Undergraduate Need

HOW NEED IS DETERMINED FOR UNDERGRADUATES

UC Education Finance Policy for Undergraduates
UC Davis uses the University of California Education Finance Policy to determine financial aid awards for undergraduates. The policy looks at four factors to choose the type and amount of aid for each student:

1. Cost of Attendance: The UC Davis Student Expense Budgets include Registration Fees, Basic Living Expenses (Housing, Food, Personal Expenses), Books and Supplies, Transportation, and Health Care Allowance.

2. Expected Family Contribution (EFC): Your EFC is provided on your SAR (Student Aid Report) and is based on your FAFSA information. The student portion of the EFC is deducted from your Student self-help contribution. If the EFC exceeds the cost of attendance you may not be eligible for need-based financial aid, however, you (and your parents) may still apply for Unsubsidized Direct Loans and PLUS (Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students).

3. Federal and State Grants: The Department of Education determines your Pell Grant amount, and the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) determines your Cal Grant type (A, B, or C) and amount.

4. Undergraduate self-help and Loan Contribution: This is the amount, which will change from year-to-year, that you are expected to contribute to your cost of education. The Student Contribution from the SAR has already been subtracted from the self-help amount shown on your electronic Financial Aid Notice (eFAN).

University (or other) Grant Eligibility
Grant awards vary and are subject to change each year. Grant funds are limited and awarded until funds are spent.

 

Determining Financial Aid for Undergraduates at UC Davis

1. Cost of Attendance (Student Expense Budget)
Minus
2. Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
Equals Need
Subtract
3. Pell Grant, Cal Grant, other federal or state aid
Equals Remaining Need
Subtract
4. Student self-help Loan Contribution
(Student contribution from SAR already subtracted)
Equals
University (or other) Grant Eligibility