Types of Financial Aid
The Financial Aid and Scholarships Office administers a wide variety of student aid. By filling out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), students are automatically considered for all types of aid. Eligibility for aid is based on the student's financial need. Types of aid include:
Grants
Grants are like gifts. They do not need to be repaid. Grants are awarded from federal, state, and University funds according to financial need. The University of California Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan covers systemwide tuition and fees for California residents with financial need whose families earn less than $80,000 per year.University Scholarships
University Scholarships are also like gifts; they do not need to be repaid. Students who have applied to UC Berkeley and filed a FAFSA are automatically considered. There is no additional application.Loans
Interest rates and repayment arrangements vary under the different student loan programs. Loans are valuable resources, but they also entail serious long-term obligations. Loans include Perkins Loans, Federal Direct Loans, and Parent PLUS Loans. For more information about Parent PLUS Loans, please see the Tips for Completing the Parent PLUS Loan Application page.Federal Work-Study
Work-study is a form of financial aid that provides federally subsidized hourly-wage jobs so that students can earn money to pay for college expenses. Work-study students often find employment that matches their field of study and can usually plan job schedules around academic work.California Dream Act
Undergraduate students who qualify for an AB 540 waiver may be eligible for Berkeley Undergraduate Dream Act Aid.Get an estimate of your potential financial aid eligibility:
