Navigating UCLA Financial Aid and Scholarship Requirements: A Comprehensive Guide

Financing a college education can be a daunting task, but UCLA is committed to helping students and their families navigate the process. UCLA Financial Aid & Scholarships works closely with students to provide financial assistance through scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. This article provides a detailed overview of UCLA's financial aid and scholarship requirements to help you plan and manage your educational expenses.

Understanding Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

To remain eligible for UCLA financial aid, students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). It is important to note that SAP, as defined by UCLA Financial Aid and Scholarships, differs from the satisfactory academic standing monitored by academic departments or colleges. SAP evaluates a student's progress toward degree completion using both qualitative (GPA) and quantitative (units completed compared to units attempted) measures.

Qualitative Measures: GPA Requirements

Students must maintain a minimum GPA to meet SAP standards. The specific GPA requirement may vary depending on the student's academic level and program.

Quantitative Measures: Unit Requirements

SAP also considers the number of units a student has completed compared to the number of units attempted. This ensures that students are progressing toward their degree within a reasonable timeframe.

150% Rule: Financial aid can only be awarded to students who have not attempted more than 150% of the units required to complete their degree.
Undergraduate Limit: For undergraduate students, the SAP cumulative limit is exhausted at 270 attempted units.

All college coursework taken is considered, regardless of whether financial aid was received or not. This includes coursework transferred from other institutions. SAP is reviewed annually after winter quarter grades are available, with units attempted captured on the census date, which is the end of the third week each quarter. Students who fail to meet the Standards for Satisfactory Academic Progress will have their financial aid eligibility suspended.

Quarterly Unit Requirements

UCLA Financial Aid and Scholarships monitors student enrollment on the census date, which falls at the end of the third week of classes each quarter.

Half-Time Enrollment: Enrollment below half-time on the census date will result in cancellation of aid and billing for funds received. For undergraduate students, half-time enrollment is defined as 6 units.
Full-Time Enrollment: Some undergraduate awards, such as the Federal Pell Grant, Cal Grant, Blue and Gold Opportunity Grant, and University Grants, require full-time (12 units) enrollment to maintain maximum eligibility. Enrollment below 12 units on the census date will result in a reduction of and billing for these awards. Note that Federal Grants will not be reinstated if the unit count increases after the census date. However, State and University Grants can be reinstated through an appeal once the completed units for the term are verified.

Commencement of Academic Activity

Federal student aid regulations require UCLA to verify student participation in courses. A student's certification of attendance is not acceptable confirmation of academically-related activity; confirmation must be made by UCLA. If a student has not commenced any academic activity in a class before the start of the third week of each quarter, the instructor will notify FAS, and the student's financial aid will be adjusted based only on enrollment in classes that they are participating in.

Acceptable academic activities include:

Physically attending a class where there is an opportunity for direct interaction between the instructor and students.
Submitting an academic assignment.
Taking an exam.
Completing an interactive tutorial or participating in computer-assisted instruction.
Attending a study group assigned by the school.
Participating in an online discussion about academic matters.
Initiating contact with a faculty member to ask a question about the academic subject studied in the course.

Activities that do NOT qualify as academic activities include:

Living in institutional housing.
Participating in the school’s meal plan.
Logging into an online class without active participation.
Participating in academic counseling or advisement.
Course registration.

Impact of Withdrawals on Financial Aid

If a student receives financial aid but does not start academic participation in any classes, their aid will be canceled, and they will be required to return 100% of the aid received. If a student starts attendance and then withdraws, they may be required to return a portion of the financial aid funds received.

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The calculation of the Return of Title IV funds is based on published schedules and the date of withdrawal (officially or unofficially), cancellation of registration, or dropping all classes. Title IV funds include Federal Pell Grant, SEOG, Work-Study, and Federal Loans. State Grants (e.g., Cal Grant) and University Grants (e.g., University Grant, Blue and Gold Opportunity Award, Scholarship Recognition Award) will also be subject to reduction and billing.

Summer Financial Aid Opportunities

UCLA offers a range of financial aid options for eligible students enrolled in summer programs, including loans and grants. Summer financial aid is available to eligible UCLA students, including newly admitted students. To be considered for UCLA summer programs, students need to complete a FAFSA or CADAA application for the upcoming academic year. No supplemental summer application is needed for UCLA summer programs, such as Summer Sessions, Summer Pathways Freshman and Transfer Summer Programs, Summer Travel Study, Summer Institutes and Global Internship Program, and UC Education Abroad Program (UCEAP).

Students planning to attend a Summer Travel Study Program or Summer Sessions at another UC campus will have access to a UC Cross Campus application in the Bruin Financial Aid portal. Note that students cannot receive Summer Financial Aid after completing their degree requirements.

