The four basic types of aid are scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study employment. The Financial Aid and Scholarships office offers a combination of different award types to most applicants.
Aid can be merit based—awarded on the basis of standards such as academic achievement; or need based—awarded on the basis of financial need as determined by a student's financial aid application. Scholarships managed by the Financial Aid and Scholarships office are based on merit and need. Grants, loans, and work study are generally need based.
Scholarships
The undergraduate scholarship program at UCLA rewards academic excellence and assists with the expenses of an undergraduate education.
Scholarship awards range from $100 to $10,000 per year, and require the student to submit a scholarship application on an annual basis. While many scholarships are awarded on the basis of financial need, not all UCLA scholarship opportunities require it.
Entering students apply for scholarships on the UC Application for Admission and Scholarships. Once admitted to UCLA, new students have the opportunity to add additional information to their scholarship profile, to allow various departments across campus to consider them for other scholarship opportunities that may open throughout the academic year. Continuing students are encouraged to submit the scholarship application as early as May 1st each year. However, applications are accepted year-round.
In addition to applying for UCLA scholarships, students are encouraged to apply for outside scholarship funding through search engines.
Regents Scholarships
One of the highest honors conferred on an undergraduate student is the Regents Scholarship, which is awarded for four years to students entering from high school and for two years to entering transfer students. A UCLA faculty committee selects Regents Scholars on the basis of exceptional academic achievement and promise. Scholars receive a yearly honorarium if they have no financial need. Scholars who establish financial need by filing the FAFSA or California Dream Act application receive a combination of grants and scholarships to cover the amount of their need.
Alumni Scholarships
Since 1936, UCLA Alumni has supported Bruins through merit-based scholarships. The Alumni Scholarships Program is open to all eligible students.
Alumni scholarships are awarded through an application screened by alumni volunteers; final selection is made by Financial Aid and Scholarships. By completing one application, students are considered for several scholarships offered through the alumni program. Alumni scholars’ benefits include getting involved in campus events and organizations, building leadership skills, access to leadership development programs and academic enrichment services, and networking with UCLA alumni.
Prospective first-year and transfer students apply through the UCLA prospective undergraduate scholarship application. Applications open in early October each year and close a few weeks before admission decisions are released. Initial award offers are distributed within one to two weeks of admission decisions. Applicants who do not receive an offer before the Statement of Intent to Register deadline may still receive one during the summer.
Merit-Based Alumni Scholarships for Prospective Students
Financial awards for prospective first-year students range from $6,000 to $20,000 over four years; for prospective transfer students, $10,000 over two years. Applicants must attend UCLA beginning the fall quarter immediately after the application cycle. To maintain eligibility, students must submit a compliance agreement, complete 30 annual hours of renewal service, and attend one or more alumni event.
Need-Based Alumni Grants for Incoming and Continuing Students
Awarded alumni scholars may receive up to $5,000 each year in need-based aid, in addition to their merit award, by submitting information on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act application, and receiving a need-based financial aid package.
Incoming scholars receive this aid automatically, based on their FAFSA or Dream Act application. Continuing scholars apply for a Wasserman alumni grant using the continuing student undergraduate scholarship application. Continuing scholars must also meet several enrollment and grade criteria.
Merit-Based Scholarships for Seniors
The True Bruin Distinguished Senior Award (TBDSA) is awarded to deserving students who exemplify the True Bruin values of integrity, excellence, accountability, respect, and service. Recipients receive a one-time scholarship of up to $5,000. The scholarship is open to any UCLA senior—not just current alumni scholars—who meets eligibility requirements. Seniors apply for the TBDSA using the fall undergraduate scholarship application.
For more information, see Alumni Association scholarships.
ROTC Scholarships
ROTC scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis to U.S. citizens regardless of parents’ income. Scholarships supply tuition, a book allowance, fees, and a tax-free monetary allowance during the academic year. Scholarship applications and information are available online for the Air Force/Space Force, Army, and Navy/Marine Corps. Completed four-year scholarship applications should be submitted by December 31 (Air Force/Space Force and Navy/Marine Corps) or March 1 (Army) of the year preceding college matriculation. Two- (Army and Navy/Marine Corps) and three-year scholarship applications are also available, and are considered when received.
Grants
Grants are need-based awards that do not need to be repaid as long as the student maintains eligibility. Depending on funding availability and awarding policy, a financial aid package may include some of the grants listed here.
Federal Pell Grants
Federal Pell Grants are based on exceptional financial need. They are awarded to undergraduate students who are U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens and who have not earned a bachelor’s degree. Students who file the FAFSA are automatically considered for a Federal Pell Grant. Eligibility is determined by the federal government. Award amounts depend on the Student Aid Index (SAI) and unit enrollment. Awards are reduced for students enrolled less than full time (12 units or more).
