Funding Your Future
Your interactive guide to navigating financial aid for the 2025-26 academic year at the University of California, Berkeley.
Two-thirds of UC Berkeley students receive financial aid, totaling over
million dollars each year.
Your Financial Aid Journey in 3 Steps
Apply Early
File your FAFSA or CADAA every year. Berkeley's school code is 001312. The priority deadline is March 2.
Understand Your Offer
Review your aid offer, learn about the conditions of your aid, and budget for your expenses.
Accept & Manage
Accept and manage your aid offers in CalCentral. Complete required tasks and enroll in direct deposit.
Interactive Aid Checklist
Explore Your Options
Gift Aid, Loans, and Work-Study
Aid comes in many forms. Gift aid, like grants and scholarships, doesn't need to be repaid. Other options like low-interest federal loans and part-time work-study jobs are also available to help fund your education.
Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan
For CA residents with family incomes under $80,000/year.
Berkeley Undergraduate Dream Act Aid
Grants and scholarships for students with an AB 540 nonresident tuition exemption.
Federal Loans
Funds you borrow and repay over time with interest, usually after graduation.
Work-Study
Earn money for educational expenses by working a part-time job on or off campus.