Applying for Summer Aid

To apply for summer aid, students must complete the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application for the relevant academic year. For maximum aid consideration, the application should be completed before April 2nd. UCLA Financial Aid and Scholarships will use a new Bruin Financial Aid portal. A separate Summer Financial Aid Application is not needed unless attending a Summer Sessions or Summer Travel Program at another UC.

Estimating Summer Costs and Aid

Students can estimate their total Summer tuition and fee costs using the UCLA Summer Financial Aid Calculator, available via MyUCLA. Financial aid calculations will consider on-campus housing costs (if applicable), off-campus living arrangements, or commuting costs.

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Summer eligibility is based on Summer Program Costs, Summer Living Expenses, the number of units enrolled, and whether the application is filed before the April 2nd application filing deadline.

Summer Aid Programs

Undergraduate Students:
- Federal Pell Grant (or University Grant for CADAA applicants): Available to students with a Student Aid Index (SAI) below a certain threshold, with award amounts varying based on SAI and enrollment status.
- University/DREAM Grant: Requires filing the FAFSA/CADAA before UCLA’s priority deadline and a minimum of 8 units. The award amount is based on summer units.
- Federal Direct Student Loans: Requires a minimum of 6 units.
- California Dream Loan: Requires a minimum of 6 units and filing the application before the priority deadline.
- Federal Work-Study: Requires filing the application before the priority deadline, a minimum of 6 units, and an SAI below a certain threshold. CADAA applicants must have DACA documentation to be able to work.
- Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan: Available to students classified as Dependent students for Financial Aid purposes, with a minimum of 6 units.
Graduate Students:
- Federal Direct Student Loan: Requires a minimum of 4 units.
- Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan
- Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan: Requires a minimum of 4 units.
- California Dream Loan: Requires a minimum of 4 units and filing the application before the April 2nd priority deadline.

Important Notes Regarding Summer Financial Aid

Summer financial aid eligibility depends on the length of enrollment, housing status, and the number of units taken. Changes to enrollment after aid disbursement may result in adjustments to the award, potentially leading to a bill. There are non-refundable registration fees charged by the summer programs that will not be refunded if you cancel summer registration

Summer Disbursements

Students must be enrolled in at least 6 units (undergraduate) and 4 units (graduate) before aid can be released to their BruinBill account. Disbursements start 10 days before the first day of summer sessions. When aid is disbursed to BruinBill, summer tuition and fees will be paid. A refund will be generated for any balance remaining and released to the student for educational and living expenses.

For students enrolled in sessions A and C, financial aid for both sessions will be disbursed at the beginning of session A. Aid will be disbursed to students enrolled in Session C only at the end of July.

Maintaining Summer Aid Eligibility

Summer Financial Aid eligibility is based on the exact sessions and the number of units per session. The financial aid package may change based on any changes to enrollment, sometimes resulting in a bill if you switch the sessions attended and/or take fewer units.

To be eligible for summer aid, undergraduate students need to enroll in a minimum of 6 units (half-time status), and Graduate students must be enrolled in 4 units (half-time status). A minimum of 8 units (UG) is required to qualify for a Summer University Grant (based on FAFSA/CADAA eligibility). Some programs (Federal Pell Grant and Summer University Grant) require enrollment in 12 units to receive full eligibility. FAS will review all units at the end of the third week of each UCLA summer session (the census date) to determine eligibility for summer aid. If you are not enrolled in the number of units the award was based on, your aid will be adjusted. Adding units after the census date will not reinstate your eligibility. Aid will be subject to cancellation if you drop below half-time status.

Return of Title IV Aid Funds

If a student receives financial aid and subsequently does not enroll in Summer Sessions for which they were awarded or if they drop all their units for the session for which they received aid, they may be billed for a portion of aid received. The calculation of Return of Title IV funds is based on published schedules and the date that you cancel your registration or the date you drop all classes during a summer session. Under federal regulations, summer is considered a single term of enrollment. If you cease attendance before the end of the awarded period, you will be considered ‘withdrawn’.

Types of Financial Aid at UCLA

UCLA offers various forms of financial aid, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. Financial aid may be awarded based on need, academic merit, background, specific talents, or professional interests.

Scholarships

UCLA offers financial support through scholarships, which may be awarded based on need, academic merit, background, specific talents, or professional interests.

UCLA Scholarship Application: The UCLA Scholarship Application opens in mid-to-late March each year and remains open year-round. Priority consideration is given to admitted students who complete their application(s) within two weeks of admission decisions being released. Scholarships awarded to undergraduate students require that you apply through the portal each year.
Outside Scholarships: Students are encouraged to look beyond UCLA for scholarship opportunities and consult several sources, such as scholarship search engines, scholarship books, high schools, and community organizations.