Cal Grants A and B
California residents who attend at least half-time are eligible to apply for a California Student Aid Commission Cal Grant award. The FAFSA or California Dream Act Application and GPA Verification Form are the official applications for these programs. Cal Grant A awards assist low- and middle-income students with tuition and fee costs. Eligibility is based on financial need and grade-point average. Cal Grant B awards are intended to assist low-income and disadvantaged students with living expenses, books, supplies, and transportation costs. First-year awards may also cover registration fee costs. Renewal award recipients receive registration fee assistance. New awards are limited to students who have completed no more than one full-time semester or two full-time quarters or 16 semester units of part-time study or the equivalent. Students awarded Cal Grant B receive only the stipend portion in their first year. Amounts are subject to change based on the California budget process. If tuition and school services fees increase, Cal Grant fee-paying awards will increase correspondingly. Awards are reduced for students enrolled less than full time (12 units or more).
University Grants
University grants offer financial assistance from state funds to eligible applicants who meet the FAFSA or Dream Act application priority deadline. Awards range from $100 to over $25,000 and are based on student need. All undergraduate students who are U.S. citizens, eligible noncitizens, or noncitizens eligible for AB 540 waivers and who apply on time are considered. University grant eligibility is subject to availability of funding. Grants may be exhausted before the end of the academic year. Awards are reduced for students enrolled less than full time (12 units or more).
University Grants to Purchase UCSHIP
These grants are based on need, and are awarded to on-time FAFSA and California Dream Act applicants to cover the cost of the University of California Student Health Insurance Plan (UCSHIP). Students who waive UCSHIP are not eligible for these grants.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) are awarded to undergraduate students with financial need. Awards range from $100 to $4,000. Recipients must be U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens. Preference is given to Pell Grant and Cal Grant recipients. Only on-time, grant-eligible FAFSA applicants are considered.
Loans
There are various long-term and low-interest loan options provided to a student based on their family's income and whether they are a considered a dependent or independent student for financial aid purposes.
UCLA makes every effort to assist students during the repayment of their obligation; but UCLA services, including registration and the release of official transcripts, are withheld if the loan becomes delinquent. Delinquent accounts are referred to a professional collection agency for action.
All first-time borrowers must complete a debt management session at student loans before funds are released. Parent and graduate PLUS borrowers whose loans are approved on appeal or with an endorser are also required to complete a mandatory counseling session at federal student aid in addition to the debt management session.
All loan recipients must complete an exit interview with the Financial Education, Loan and Support Services office, 106 Strathmore Building, before leaving UCLA for any reason. This interview helps students understand their loan agreement and their rights and responsibilities. If students fail to participate in an exit interview, UCLA places a hold on their academic records and registration materials. Exit information is mailed to students by the Loan Services Office after receipt of notification of separation from UCLA.
William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program
Direct Loans
Direct loans are low-interest subsidized and unsubsidized loans financed by the U.S. Department of Education.
Subsidized direct loans are awarded to undergraduate students who have demonstrated financial need. Interest rates are fixed, and adjusted annually by the U.S. Department of Education; contact Financial Aid and Scholarships for additional information. Interest accrues immediately after students graduate or drop below half-time enrollment. Repayment begins six months after students leave school or drop below half-time enrollment.
Unsubsidized direct loans are available to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students who are U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens regardless of income. Interest accrues from the date of disbursement, but students can avoid the extra costs of accrual by making regular interest payments while in school.
Direct PLUS Loans
Direct PLUS loans are designed to help graduate students, and parents of undergraduate students, meet the total cost of education. Graduate students and parents may be eligible to borrow up to the cost of education for the academic year, less any other financial aid received. This loan is available only to borrowers who do not have adverse credit histories. The interest rate is fixed and adjusted annually by the U.S. Department of Education. Contact Financial Aid and Scholarships for information on current interest rates. Borrowers may want to consult a tax adviser to see if the interest is tax deductible.
Private Loans
Private loans are available to students who have received the maximum award amounts under the Direct Loan Program and require additional funding. These loans are sponsored by banks and private lending institutions. Interest rates and repayment schedules vary. These loans must be certified by the Financial Aid and Scholarships office before funds can be disbursed. A list of private lenders that UCLA borrowers have used in the past is available at Financial Aid publications.
Short-Term Loans
Students do not need to be financial aid recipients to apply for a short-term loan. They may borrow up to $200 for immediate emergency needs; the amount is repayable on the 20th of the month following the month in which the loan was made. To qualify, applicants must be registered UCLA students with satisfactory loan repayment records. Applications are available from the Financial Education, Loan and Support Services office, 106 Strathmore Building.
Work-Study Program
The Federal Work-Study Program (FWS) is intended to stimulate and promote part-time student employment, particularly for students from low-income families who are in need of additional financial support to pursue their studies.
Under FWS, the federal government pays a portion of the student’s wage and the employer pays the remaining amount of the wage. Through this program, students may work up to 20 hours per week for UCLA, government agencies, or public and private nonprofit agencies. Students employed through FWS supply essential services to UCLA and the local community. Students also have the opportunity to hold jobs that may relate to their educational objectives or enable them to gain valuable work experience.