Frequently Asked Questions
- Is my file complete? Have I turned everything in?
- You can check on the status of your application by calling (949) 824-6476 or check My Aid.
- Where do I get answers to my financial aid questions?
- Come to 106 Berk Hall, Building 802, call (949) 824-6476 or e-mail cmfao@uci.edu. Your questions can be answered here. If necessary, you will be referred to a financial aid counselor.
- I'm not sure my family will have financial need. Should I complete the FAFSA?
- Yes. Financial aid is intended both to remove financial barriers for families who cannot afford the cost of an education beyond high school and to fill in the gap for families who can afford only part of the cost. Some loans and scholarships are available regardless of "need."
- Must I be accepted for admission before I apply for financial aid? Must I be admitted before I receive aid?
- No. You may apply for financial aid any time after January 1. However, you must be admitted and enrolled at UCI before you receive any funds.
- Do I have to apply for financial aid each year?
- Yes. Your financial situation must be reassessed each year. However, after the first year you apply for financial aid, you probably will be sent a Renewal Application that will ask you to answer some questions again and recheck the answers to others.
- I want to apply for a scholarship/fellowship only. Do I have to fill out the FAFSA?
- No. However, to be considered for scholarships where financial need is a criterion, you must complete the FAFSA.
- I know I filled out a FAFSA and sent it in at least four weeks ago, but I haven't received a SAR. What should I do?
- Call the U.S. Department of Education's Public Inquiry Contractor: 1-800-4FED-AID or check online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
- I am currently separated or divorced. What financial information should I include on the FAFSA?
- Include only information about your income and current assets from last year.
- What if I have had an extraordinary drop in income or increase in expenses? Do I submit that information to your office? When do you need it?
- You do not need to do anything until after you receive your official award notification from UCI. Your original award notification will reflect the information from your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). With the notification, you will receive information about changes in circumstances and the process for submitting documentation.
Requests for re-evaluation based on extraordinary changes in financial circumstances during the prior calendar year will be reviewed during fall quarter. If it is determined that your financial need has increased, this increase will be funded with Direct loans. Do not submit documentation of changes in circumstances until after you receive your first official award notification. - What is an Expected Family Contribution and when do I provide it?
- This is the amount that the federal government has determined you can contribute to your education throughout the year. This amount is not "due" at one specific time but can be contributed to your educational costs in a variety of ways, such as assisting in the payment of fees each quarter, buying books and supplies, or providing monthly funds from a part-time job to cover housing, transportation costs or miscellaneous costs.
- I received a scholarship/fellowship that's not listed on my financial aid award. What do I need to do? And how will this affect my financial aid?
- Congratulations! You need to report your scholarship on the "Report My Changes" page. Your financial aid award will be revised to include your scholarship. When revising your aid, any work or loan that you have will be reduced first.
Log on to My Aid