Frequently Asked Questions for Undergraduates

Important News

Frequently Asked Questions

The Financial Aid Office receives many calls from students and parents with questions about financial aid. We've put together some of the most frequently asked questions here for your convenience. If you don't find the answer you're looking for here, feel free to call us. Our telephone staff are friendly and helpful, and well informed about financial aid.

Is July 15 the deadline to turn in my documents for verification?

YES! If your FAFSA is selected for verification, you must submit your documents to the Financial Aid Office by July 15. Check MyAwards to see if you are selected and, if so, what documents are required.

I’m selected for verification, how come I can’t accept my awards.

You will be able to accept your awards once your verification documents have been reviewed and processed. You will then receive an e-mail from the Financial Aid Office instructing you to review MyAwards.

Why isn't my Master Promissory Note (MPN) showing up as satisfied on MyAwards? I turned it in already.

For the 2009-2010 academic year, the Financial Aid Office will begin retrieving and processing MPNs after July 1, 2009. At that time the MPN requirements will be updated on MyAwards.

Can I apply for Financial Aid for Summer Session?

Summer Session One Financial Aid Application deadline was June 15, and the Summer Session Two Financial Aid Application deadline is July 27. You can apply online at http://financialaid.ucdavis.edu/undergraduate/students/Programs/Summer.html. Please note funding is limited and you must enroll in Summer Sessions classes before you apply for aid.

When should I apply for financial aid for the 2009-2010 academic year?

The priority filing period for the 2009-2010 FAFSA on the Web is January 1 - March 2. Cal Grant applicants should submit the GPA Verification Form by March 2, 2009.

My parents don't claim me on their taxes or provide for my education and expenses, can I claim independent status on my FAFSA?

On the FAFSA it states the criteria for independent status. To be considered an independent student for the 2009-2010 academic year you must meet one of the following criteria:

Were you born before January 1, 1986?
As of today, are you married? (Answer “Yes” if you are separated but not divorced.)
At the beginning of the 2009–2010 school year, will you be working on a master’s or doctorate program (such as an MA, MBA, MD, JD, PhD, EdD, or graduate certificate, etc.)?
Are you currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training? Are you a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces?.
Do you have children who will receive more than half of their support from you between July 1, 2009, and June 30, 2010?
Do you have dependents (other than your children or spouse) who live with you and who receive more than half of their support from you, now and through June 30, 2010?
When you were age 13 or older, were both your parents deceased, were you in foster care or were you a dependent/ward of the court?
As of today, are you an emancipated minor as determined by a court in your state of legal residence?
As of today, are you in legal guardianship as determined by a court in your state of legal residence?
At any time on or after July 1, 2008, did your high school or school district homeless liaison determine that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless?
At any time on or after July 1, 2008, did the director of an emergency shelter program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development determine that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless?
At any time on or after July 1, 2008, did the director of a runaway or homeless youth basic center or transitional living program determine that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless or were self-supporting and at risk of being homeless?

Can I still apply for aid for the 2008-2009 academic year we are in now?

Yes, the deadline to apply for federal aid for the 2008-2009 academic year is June 30, 2009; however, you can no longer apply for Cal Grants for the 2008-2009 year.

If I can't find a Work-Study job, will my Work-Study be cancelled?

December 1 is the deadline to find a job and begin using the Work-Study award or request that the award be deferred until you can find a job. To defer your award, complete and submit the Work-Study Deferment Form, which is available on the Financial Aid undergraduate forms page, and the jobs.ucdavis.edu Web site until December 1.

Will financial aid pay my fees on time?

Financial Aid will disburse to your account approximately 10 days before the first day of instruction for each quarter. The funds will go toward paying your outstanding balance. If there is not enough money to cover the balance due, you are responsible to pay the remainder amount by the fee deadlines.
Reminder: All financial aid documents must be received and requirements satisfied before financial aid can disburse. Check the status of your financial aid through MyAwards.

I'm having a hard time making ends meet with the Financial Aid I receive! Can I get help managing my money?

To help you with budgeting and financial advice, UC Davis has partnered with the online Web site CashCourse.org. This online resource provides very user-friendly tools to help you make good choices about your money. Feel free stop by our office for additional assistance.

Do I have to sign up for Direct Deposit?

The Financial Aid Office encourages all students to sign up for Direct Deposit online at directdeposit.ucdavis.edu. Beginning July 1, 2008, new federal regulations state that financial aid checks must be picked up within 21-days of issuance, or risk forfeiture. Direct Deposit helps to avoid long lines, trips to the bank, and lost checks. Sign up today.

I signed up for Direct Deposit at UC Davis. When will my financial aid funds be deposited to my account?

For quarterly disbursement dates visit the Financial Aid calendar page at financialaid.ucdavis.edu/undergraduate/ugcalendar.html. To check on your Direct Deposit registration, visit studentaccounting.ucdavis.edu/directdep.cfm

When will my financial aid check be available?

Financial Aid checks will be available to pick up at Student Accounting, 2100 Dutton Hall (2nd floor, front of the building). Visit the Financial Aid calendar page for specific dates for each quarter: Financial Aid calendar page. If the amount of your financial aid is less than the amount owed to the University, you may not have a financial aid check available. Always check My Bill before you go to pick up a check.

Where can I obtain information about tax credits for tuition and fees?

For information about tax credits for tuition and fees, visit the Student Accounting web site at studentaccounting.ucdavis.edu/tax.cfm.

How can I defer my housing reservation fee?

Please contact the Student Housing Accounts Office at (530) 752-2481 to discuss your options.