A grant is an award that does not have to be repaid as long as the student remains eligible. Whenever criteria and funding levels permit, a student's financial aid award includes grants.
Federal Pell Grants. All undergraduate financial aid applicants are required to apply for a Federal Pell Grant each year by filing the FAFSA. Recipients must be enrolled at least half time and must maintain good academic standing and make satisfactory academic progress. Eligibility is determined by the federal government according to a formula developed by the Department of Education and approved annually by Congress. All applicants are notified via a "Student Aid Report" (SAR). The amount you receive depends on your financial need.
Cal Grants are awarded by the California Student Aid Commission and may be renewed each year. All undergraduate financial aid applicants who are California residents are encouraged to apply for one of these awards. Follow the instructions in the financial aid application packet.
Cal Grant A awards are based on financial need and academic achievement and can be extended for one year for students entering a teaching credential program. Cal Grant A pays partial registration fees.
Cal Grant B awards are based on financial need and are for entering undergraduate students primarily from low-income backgrounds. Recipients are required to complete at least 12 units each quarter. Cal Grant B pays a quarterly stipend for living expenses for first-year students, and a portion of the registration fees plus a quarterly stipend for living expenses for students in their second through fourth years.
Cal Grant T awards provide one year of grant funding for students in approved teaching credential programs. Eligibility criteria and award amounts are the same as for Cal Grant A.
University Grants are available to both graduate and undergraduate students. The University determines grant eligibilty for undergraduates by subtracting a student and parent contribution, any federal or state resources the student receives, and a standard work and loan contribution from the cost of attendance. Any remaining eligibility would be funded with UC Grant. Graduate students are awarded UC Grant funds based on need determined by the federal processor.
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Grants are awarded to students who are at least one-fourth American Indian, Eskimo or Aleut as recognized by a tribal group served by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and who show financial need. Applicants must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and provide supporting documents. Write to the agency that administers your tribal affairs and request a BIA Higher Education Assistance application. The BIA Financial Aid officer on campus can help you complete the application. The amount of BIA grant depends on need and availability of funds at each BIA agency.
Financial Aid almost always includes a long-term loan. Repayment of these loans (with the exception of Federal Direct PLUS loans) begins after you graduate or withdraw from school. Students are encouraged to work as much as possible (while remaining full-time students) and to develop modest personal budgets to keep final loan indebtedness within a manageable range.
Federal Perkins Loans are for U.S. citizens or permanent U.S. residents. Loans may be limited to a percentage of student's need because of demand and limited funds. This is a subsidized loan, which means the federal government pays the interest on the loan while the student is enrolled in school. Repayment starts nine months after graduation or withdrawal from school and may be extended over 10 years. Additional deferments are possible for temporary total disability or volunteer service in a private, non-profit organization, VISTA or the Peace Corps. Some teachers of students from low-income families and full-time teachers of handicapped children may also qualify for partial loan cancellation.
Health Profession Student Loans (HPSL) are awarded to students in the School of Veterinary Medicine who demonstrate financial need. Parental income information is required for all applicants regardless of age and dependency status.
Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized William D. Ford Student Loans (Direct Loans) are available through the Financial Aid Office. Subsidized loans are based on financial need, and interest accrued while the student is in school is paid by the federal government. Unsubsidized loans are available to students regardless of income and assets, and there is no interest subsidy. Students are advised to speak with a Financial Aid officer before borrowing an unsubsidized loan.
Federal Direct Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (Direct PLUS) are government-insured loans that are made to parents of dependent students.
Short-Term Loans meet temporary or emergency financial needs of registered students. Loan funds are provided by UC Davis alumni, ASUCD, the Cal Aggie Foundation, the Regents of the University of California, and private donors.
For information about how to apply, stop by the Financial Aid Office, 1100 Dutton Hall.
College work-study programs enable students to earn part of their financial aid through part-time employment. To participate, you must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and receive work-study as a part of your financial aid package. Your work-study award offers you both money for your education and work experience. You should obtain a work-study job or ask to defer your work-study before December 1 or your award will be canceled. The Student Employment Center coordinates all undergraduate college work-study programs.
Work-study funds for graduate students are allocated directly to the chairpersons of the graduate programs or departments. Graduate students seeking work-study funding should contact their respective departments for further information. Students must file a FAFSA to be considered for work-study funding.
Federal College Work-Study Program is funded by the federal government. Employment may be on or off campus with profit or nonprofit organizations. Many community service work-study jobs are available that can provide you with an educational and rewarding work experience. To be eligible, you must be a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S., carry at least a half-time academic course load, and maintain satisfactory academic progress.
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