In order to support parenting students while pursuing their education, UCSB students with dependents are eligible for the following resources and services. Please also refer to the UCSB Basic Needs Website for more child care and family resources for parenting students.

Childcare Grants & Funding

Basic Needs Childcare Grant

The new Basic Needs Childcare Grant is available to help parenting students, either Graduate or Undergraduate, cover childcare costs during their enrollment at UCSB. You could receive up to $1,000 per quarter (or $3,000 for the academic year) based on your childcare expenses.

  • Requirements: Students Paid Status must be SET with the BARC office to be eligible for this award. If you have any questions regarding your account balance, please contact: barc.info@bfs.ucsb.edu.
  • Automatic Consideration: If you’ve submitted a 2025-26 FAFSA or CADAA, you're automatically considered for the Basic Needs Childcare Grant—no extra forms are needed!
  • Alternative Application: Not eligible to submit a FAFSA or CADAA?
    No worries! Simply apply through our Quick Application Form (Google Form). We will work with Financial Aid to determine your eligibility. Don’t miss out— apply now to be considered for childcare expenses support!
  • Contact: Questions? Please email: basicneeds@sa.ucsb.edu

This resource is made possible with support from the Student Fee Advisory Committee.

Cal Grant Students With Dependents (SWD) Access Award

Cal Grant recipients attending UC who have dependent children that are under 18 years of age, and for whom they provide more than half of their financial support for during the academic year, are eligible to receive an access award of up to $6,000 in addition to the base Cal Grant award amount.

Students Dependents

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 automatically awarded to undergraduate students who indicate on their aid application that they support a dependent child, 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.

Associated Students Childcare Grants (Undergraduates) 

Associated Students has grants for students who need extra childcare coverage during midterms and finals.

  • Qualifications: You are currently enrolled as an undergraduate UCSB student; You have the responsibility for care of a dependent(s) (proof must be provided); You are applying for child care funds due to an upcoming midterm or final.
  • Details: A completed and signed application is required for each quarter. Grant award amount is dependent on the number of children in the household. Includes a free annual zoo membership for families.
  • How to Apply: Apply quarterly through the Non-Traditional Student Resource Center (1109 Student Resource Building).

Graduate Student Association Childcare Grants 

The GSA Childcare Grant provides general support for graduate students with children, regardless of milestone or specific ‘need events.’

  • Details: Grant award amount is dependent on the number of children in the household. Grants are limited to one award per graduate student per quarter, with a maximum of five awards allowed during a student’s academic tenure at UCSB.
  • Contact: Questions about eligibility, payment, or other aspects may be directed to the GSA VP of Budget & Finances: gsavpbudget@gmail.com.
  • Note: This grant is not managed through the Non-Traditional Student Resource Center. Please visit the Graduate Student Association Website for all details.

Campus Services & Support

Non-Traditional Student Resource Center 

Part of the Women, Gender, and Sexual Equity department, the Resource Center provides a space to study, eat, relax, or hang-out; a staff to guide you to resources, and help manage the challenges associated with achieving your academic goals. The Non-Traditional Student Resource Center can be your first stop to success at UCSB. Each quarter, students are invited to attend social, academic, and family-friendly events hosted by the NTSRC.

Student Parent Information Services
 

Priority Registration 

Requires a one-time application through the Non-Traditional Student Resource Center. Undergraduate students with dependents (at least 50% of the time) are eligible to receive priority registration for classes. This eligibility begins after the student’s first quarter at UCSB. Students only need to apply once to receive priority registration during their enrollment at UCSB.

  • How to Apply: Paper applications are available at both the Non Traditional Student Resource Center and the front desk of the Women’s Center. Once documentation is provided to the NTSRC, you can also apply online by visiting the Non Traditional Student Resource Center Forms page.

Parking Waiver of Requirement 

[Transportation and Parking Services] grants parenting students with documented dependent(s) a waiver of the two-mile exclusion requirement allowing these students to purchase a “C” (commuter) permit regardless of residential distance from campus. Parenting students must first provide documentation to the NTSRC then visit the Customer Service Window at TPS to purchase the permit.