Overview of the UC Davis Financial Aid Office
The UC Davis Financial Aid Office is the central campus unit that administers student financial support for eligible undergraduates, graduate students, and professional students. It manages federal and state grant and loan programs, institutional scholarships, work-study, and institutional aid, while also coordinating campus-wide policies around billing, refunds, and indebtedness. The office’s responsibilities include verifying admission and enrollment, calculating expected family contribution (EFC) or student aid index (SAI) through the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA), packaging eligible awards, and communicating award notifications through the student’s university account. It also handles entrance and exit counseling for loans, manages repayment plans, and supports financial wellness resources to help students plan and manage educational debt.
Because financial aid rules, eligibility criteria, and application procedures often change, the office maintains updated guidance for continuing and prospective students. The office works with admissions, the registrar, and campus departments to ensure financial aid packages align with academic progress, satisfactory academic progress (SAP) standards, and residency and citizenship requirements. For new and continuing students, understanding how the office operates can reduce confusion, prevent billing holds, and connect students with the largest possible sources of aid.
Key Programs and Award Types Managed by the Office
The UC Davis Financial Aid Office oversees a portfolio of aid sources, which typically includes federal grants and loans, state-funded programs, institutional scholarships, and campus work-study. Below is a concise overview of major aid types, eligibility highlights, and typical award characteristics you can expect when working with the office.
| Program / Award Type | Key Eligibility Requirements | Typical Award Notes | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAFSA | U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen; enrolled at least half-time in a degree program | Determines federal aid eligibility and EFC/SAI; used for federal grants, loans, work-study | Federal |
| California Dream Act Application (CADAA) | Meets AB 540/nonresident eligibility criteria; filed CADAA annually | Used for state grants, institutional aid, and some scholarships for undocumented students | State / Institutional |
| Federal Pell Grant | Demonstrated financial need; undergraduate enrollment; EFC/SAI below threshold | Generally does not require repayment; awarded for up to 12 terms (6 years) | Federal |
| Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans | Enrolled at least half-time; undergraduate or graduate status varies by loan | Subsidized: need-based, no interest while enrolled; Unsubsidized: accrues interest from disbursement | Federal |
| University of California Grant (UCG) | California residency; financial need; enrolled as a first-time freshman or transfer | Gift aid that does not require repayment; awarded based on EFC/SAI and enrollment | Institutional |
| Institutional Scholarships | Varies by scholarship; often considers merit, leadership, or specific criteria | May be one-time or renewable; some require separate application or interview | Institutional |
| Federal Work-Study | Demonstrated financial need; enrolled at least half-time | Provides part-time campus or community jobs; earnings help cover education expenses | Federal |
How Financial Aid Applications Work at UC Davis
FAFSA and CADAA Deadlines and Steps
To be considered for most aid, including federal, state, and UC institutional aid, you must complete the appropriate application(s) each academic year. For California residents and eligible nonresidents, this includes the California Dream Act Application by the campus deadline, even if you are not filing federal taxes. For all students, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed with correct information and using UC Davis’s school code. Missing deadlines can reduce eligibility for grants and scholarships and may delay registration or holds on your account.
Notification and Award Packaging
After admission and verification steps are complete, the UC Davis Financial Aid Office reviews your application(s) and notifies you of your award package through your student portal. The package may combine grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study, and is generally based on financial need, enrollment level, and availability of funds. You’ll be asked to accept, decline, or adjust certain aid types, and to review and sign entrance counseling and any loan agreements before funds are disbursed at the start of each term.
Enrollment and Continuous Eligibility Requirements
Receiving aid is contingent on meeting ongoing requirements. You must maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP), which typically means achieving a minimum GPA and completing a minimum number of units by set deadlines. You must also remain admitted to a eligible degree program, enroll at least half-time (usually 6+ units for undergraduates), and not be in default on existing student loans. Changes in enrollment, repeated courses, or incomplete grades can affect your aid, so timely communication with the office is important.
Repayment, Exit Counseling, and Financial Wellness
Loan Entrance and Exit Counseling
Before you receive your first loan disbursement, you’ll complete entrance counseling to understand repayment basics. If you drop below half-time, graduate, or leave the university, you’ll go through exit counseling to review repayment options and timelines. Direct loans enter repayment six months after you drop below half-time or graduate; knowing your options early can prevent missed payments and credit damage.
Repayment Plans and Deferment
Federal loan borrowers can choose among several repayment plans, including income-driven plans that cap payments relative to income and family size. You may also request deferment or forbearance under qualifying conditions, though interest may accrue during some periods. The office provides resources to help you compare plans and select a strategy that fits your career and financial goals.
For students considering private loans, the office generally encourages maximizing federal aid first, since federal loans offer more flexible repayment and relief options. The office can also connect you with financial wellness tools, such as budgeting templates and one-on-one appointments, to build a realistic plan for managing education-related expenses and debt after graduation.
Contact and Visit Information
If you have questions about aid eligibility, application steps, or your award package, the best first step is to contact the UC Davis Financial Aid Office directly or visit their in-person or virtual appointment options. They can clarify documentation requirements, explain special circumstances, and help you understand appeal or revision processes when applicable.