Based on inquiries by phone and email, below are the top five topics of the week. 

• When can I expect the Middle Class Scholarship to disburse? 

• Our office will disburse the Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) near the end of each term, once the funds are confirmed. Actual eligibility and MCS amounts are confirmed with the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC).

  For more information regarding the Middle Class Scholarship, please contact the California Student Aid Commission. 

• What is the Self-Help contribution on MyAwards?

• A student's total contribution is the sum of Self-Help, Student Aid Index (SAI), and Additional Resources. The Self-Help portion is the amount that an undergraduate student may be expected to contribute toward their education using a combination of loans, work options, scholarships, and/or savings. For more information, please visit our Cost of Attendance definitions webpage.  

• What scholarships are available for current and continuing undergraduate students?  

• Current and continuing undergraduate students are encouraged to submit the 2026-27 scholarship application, which offers scholarships for the upcoming school year.

  If you are interested in applying for outside scholarships for the current school year, we recommend reviewing our Outside Scholarships webpage or researching organizations outside of UC Davis.

  For additional guidance and resources, please visit Current and Continuing Undergraduates Scholarships.

• I am waitlisted in units for winter quarter. Will this affect my financial aid? 
• To remain eligible to receive your full Cal Grant, Pell Grant, and/or Middle Class Scholarship (MCS), you must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 units at the census date every quarter. Waitlisted units do not count towards disbursement.  Once you are enrolled in at least 12 units, please allow 1-2 business days for your aid to update and disburse.  
  
  The census date typically occurs on the 25th day of instruction. If you are enrolled in fewer than 12 units on the census date, your Cal Grant, Pell Grant, and/or MCS will be reduced or prorated accordingly after the census date has passed, which may result in a charge on your student account. For the prorated percentages based on enrollment, please refer to the chart found at Changes That May Affect Your Aid.  Please check the academic calendar for these published dates.
• I waived out of UC SHIP for winter quarter. How will it impact my financial aid?
• Students who elect to waive UC SHIP fees will not be eligible for UC SHIP gift aid and will have a waiver on their MyBill to exempt them from charges. For financial aid purposes, offers may include a UC Health Insurance assistance estimate indicated on MyAwards. When UC SHIP is waived, this estimate may be reduced in order to award additional loans or scholarships. For information about this comprehensive plan, visit Student Health and Counseling Services.