Grants

Grants are a type of financial aid that recipients do not have to repay. Sources include funding from the federal and state governments, as well as UCLA. Most are awarded based on need and require submission of the FAFSA or CA Dream Act by the priority deadline. Grants require enrollment in 12 UNITS to maintain maximum eligibility.

Federal Grants

Federal Pell Grant: Based on exceptional need, the Federal Pell Grant is awarded to undergraduate students who are US citizens or eligible non-citizens and who have not earned a Bachelor’s degree. If you file the FAFSA then you are considered for a Pell Grant.
FSEOG (Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant): Federally funded awards for Undergraduates who are citizens or eligible non-citizens and apply on time. Awards are based on financial need and range from $100 to $4,000. Preference is given to Pell Grant and Cal Grant recipients.
TEACH Grants: The TEACH Grant program is a non-need-based grant program that gives up to $4,000/year to FULL-TIME STUDENTS. Students MUST AGREE TO TEACH low-income elementary or secondary school for 4 YEARS.
IRAQ & AFGHANISTAN SERVICE Grant: The Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant gives money to undergraduate students for educational expenses to students who lost a parent because of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after Sept. 11, 2001.

State Grants

CAL GRANT A: Cal Grant A is money from grant funds to help pay tuition/fees for California residents at qualifying institutions with undergraduate academic programs. Awards are based on need and grade point average established by the California Student Aid Commission.
CAL GRANT B: Cal Grant B is money from grant funds for students from low-income families to help pay tuition, fees, and access costs.
CALIFORNIA MIDDLE CLASS SCHOLARSHIP (MCS): Middle-Class Scholarship (MCS) provides undergraduate students with a scholarship to attend a University of California (UC) campus. Students with family income and assets up to $226,000 may be eligible.
California Chafee Grant: The California Chafee Grant for current or former California FOSTER YOUTH helps pay for college OR career and technical training.
Golden State Teacher Grant (GSTG): The Golden State Teacher Grant Program (GSTG) awards up to $20,000 to students currently enrolled in a professional preparation program approved by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) and working towards earning their preliminary teaching or pupil personnel services credential.

University Grants

Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan: The Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan will cover the difference between your tuition and service fees, and any other grants and scholarships that you are eligible to receive for California residents with family INCOME BELOW $80,000.
UNIVERSITY GRANT: University Grants are one-year, non-renewable grants awarded to undergraduate students who complete their FAFSA before the priority filing deadline.
USHIP (Health Insurance Fees) Grant: USHIP Grant is awarded to applicants who filed the FAFSA/Dream Act Application by the March 2 priority deadline to cover USHIP (Health Insurance Fees).
Native American Opportunity Plan (NAOP): The UC Native American Opportunity Plan (NAOP) ensures that in-state systemwide Tuition and Student Services Fees are fully covered for California students who are enrolled members of federally recognized Native American, American Indian, and Alaska Native tribes.

Loans

Students have a variety of borrowing options available and are encouraged to research their options carefully. Federal student loans are not credit-based and have terms set by the Department of Education. Interest paid on student loans is tax-deductible. There are flexible payment options, and repayment can be delayed until after the student’s graduation on federal and private loans. Parents also have the option to take out low-interest educational loans.

Part-Time Student Jobs

A part-time job can help pay for textbooks and day-to-day living expenses. Each year nearly 10,000 UCLA undergraduates work on campus part-time.

Application Process

There are two different applications that determine your eligibility for financial aid. If you are a CITIZEN or a PERMANENT RESIDENT you should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you are NOT a US Citizen or Permanent Resident, but graduated from a high school in California, then you should file a CA Dream Act Application (CADAA). March 2nd is the application PRIORITY DEADLINE for the subsequent Fall Quarter. You MUST complete an application for every academic year you are seeking to receive financial aid for.

Resources for International Students

International students are typically NOT ELIGIBLE for most aid through the UCLA Financial Aid and Scholarships Office. International Students may be eligible for Scholarships, Private Loans and Short-Term Loans. Most lenders who have loan options for International Students REQUIRE a US Citizen or Permanent Resident to CO-SIGN THE LOAN.

Key Takeaways

Navigating the financial aid process at UCLA requires careful planning and attention to detail. By understanding the requirements for Satisfactory Academic Progress, unit enrollment, and the various aid programs available, students can effectively manage their educational expenses. Remember to meet deadlines, explore all available resources, and seek assistance from the UCLA Financial Aid & Scholarships office when needed.

Important Dates and Deadlines

March 2nd: Priority filing deadline for FAFSA and CA Dream Act Application.
April 2nd: Deadline for maximum aid consideration for summer programs.
October 17, 2025: Fall 2025 Financial Aid Census.

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