FAQ

  • What is the Parent PLUS Loan?

    The Parent PLUS loan is an unsubsidized loan that parents may borrow to pay for their student's expenses. For more information, please visit the Loans section.

  • Can a Parent Access the 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 if Extraordinary Circumstances have Reduced My Ability to Pay for College?

    If a student or their custodial parent(s) have been adversely affected by extraordinary circumstances that have reduced their ability to pay for college expenses, the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships can review those circumstances in order to recalculate the expected family contribution. This could potentially increase eligibility for need-based aid subject to the availability of funding. Please visit the Appeals section of our website for more information. Remember that these appeals are reserved for extraordinary circumstances only and will require the student or parent to provide additional documentation supporting these circumstances.