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Other Financing Options

are available to assist you in meeting your expenses outlined in the cost of attendance. 

 

Outside Scholarships

Scholarships are available from a variety of sources, including high schools, places of worship, and civic organizations,- just to name a few. We recommend that you visit our scholarship page for more information about where to start your scholarship journey. 

NOTE: Federal regulations require that we incorporate scholarships as part of your financial aid awards, and the sum total of all your aid cannot exceed your estimated cost of attendance. It should also be noted that in general, funding for scholarships cannot replace your Student Aid Index (SAI). 

  • Best for: Students who want to reduce their loan and work obligations in meeting their estimated costs. 

Fee Payment Plan (FPP)

The Fee Payment Plan (FPP) allows for qualified registration fees to be paid in five monthly installments. FPP enrollment is established on a per semester basis, not an academic year, and you must sign up for the plan every semester. Please refer to the Fee Payment Plan FAQ web page if you have further questions. 

  • Best for: Students who do not have enough grant or scholarship aid to cover tuition and fees for the term.  
  • Not recommended for: Recipients of the Cal Grant, Native American Opportunity Plan, Cal Veterans Fee Waiver, or other fee-paying awards. 

Federal Parent PLUS Loan 

Direct PLUS Loans for parents are unsubsidized loans issued by the federal government to parents of dependent undergraduate students who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  The loan can be used to cover a student’s educational expenses that aren’t covered by other forms of financial aid. This loan can be used to cover the Student Aid Index (SAI), has flexible repayment options, and repayment can be deferred until the student graduates. It provides financing to parents of undergraduate students who have no adverse credit history, and is contingent on PLUS loan credit check approval. 

Parents can start applying for PLUS loans for the 2025-26 year beginning in mid-May. Information about the PLUS loan, including how to apply, can be found on our PLUS loan information page. 

  • Best For: Parents of undergraduate students looking for options to assist their student in covering the student aid index and the estimated cost of attendance. 
  • Not recommended for: Independent students, students who are fully funded with gift aid from all sources. 

Private Alternative Loans

Private loans, also known as alternative loans, can help fill the gap between the total cost of attendance and the amount of other financial aid offered. Private lenders vary in their interest rates, terms, and eligibility requirements, and are often contingent upon application approval from a bank, credit union, or non-profit lender. It is a good idea to do your research when deciding if a Private Loan is right for you.  The University of California Office of the President (UCOP) has compiled a Private Loan Preferred Lender list, although you may choose any lender.

International students, please refer to the Private Loan Preferred Lender list for International students, and visit the Berkeley International Office.