated from a high school located within one of the following counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Mateo, Solano, San Francisco, Santa Clara, Napa, or Sonoma.
UCSB Tri-County Scholarship
The UCSB Tri-County Scholarship is a need-based award for full-time undergraduate students who graduated from a high school located within Santa Barbara, Ventura, or San Luis Obispo counties.
UCSB Los Angeles Scholarship
The UCSB Los Angeles Scholarship is a need-based award for full-time undergraduate students who graduated from a high school located within Los Angeles County.
UCSB Orange County Scholarship
The UCSB Orange County Scholarship is a need-based award for full-time undergraduate students who graduated from a high school located within Orange County.
UCSB San Diego Scholarship
The UCSB San Diego County Scholarship is a need-based award for full-time undergraduate students who graduated from a high school located within San Diego County.
UCSB National Capital Area Scholarship
The UCSB National Capitol Area Scholarship is a need-based award for full-time undergraduate students who graduated from a high school located within the District of Columbia, or the states of Maryland, Virginia, or Delaware.
Alumni Association Scholarship
The UCSB Alumni Association Scholarship is awarded to full-time UCSB students on the basis of financial need, academic merit, service to the university, and first-generation status.
Alumni Legacy Scholarship
The Alumni Legacy Scholarship is awarded to full-time UCSB undergraduates who are related to a UCSB alumnus/a, maintain a 3.0 GPA, and demonstrate a commitment to the excellence of UCSB through campus involvement.
Cal Eta SAE Memorial Scholarship
The Cal Eta SAE Memorial Scholarship is awarded to UCSB undergraduates with financial need who demonstrate strong leadership and a desire to give back to the community.
Class of 1963 Alumni Scholarship
The Class of 1963 Alumni Scholarship is a need-based award for UCSB undergraduates who demonstrate academic merit.
Class of 1969 50th Reunion Scholarship
The Class of 1969 50th Reunion Scholarship is awarded to UCSB undergraduates with junior or senior standing who have financial need and are making a difference at UCSB or in the community.
Michael and Julie Reshatoff Alumni Scholarship
The Michael and Julie Reshatoff Alumni Scholarship is a need-based award for underrepresented students pursuing a STEM major.
Wendy V.C. Purcell & Kenneth L. Wilton Alumni Scholarship
The Wendy V.C. Purcell & Kenneth L. Wilton Alumni Scholarship is awarded to a UCSB undergraduate studying the physical sciences who demonstrates academic merit.
Paul Chatom Jr. Scholarship
The Paul Chatom Jr. Scholarship is awarded to UCSB undergraduates with financial need who graduated from high school in Bakersfield, CA.
Elizabeth Dineen Scholarship
The Elizabeth Dineen Scholarship supports UCSB undergraduate music majors with financial need.
Eva Agusta Josephi Scholarship
The Eva Augusta Josephi Memorial Scholarship is a need-based award for UCSB undergraduates who meet the scholarship criteria.
Anna Bell Karr Scholarship
The Anna Bell Karr Scholarship is a need-based award for UCSB undergraduates who graduated from a high school located in Yuba County, California.
Raymond H McCoy
The Raymond H. McCoy Scholarship is a need-based award for UCSB undergraduates who graduated from a high school in the San Ramon Valley School District.
Arthur W Nicholls Scholarship
The Arthur W. Nicholls Scholarship is a need-based award for UCSB undergraduates who attended a high school located within Placer County, CA.
A.F. Nunes Scholarship
The A. F. Nunes Scholarship is a need-based award for UCSB undergraduates who are of Portuguese descent, or who are majoring in either Music or Portuguese cultural studies.
Nunes Woodwind Quintet Scholarship
The Nunes Woodwind Quintet Scholarship is awarded to students who are members of the UCSB Scholarship Woodwind Quintet.
Margaret H. Blaney Scholarship
The Margaret H. Blaney Scholarship is a need-based award for UCSB undergraduates.
John and Ida Campbell Scholarship
The John & Ida Campbell Scholarship is a need-based award for UCSB undergraduates.
