Frequently Asked Questions

How can we help?

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.

Undergraduates
Phone: 530-752-2390 		Graduate Students
Phone: 530-752-9246
Undergraduate & Prestigious Scholarships
Phone: 530-752-2804 		Student Employment Center
Phone: 530-752-0520
  • Will financial aid pay my fees on time?   The Financial Aid Office disburses funds into student accounts ten days prior to the 1st day of instruction, which is well before the fee deadline. The funds will go toward paying your outstanding fees and current year charges. Please note that students must allow adequate processing time (5-7 business days) for aid that requires federal approval. If there is not enough money to cover the balance due, you are responsible to pay the remainder amount by the fee deadline. Please see our calendar for the exact disbursement dates.

    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.

  • Where and how do I pick up my refund that was issued to me?   If you have signed up for Direct Deposit with Student Accounting, your Financial Aid refund will be deposited into your account. If you have not signed up for Direct Deposit, you would pick up your refund via a TotalPay Card at the Student Accounting Office located on the second floor in Dutton Hall. Please see our calendar for the dates financial aid funds will be available each quarter.

  • How do I sign up for Direct Deposit?   You can sign up for Direct Deposit at accounting.ucdavis.edu/DirectDeposit/

  • How many units to I need to be officially registered in for my financial aid to pay out?   In order to be eligible for Financial Aid, a student must be officially registered in at least 6 or more units; waitlisted courses do not count. Pell Grant and Cal Grant awards are disbursed based on units. Please see the chart below:

    • Pro-Rated Disbursement Chart
    Enrollment Status
    Enrolled Units
    % Award Will Disburse
    Less than 1/2 time
    Less than 6
    Zero
    1/2 time
    6 - 8.5
    50%
    3/4 time
    9 -11.5
    75%
    Full time
    12 or more
    100%


  • How can I defer my housing reservation fee?   Please contact the Student Housing Accounts Office at (530) 752-2481 to discuss your options.

  • 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.

  • My Mom lost her job this year.  Can my financial aid be reevaluated based on the change in our financial circumstances?   Yes, the Financial Aid Office has the Special Circumstance Review Program available. The circumstances we will consider are loss of income or resources due to layoff/unemployment, disability, retirement, death, divorce, child or spousal support, or medical costs. Any changes are retroactive for the entire academic year based on available funding. Special Circumstance Review forms are processed during fall quarter only, and the deadline to submit an appeal for 2011-2012 has already passed. The 2012-2013 deadline is December 14, 2012.

  • Can I apply for Financial Aid for Summer Session?   To help with budget planning for Summer Sessions, the Summer Financial Aid Estimator is now available. Please visit our website for more details. And watch for the Summer Financial Aid Application available April 30.

  • I received a scholarship this year. Do I need to apply again next year?   Yes, you should apply for scholarships each year. Be sure to check the Undergraduate Scholarship website beginning in October each year for information about applying for scholarships for the next academic year (i.e. students apply in fall of 2012 for 2013-2014).
  • Can I still apply for Financial Aid for the 2011-2012 academic year?   Yes, the FAFSA deadline for the 2011-2012 academic year is June 30, 2012; however, it is important to note that many aid programs end earlier than this date, and you can no longer apply for Cal Grants for 2011-2012.

  • When should I apply for Financial Aid for the 2012-2013 academic year?   The priority filing period for the 2012-2013 FAFSA was January 1 - March 2, 2012. The final FAFSA deadline for the 2012-2013 academic year is June 30, 2013; however, it is important to note that many aid programs end earlier than this date, and you can no longer apply for Cal Grants for 2012-2013.

  • I received a letter from the Financial Aid Office saying that I am not meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). What should I do?   If we were unable to offer you financial aid due to your SAP status, you will need to file an appeal to have your aid reinstated. Visit the SAP Standards page for the appropriate appeal form and deadlines.

  • Are my documents received?   Please allow 3 to 5 business days for any submitted documents to show as officially ‘received’ on MyAwards.

  • When will my documents be processed?   Please allow approximately one week from the date Financial Aid Office officially receives your documents to be reviewed and processed. Please note that during the months of May-September it may take up to ten business days to process your documents.

  • When will my Master Promissory Note (MPN) be updated?   Once your loan is accepted, please allow several business days for the loan to process and the MPN requirement to update as "satisfied". Parents can apply for a Parent PLUS loans online. For more information, please refer to our Federal Direct Loan Programs webpage. This process may take up to ten business days, but please review your MyAwards requirements for any additional actions required.