UCSB Scholarship is made available by the University of California and is awarded to California resident undergraduate applicants considered On-Time and determined to have sufficient financial need. Please refer to our Policies page more detailed information on how UCSB Scholarship is awarded.
UCSB Scholarship is awarded based on an assessment of a family’s demonstrated financial need and accounts for the total cost of attendance and the family’s ability to cover that cost. Our policy above is designed to award students as fairly as possible with limited funding and guided by the goal of maintaining the affordability of the University.
Census Reductions
Students must be enrolled in at least Half-time (6 units) on Census Date (one day after the last day to add classes on GOLD) to remain eligible.
| Units | Enrollment Status | Aid Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| 6 or more | At Least Half Time | 100% |
| 0 - 5.5 | Less Than Half Time | 0% (100% Reduction) |
Blue and Gold: A familiar name with a new message
Working with the State of California, the UC continues its long history of offering one of the nation's most generous financial aid programs. For years, the Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan was a key part of this commitment. However, the name didn't fully capture the complete range of UC's work to make higher education accessible.
To build on this strong foundation, UC has updated our branding. Beginning in 2026-2027, the name Blue and Gold will now be used as an umbrella term for all our financial aid initiatives. This new branding honors the strong reputation the name has already earned while allowing us to describe the full scope of UC's commitment to ensuring all California students can pursue their educational dreams.
Blue and Gold rests on three core pillars that underscore our commitment to affordability:
- Tuition Coverage: Most California families that earn up to $100,000 receive enough grant and scholarship funds to cover their UC tuition.
- Minimized Student Debt: With an average aid package including up to $22,000 in grants and scholarships, many California students are able to work part-time to cover their remaining costs, allowing them to graduate with minimal debt and often times debt-free.
- Tuition Predictability: As a UC student, your tuition amount will be set when you first enroll and will remain the same for up to six years.
For more information please visit the UC Financial Aid website: https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/tuition-financial-aid/types-of-aid/blue-and-gold-opportunity-plan.html