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California residents

How aid works

Types of aid

Aid estimator

Apply for aid

Financial aid for California residents

California residents who qualify under AB540 criteria can apply for financial aid by submitting the California Dream Act Application. Learn more at AB540 and undocumented students.

As you consider the value of a college education, the U.S. Department of Education has developed a very useful and informative website, Federal Student Aid, to help you plot your road to college.

High school seniors and transfer students, here's what you will need to know when applying for financial aid:

AUG 1:

Begin working on your UC Application.
OCT 1:The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA opens.
NOV 1-30:Submit your admissions application to the University.
MAR 2:Priority deadline to complete your FAFSA for maximum aid consideration. Be sure to also list UC Davis school code 001313.
after filing:Log in to FAFSA to view your FAFSA Submission Summary or to check the status of your application.
MAR 3:Priority deadline to apply for a Cal Grant by submitting a GPA Verification Form to CSAC. This deadline also applies to Middle Class Scholarship. 
after applying:Monitor and manage your Cal Grant account on the CSAC website.
mid-MAR-APR:If admitted to UC Davis, you will be able to log in to MyAwards to review your aid and requirements.

Scholarships

  • Entering students will automatically be considered for UC Davis scholarships based on the admissions application.
  • First-year and continuing students may submit the scholarship application for the following academic year online between October and early January.
  • For more information on the scholarship application process, including joining the scholarship opportunities listserv, please visit our undergraduate scholarships webpage.
  • There are many more opportunities to receive outside scholarships. For a list of outside scholarship opportunities, visit our Outside Scholarships listings.
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Cost of attendance

The cost of attendance is an estimated figure used to determine financial aid eligibility. Review the cost of attendance.

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UC Davis affordability

UC Davis costs less than comparable private universities for the same world-class education. Compare costs.

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Sample aid packages

Explore these situations to see how aid is packaged and how students and their families contribute. Explore samples.

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Video FAQs

For quick takes on basic financial aid topics, and answers to many of our frequently asked questions, visit our Video FAQs.