Grants

UC Santa Cruz Grants are awarded to eligible undergraduate students who are California residents pursuing their first bachelor’s degree. These grants are awarded based on demonstrated financial need, which is determined by subtracting the Student Aid Index (SAI) and other need-based aid resources from the student’s cost of attendance. To be considered for UC grant assistance, students must complete all required financial aid applications and supporting documentation by established deadlines. Students are also responsible for reviewing and accepting eligible financial aid awards through MyUCSC. Awards that are not accepted by the end of the student’s first term of attendance may be canceled or rescinded.
Cal Grant A & B are state-funded grants administered by the California Student Aid Commission for eligible California residents who meet program eligibility, financial need, and academic criteria. To be considered, students must submit either the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA), as applicable, by the established state deadline. First-time applicants must also ensure that a Cal Grant GPA Verification is submitted by the applicable deadline, unless a GPA is submitted electronically by the student’s school. At the University of California, Cal Grant awards may help cover systemwide tuition and student services fees. Award amounts and eligibility are determined annually by the California Student Aid Commission based on state regulations and available funding.

Middle-Class Scholarship is funded by the California Student Aid Commission and awarded to eligible California resident students who meet annual income and asset thresholds established by the commission. Middle Class Scholarship funds are considered last-dollar aid within a student’s financial aid package and may be reduced or adjusted based on other forms of gift aid, including federal, state, institutional, private, and outside scholarship assistance received.
Federal Pell Grants are awarded to eligible undergraduate students who demonstrate significant financial need as determined by the Student Aid Index (SAI). Award amounts vary based on a student’s financial circumstances, enrollment status, and federal eligibility criteria. Maximum award amounts are established annually by Congress. For the 2026–27 academic year, the maximum Federal Pell Grant award is $7,395.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG) are awarded to eligible undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. These federal grants are intended to supplement other sources of financial aid, including institutional grant assistance. Funding is limited, and priority consideration is given to students who meet all applicable financial aid application deadlines. Award amounts vary based on eligibility and available funding, with a maximum annual award of $4,000.