Financial Aid vs. Scholarships
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available for eligible students to use toward paying educational costs while enrolled in a degree-seeking program. Using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you will be considered for three types of financial aid:
- Grants
- Work-study
- Student Loans
Separate application forms are not required to be considered for these types of aid. Apply early and apply annually to be considered.
Need-based financial aid eligibility is determined by the FAFSA and the availability of funding. You must qualify each year to receive need-based awards. Need-based awards include:
- Grants
- Work-study
- Federal Subsidized Direct Loan
For the most part, a grant or gift aid does not need to be repaid. You earn the work-study award through on-campus or off-campus employment. A Subsidized Direct Loan means that the federal government subsidizes (pays) the interest while you are in school.
According to federal financial aid regulations, the total financial aid award cannot exceed the Cost of Attendance. The Financial Aid Summary in the UCDAccess is where you can view the Cost of Attendance.
Scholarships
Scholarships are a form of gift aid—money that helps pay for college and does not need to be repaid. Institutions and many private organizations offer scholarship opportunities. Each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria and application process. Awards may be based on a combination of factors such as academic achievement, financial circumstances, area of study, community engagement, or other information provided by the donor or program. Students are encouraged to explore all available options and apply for scholarships that best match their interests and experiences.