The tables below present general information on need-based financial aid for which domestic, non-foreign graduate students are eligible. There are numerous non-need-based sources of funding which all graduate students should investigate further. Please visit the Graduate Student Funding Opportunities & Resources page for this information on fellowships, employment and related information. In addition, graduate students should be sure to check out UCI’s Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships web site for specific need-based funding information.
Please note, certain types of financial aid have eligibility requirements additional to those listed below. Please be sure to research each type of need-based financial aid thoroughly before applying or accepting admission.
The minimum requirements for receiving need-based financial aid are:
- be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen;
- be registered with Selective Service (if required);
- attend a participating school;
- be working toward a degree or certificate;
- maintain satisfactory academic progress;
- not owe a refund on a federal grant or be in default on a federal educational loan; and,
- have financial need (except for Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loan)
In addition, students must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for financial aid, grants, and some fellowships. Additional information about the FAFSA, financial aid deadlines, and other important information can be found on our Need Based Financial Aid information page.
Loans (Federal)*:
| Program |
Description |
Eligibility |
Terms |
|
Federal Direct Stafford Loan, Subsidized**
Visit the U.S. Department of Education for detailed information
|
• Federally funded
• Variable interest rate adjusted annually on July 1, capped at 8.25%. More rate information is available.
• See "Borrowing Maximums" chart below
|
• Need-based
• All full- and half-time students in a graduate degree program
• U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens
|
• Repayment is deferred and there is no interest while enrolled at least half-time
• Limited deferment provisions; see the U.S. Department of Education website for more information.
|
|
Federal Direct Stafford Loan, Unsubsidized**
Visit the U.S. Department of Education for detailed information
|
• Federally funded
• Variable interest rate adjusted annually on July 1, capped at 8.25%. More rate information is available.
• See "Borrowing Maximums" chart below.
|
• Non-need based
• All full- and half-time students in a graduate degree program
• U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens
|
• Interest begins accruing immediately at loan's inception
• Student can begin making payments toward interest or choose to have interest accrue (capitalize) while enrolled in eligible degree program (see promissory note)
• Repayment of principal deferred while enrolled at least half-time
• Limited deferment provisions; see the U.S. Department of Education website for more information.
|
* Graduate students are considered "independent" for the purposes of Federal (U.S.) need-based lending and financial aid.
** Students accepting Direct Loan funds for the first time must complete a Direct Loan Master Promissory Note before receiving their loan funds. A promissory note will be sent to students after they accept their loan on Visual Aid.
Combined Borrowing Maximums for Subsidized and Unsubsidized
Federal Direct Loans
|
Graduate Students
|
Borrowing Maximums
|
| First Year |
$18,500 each academic year (only $8,500 of this amount can be a Subsidized Loan) |
| Second Year |
$18,500 each academic year (only $8,500 of this amount can be a Subsidized Loan) |
| Third Year |
$18,500 each academic year (only $8,500 of this amount can be a Subsidized Loan) |
| Total Loan Debt Limit |
$138,500 (only $65,500 can be Subsidized Loan); limit INCLUDES Federal Direct Loans received as an undergraduate at any institution |
Grants
| Program |
Description |
Eligibility |
Terms/Award Amount |
| Cal Grant T |
• State aid program
• Gift aid |
• California Residents
• Have received a Cal Grant T in a prior year
• Students enrolled in the teacher credential program (Cal Grant T)***
• Cal Grant T is based on financial eligibility, GPA, and willingness to teach in a California public, low-performing K-12 school |
• Must be enrolled at least half-time in a teacher credential program
• Award Amounts:
- Cal Grant T: $6,269
- Must sign the Teaching Service Agreement prior to receiving the award
|
*** Students who are enrolled in graduate degree programs are NOT eligible for Cal Grant T grants; ONLY students enrolled in a teacher credential program are eligible.
Please refer to the OGS web page dealing with Private Loans and Alternative Payment Options for additional information on funding types and options.
