Financial Aid Support

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How to apply for financial aid

To apply for financial aid at UC Berkeley, complete a financial aid application for the academic year you are applying; complete either a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA). For additional information, learn how to apply for aid on the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office website.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) if you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident student. The FAFSA determines your eligibility for federal, state, and institutional aid, including grants, scholarships, loans, and work study. We encourage all students to complete the FAFSA, even if you don’t think you’re eligible so you have an application on file if you need it. 

Graduate students are encouraged to file a FAFSA, even if their fellowship is not need-based. Some private endowment and state funds that the Graduate Division administers have a need component, and the funds can be used for merit-based fellowships if students have financial need. Since the Graduate Division uses the FAFSA information to determine need eligibility, it is important for graduate students to complete the FAFSA.

California Dream Act Application

Complete a California Dream Act Application (CADAA) if you qualify for an AB 540 nonresident tuition exemption. California Dream Act is an extension of the state financial aid programs that allows undocumented and nonresident documented students who meet certain requirements to be exempt from paying nonresident supplemental tuition. This act also provides other forms of financial aid opportunities, such as grants and scholarships, to those qualified. The Financial Aid and Scholarships Office can assist you with the California Dream Act application.

Parent PLUS Loan

Is your parent applying for a Parent PLUS loan? Parent PLUS loan is an option that can be used towards the “Other Financing Options” portion of your financial aid package. 

PLUS Loans have additional completion requirements. To apply, you need a parent to complete the PLUS Loan Application. The loan will be ready to disburse in CalCentral when it is approved and we have a signed promissory note. Please review the Parent PLUS FAQ for additional information and monitor your tasks in CalCentral.

Change in housing and financial aid

Changing your housing choice can impact your financial aid. Your financial aid package is based on your financial need, determined by a formula: standard cost of attendance (i.e., budget) minus the Student Aid Index (SAI) or 0 if SAI is negative. Please note that a change in housing, for example moving out of the residence halls into off-campus housing, may affect your standard cost of attendance and therefore the amount of financial aid you receive.

Financial aid forms

To access forms to complete tasks such as Verification, Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal, Economic Hardship Appeal, and more, visit the Berkeley Financial Aid Forms page.

Financial aid verification

Financial aid verification is a process required by the Department of Education and the California Student Aid Commission that is intended to improve the accuracy of the information provided on your financial aid application. If you are selected for verification, you will be notified through CalCentral. The university cannot disburse federal or state aid until verification is completed.

Appeals and circumstance changes

Your financial circumstances may change, and those changes may affect your ability to contribute to your education. If you do not have enough financial aid to meet your expenses (including a change in your family’s financial circumstances), and you have exhausted all possible borrowing that is in your financial aid package, you can consider two specific options:

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

Financial aid regulations require that students meet specific Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements to maintain eligibility for financial aid. Your academic record will be evaluated after each academic year to determine if you are meeting the SAP requirements to maintain financial aid eligibility for the next academic year. The UC Berkeley SAP requirements for undergraduate students are as follows:

  • Maintaining a cumulative grade point average (GPA) at or above 2.0.
  • Maintain a satisfactory pace of progress toward your degree by completing at least 67% of all units attempted cumulatively.
  • Completing your degree within a maximum number of attempted units not to exceed 150% of the published length of your program.

If you are not meeting one or more of these requirements, you have the option of appealing for a reinstatement of your financial aid or an extension of your financial aid by completing the SAP Appeal form.

Completing certification forms for outside donors

To obtain an official enrollment verification document for your donor, visit CalCentral “My Academics” and select the Enrollment Verification link under “Academic Records”. 

To obtain a financial aid summary, please visit your CalCentral “My Finances” and select the View “Multi-Year Aid Summary” link under “Financial Resources or View Awards.”

If these official documents do not suffice for your donor’s needs, third-party enrollment and/or financial aid certification forms can be completed either by Cal Student Central or the Office of the Registrar. There may be a special processing fee associated with this request.

For custom requests or third-party forms, please submit your verification request on CalCentral > My Dashboard > Student Resources > Submit a Form > Verification Request: Enrollment, Degree, Good Standing & more.

Basic needs

UC Berkeley’s Basic Needs Center is fully dedicated to leading the transformation of UC Berkeley into a basic needs secure institution of higher education. The Basic Needs Center website has more information about resources for food security, housing security, and financial security and crisis.

The Housing Security Deposit Award is available to help students obtain safe, secure, and stable housing. If you are finding yourself unable to cover your security deposit, the HSD Award is a grant for UC Berkeley graduate and undergraduate students to help cover your housing security deposit. We encourage those who need the financial support to apply. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Financial literacy and workshops

The Center for Financial Wellness provides essential financial literacy information to help you manage your money and build for the future. Financial Wellness Coaches can also guide you in creating a budget that works for you. For further support, you may also refer to Centers for Educational Equity and Excellence.

Withdrawal impact on financial aid

Please review Withdrawing from Classes or School for more information.