Floralyn Conway Scholarship
The Floralyn Conway Scholarship is a need-based award for UCSB undergraduates.
Barbara DeWolfe Scholarship
The Barbara DeWolfe Scholarship is a need-based award for UCSB undergraduates.
John S. Edwards Scholarship
The John S. Edwards Scholarship is a need-based award for UCSB undergraduates.
Alison Duncan Egus Scholarship
The Alison Duncan Egus Scholarship a need-based award for UCSB undergraduates.
David Gray Jr. Scholarship
The David Gray Jr. Scholarship is awarded to UCSB undergraduates majoring in the sciences who demonstrate academic merit and financial need.
Leon F. Goodman Scholarship
The Leon F. Goodman Scholarship is awarded to UCSB undergraduates with financial need.
Laura Hawkins Scholarship
The Laura Hawkins Scholarship is awarded to UCSB undergraduates who demonstrate academic merit and financial need.
Kevin Sage Christensen Memorial Scholarship
The Kevin Sage Christensen Memorial Scholarship is awarded to UCSB undergraduates with financial need.
William Adolph Kierski Scholarship
The William Adolph Kierski Scholarship is awarded to UCSB undergraduates with financial need.
Hazel Lagersen Scholarship
The Hazel Lagersen Scholarship is awarded to UCSB undergraduates with financial need.
Marvin M. Appel Scholarship
The Marvin M. Appel Scholarship is awarded to UCSB undergraduates with financial need.
John C. Mithun Foundation Scholarship
The John C. Mithun Foundation Scholarship is awarded to UCSB undergraduates with financial need.
Mithun Family Foundation Scholarship
The Mithun Family Foundation Scholarship is awarded to UCSB undergraduates with financial need.
Edna Molitar Scholarship
The Edna Molitar Scholarship is awarded to full-time UCSB undergraduates who demonstrate academic merit and financial need.
Mosher Scholarship
The Mosher Scholarship is awarded to UCSB undergraduates with financial need.
Hilda Oppenheimer Scholarship
The Hilda Oppenheimer Scholarship is awarded to UCSB undergraduates with financial need.
Clarence Phelps Scholarship
The Clarence Phelps Scholarship is awarded to UCSB undergraduates with financial need.
Isabelle Price Scholarship
The Isabelle Price Scholarship is awarded to continuing UCSB students with financial need.
Lady Leslie Ridley-Tree Foundation Scholarship
The Lady Leslie Ridley-Tree Scholarship is awarded to students with financial need as well as to participants in UCSB's Disabled Students Program.
Lady Leslie Ridley-Tree Endowed Scholarship
The Lady Leslie Ridley-Tree Scholarship is awarded to students with financial need as well as to participants in UCSB's Disabled Students Program.
University Memorial Scholarship
The University Memorial Scholarship is awarded to UCSB undergraduates with financial need.
1993 Senior Gift Scholarship
The 1993 Senior Class Gift Scholarship is a need-based award for continuing UCSB students. The UCSB graduating class of 1993 created this scholarship as their senior class gift.
1994 Senior Gift Scholarship
The 1994 Senior Class Gift Scholarship is a need-based award for continuing UCSB students. The UCSB graduating class of 1994 created this scholarship as their senior class gift.
1995 Senior Gift Scholarship
The 1995 Senior Class Gift Scholarship is a need-based award for continuing UCSB students. The UCSB graduating class of 1995 created this scholarship as their senior class gift.
1996 Senior Gift Scholarship
The 1996 Senior Class Gift Scholarship is a need-based award for continuing UCSB students. The UCSB graduating class of 1996 created this scholarship as their senior class gift.
1997 Senior Gift Scholarship
The 1997 Senior Class Gift Scholarship is a need-based award for continuing UCSB students. The UCSB graduating class of 1997 created this scholarship as their senior class gift.
1998 Senior Gift Scholarship
The 1998 Senior Class Gift Scholarship is a need-based award for continuing UCSB students. The UCSB graduating class of 1998 created this scholarship as their senior class gift.
1999 Senior Gift Scholarship
The 1999 Senior Class Gift Scholarship is a need-based award for continuing UCSB students. The UCSB graduating class of 1999 created this scholarship as their senior class gift.
