UCSB Domestic Nonresident Scholarship
The UCSB Domestic Nonresident Scholarship was established to recognize outstanding incoming undergraduates coming to UCSB as first-year domestic nonresident students. Currently, selected students entering as freshmen are awarded up to $15,000 per year for up to four years.
Who is eligible?
First-year freshman applicants who are offered admission for the Fall term are eligible for consideration if they are a domestic nonresident student. Students’ residency classification is initially determined by the Statement of Legal Residency. Admitted nonresident students are required to submit a FAFSA application to UCSB by the priority deadline (March 2, 2026).
After being selected for this award, students must adhere to the following to maintain eligibility:
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Must maintain nonresident status for the duration of the scholarship
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Must be enrolled full-time (at least 12 units) each quarter
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Must remain in academic good standing
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Must make academic progress towards their degree
Selection Process
All freshmen admitted to UCSB for the Fall quarter who have filed a current-year FAFSA and are domestic nonresidents can be considered for the UCSB Domestic Nonresident Scholarship, based on their UC Application for Admission. No additional information is required. UCSB offers the scholarship to students within the top eight percent of admitted nonresident first-year freshmen. Students are notified in March if they have been selected. Selection decisions are final. Appeals for consideration are not accepted.
UCSB Domestic Nonresident Scholarship FAQs
How do I apply?
Students are reviewed after admissions decisions are posted. There is no required supplemental application.
Can I appeal for consideration?
No. Students cannot appeal for consideration.
Can I still receive this scholarship after my first year at UCSB?
The UCSB Domestic Nonresident Scholarship is awarded only to incoming nonresident freshmen and students cannot be considered after that point.
Is this scholarship renewable?
Yes! The UCSB Domestic Nonresident Scholarship is a yearly award for up to four years or until graduation (whichever comes first). Scholarship funds are disbursed evenly over the three quarters (fall, winter, and spring) of each academic year if the awardee meets the eligibility criteria outlined above. The total number of funded quarters may not exceed 12 quarters.
How much can I receive through this scholarship?
The UCSB Domestic Nonresident Scholarship recipients are granted a $10,000 or $15,000 tuition reduction scholarship based on criteria listed on the FAFSA.
Is the amount the same every year?
Yes. The amount you receive in your first year will remain the same across four years.
If this is a merit scholarship, what GPA do I need to maintain?
Students are expected to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and academic eligibility to continue receiving their Domestic Nonresident Scholarship. Undergraduates must maintain a minimum cumulative 2.0 grade point average to be considered within Satisfactory Academic Progress. Learn more about Satisfactory Academic Progress here.
How/when will this award show up in my account?
Rather than seeing the UCSB Domestic Nonresident Scholarship as a payment to your BARC account each quarter, you will see the amount of your scholarship as a reduction to your overall tuition cost each quarter.