Sample aid packages
Below are hypothetical situations to demonstrate how financial aid is packaged at UC Davis, and to show how students and their families contribute to the overall cost of an education. The examples are based on the cost of attendance for 2026-27. Visit our Cost of Attendance webpage for the most current costs, as they vary depending on the entering academic year and housing status. For additional information on how financial aid is packaged, please see How aid works.
Each financial aid recipient is expected to contribute a set amount in “self-help” through a combination of loans, work, and/or scholarships. While loans may be offered to students, we encourage every Aggie to apply for scholarships and/or work to help reduce the total amount borrowed. The Student Aid Index, or SAI, amount can be covered with out-of-pocket payments, and/or offered non-need-based aid such as the Federal Unsubsidized Loan, and Federal Parent PLUS Loan. This threshold is noted by an asterisk (*) in the sample packages below.
Understanding your costs
To better understand your out-of-pocket costs each term, use these Direct vs. Indirect Costs Worksheets:
Brittany
- Brittany is a California resident.
- She is a third-year transfer student who attended a local community college.
- She lives at home with her mother, father, and younger sister.
- She plans to move into an apartment with some friends when she starts school.
- Her parents earned $75,000 in 2024, and they have $10,000 in savings.
- She was awarded a $2,000 scholarship from a local community organization.
- She plans on waiving her enrollment in UC SHIP.
| Brittany's cost of attendance and need | |
|---|---|
| Cost of attendance | $44,661 |
| Student Aid Index, or SAI | $4,431 |
| Need | $40,230 |
| Brittany’s financial aid package | |
|---|---|
| Cal Grant A | $15,588 |
| Federal Pell Grant | $4,430 |
| University Campus Fee grant | $1,074 |
| Federal Direct Subsidized Loan* | $5,500 |
| Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan* | $2,000 |
| Federal Parent PLUS Loan | $2,431 |
| Student’s self-help* | $5,500 |
| Outside scholarship* | $2,000 |
| University Grant | $2,142 |
| Health Insurance Assistance estimate | $3,996 |
| Total financial aid package | $44,661 |
Elizabeth
- Elizabeth is from Washington state.
- She lives with her parents and two siblings.
- She is a first-year student.
- She has always wanted to attend college in California and is very excited to attend UC Davis.
- Her parents’ income was $58,000 in 2024, and they have $2,000 in savings.
- She plans to live on campus in the residence hall.
- Her parents have elected to take out a Federal Parent PLUS Loan for Undergraduate Students to cover her remaining financial need, including the Student Aid Index, or SAI.
| Elizabeth's cost of attendance and need | |
|---|---|
| Cost of attendance** | $84,366 |
| Student Aid Index, or SAI | $3,960 |
| Need | $80,406 |
** Cost includes nonresident supplemental tuition for $37,602, which is not covered by need-based financial aid.
| Elizabeth’s financial aid package | |
|---|---|
| Federal Pell Grant | $3,435 |
| Federal Direct Subsidized Loan* | $3,500 |
| Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan* | $2,000 |
| Student’s self-help* | $7,500 |
| Federal Parent PLUS Loan | $20,000 |
| Total Financial Aid Package | $36,435 |
Kevin
- Kevin is a California resident.
- He lives at home with his mother, younger brother, and sister
- He plans to live on campus in the residence hall.
- His mother earned $12,000 in 2024 and has very little in savings.
- He plans to work during the summer to earn extra money he’ll use for school.
- He also plans on accepting his enrollment in UC SHIP.
| Kevin's cost of attendance and need | |
|---|---|
| Cost of attendance | $48,205 |
| Student Aid Index, or SAI | $0 |
| Need | $48,205 |
| Kevin’s financial aid package | |
|---|---|
| Cal Grant A | $14,934 |
| Federal Pell Grant | $7,395 |
| University Campus Fee Grant | $1,074 |
| Federal Direct Subsidized Loan* | $5,500 |
| Student’s self-help* | $7,500 |
| University Grant | $3,806 |
| University Grant for SHIP | $2,997 |
| University Loan for SHIP | $999 |
| Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant | $4,000 |
| Total financial aid package | $48,205 |
Elias
- Elias is a California resident.
- They are a student leader who likes to be involved in many activities.
- They are an only child who lives at home with their mother and father.
- They plan to live on campus in the residence hall when school starts.
- Their parents earned $105,000 in 2024 and have roughly $50,000 in savings.
- They plan on waiving his enrollment in UC SHIP.
| Elias's cost of attendance and need | |
|---|---|
| Cost of attendance | $49,009 |
| Student Aid Index, or SAI | $22,295 |
| Need | $26,714 |
| Elias’s financial aid package | |
|---|---|
| Cal Grant A | $15,588 |
| Student's self-help* | $5,626 |
| Federal Direct Subsidized Loan* | $3,500 |
| University Student Loan | $2,000 |
| Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan* | $2,000 |
| Federal Parent PLUS Loan | $20,000 |
| Total financial aid package | $48,714 |