Senior Class Scholarship
The Senior Class Scholarship is a need-based award for continuing UCSB students. This scholarship is been funded by the senior class gifts of nearly every graduating class since 2003.
Arthrex Scholarship
The Arthrex Scholars Program supports high achieving computer science or engineering majors with financial need from Santa Barbara, Ventura, or San Luis Obispo counties.
Cortina-Sung Family Scholarship
The Cortina-Sung Family Scholarship is a need-based award for full-time, UCSB undergraduate students with demonstrated academic merit.
Katherine Yuhas Scholarship
The Katherine Yuhas Scholarship is awarded to one or more UCSB undergraduates with high academic merit and financial need.
Estimated Other VA Chapter Benefits - Books/Housing
This is an estimated benefit based on self-reported survey answers you submitted to UC. You must actually apply with the VA for any potential benefits and then provide UCSB with your Certificate of Eligibility letter in order to qualify. For more information please see our veterans page. This type of benefit is NOT paid directly to UCSB but instead is paid to the student. For Chapter 33 benefits we estimated payment amounts based on assuming you qualify for 100%, however the VA will determine your eligibility and so these figures are subject to change.
Estimated VA Chapter Benefits - Tuition/Fees
This is an estimated benefit based on self-reported survey answers you submitted to UC. You must actually apply with the VA for any potential benefits and then provide UCSB with your Certificate of Eligibility letter in order to qualify. For more information please see our veterans page. *If you are a financial aid recipient please note your VA Benefit payment for Tuition/Fees may vary depending on any other grants you receive that are specifically towards tuition/fees (e.g. Cal Grant, UCSB Health Insurance Grant). We estimated payment amounts based on assuming you qualify for 100%, however the VA will determine your eligibility and so these figures are subject to change.
Estimated VACAA Waiver
For more information on this potential non-resident fee waiver that is specifically for VA Chapter Benefit recipients (31, 33, 35) please go to non resident funding.
Other VA Chapter Benefits - Books/Housing
This estimated benefit amount is added to your award based on the Certificate of Eligibility Letter that we have on file. This is assuming you submit your VBRF (Veterans Benefits Request Form) to actually use your estimated benefits each quarter. For more information please see our veterans page. *This type of benefit is NOT paid directly to UCSB but instead is paid to the student. We used estimated amounts based on months of attendance, however the VA will determine your exact eligibility and payment amounts.
VA Chapter Benefits - Tuition/Fees
This estimated benefit amount is added to your award based on the Certificate of Eligibility Letter that we have on file. This is assuming you submit your VBRF (Veterans Benefits Request Form) to actually use your estimated benefits each quarter. For more information please see our veterans page. *If you are a financial aid recipient please note your VA Benefit payment for Tuition/Fees may vary depending on any other grants you receive that are specifically towards tuition/fees (e.g. Cal Grant, UCSB Health Insurance Grant). We estimated payment amounts to the best of our ability at this time, however these figures are subject to change.
VACAA Waiver
For more information on this potential non-resident fee waiver that is specifically for VA Chapter Benefit recipients (31, 33, 35) please go to non resident funding.
Cal Vet Tuition Waiver
Approval for this waiver must be submitted each new school year. Not all fees are waived under this program. Fees which are eligible for exemption at UCSB campus include: tuition and student services fee. Fees which are NOT eligible for exemption include: student health insurance and campus based fees . For more information on this tuition fee waiver and what it covers please go to tuition fee waiver
UCSB Presidential Scholarship
The Presidential Scholarship is awarded to members of the Presidential Scholars Program, a special cohort of students that receive additional scholarship funding which is intended to help meet the total cost of attendance.
This additional funding effectively reduces the dollar amount students are responsible for paying out-of-pocket while also reducing their need to borrow student loans, creating a potential pathway toward a Debt Free UC education. Costs not covered by grants and scholarships could potentially be met by earning wages through part-time work or savings.
In addition to supplemental funding, Presidential Scholars are also eligible to receive additional support services through the Educational Opportunity Program.