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TritonBruinFamily
•This response has been verified in line with school guidance.
Financial aid

My student’s financial aid offer this year doesn’t show the Middle Class Scholarship, even though their calculated financial need is higher than last year (and they received MCS last year). They filed FAFSA on time and are in good academic standing. Is the MCS typically added later, or could there be a reason they’re no longer eligible/being offered it this year?

It is not uncommon for the Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) to be absent from initial financial aid offers at UC San Diego (UCSD), even if a student's financial need has increased compared to the previous year. The MCS follows a specific awarding timeline and is processed separately from other forms of financial aid.

Awarding Timeline The MCS is generally awarded later in the academic year. For the 2025–2026 academic year, UCSD is processing MCS awards on a rolling basis throughout the Fall and Winter quarters. Therefore, it is advisable to monitor the UCSD Financial Aid portal for updates on the scholarship status.

Eligibility Factors Several factors could affect your student's eligibility for the MCS this year:

  • Last-Dollar Scholarship: The MCS is a last-dollar scholarship, meaning if other financial aid (like Cal Grants) covers a significant portion of the remaining cost of attendance, the MCS award may be reduced or eliminated.
  • Funding Levels: The funding for the MCS has been projected to decrease, potentially covering only 18% of a student's remaining financial need compared to 35% in previous years, which could impact the amount awarded.
Next Steps If the MCS does not appear by the end of the Winter quarter, it is recommended to contact the UCSD Financial Aid and Scholarships Office for further clarification at (858) 534-4480 or via email at finaid@ucsd.edu. Additionally, students can check their eligibility status through the California Student Aid Commission's WebGrants portal.

Recent questions at UCSD

MichelleH 💙
•This response has been verified in line with school guidance.
Housing

When will returning students know what type of dorm they got for next year?

Returning students at UC San Diego (UCSD) will receive their official room assignments, including specific bed spaces and roommate contact information, through the Housing Portal in late August 2026.

Key Dates

  • February 18 – February 26, 2026: Eligible students submit their Continuing Student Housing Application and contract.
  • April 9 – April 10, 2026: Students will receive a lottery date and time for Room Selection Sign-Up via email.
  • April 16 – April 30, 2026: During this period, students will participate in the self-selection process to choose their specific space and building.
  • Late August 2026: Official room assignments will be released on the Housing Portal.
Additional Information

For more details on the housing process, students can visit the HDH Undergrad Housing Room Selection page or check the Deadlines & Details page.

SDMOM2
•This response has been verified in line with school guidance.
Housing

How do we find information for the General Room Selection Webinar scheduled for February 11?

To find information regarding the General Room Selection Webinar scheduled for February 11, 2026, you can refer to the official channels provided by UCSD.

Webinar Details

  • Event Name: Home Away From Home, Again: Navigating Student Housing for Next Year.
  • Time: 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM PST (Note: A session from 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM may also be available).
  • Topics Covered: Applying for campus housing, off-campus apartment hunting, housing contracts, and commuter resources.
Where to Register
  • Official Registration: Register directly through the Triton Family Web Series page by clicking the "Register Now" button under the February 11 event.
  • HDH Housing Portal: Additional information and updates can be found within the UCSD Housing Portal.
Important Notifications

Eligible students should check their @ucsd.edu email for notifications sent during the first week of February, which will include specific links for participation. The application window for those with a housing guarantee opens on February 18, 2026, and closes on February 26, 2026. For further assistance, you can contact the housing team at roomselection@ucsd.edu or housingcontracts@ucsd.edu.

Anonymous
•This response has been verified in line with school guidance.
International

Is study abroad tuition through uceap more expensive than just the normal academic year? Trying to figure out if they should be doing uceap or a third party program

When considering UCEAP for study abroad, it's important to evaluate how tuition compares to a typical academic year at UC San Diego.

Tuition Rates

As a UCEAP participant, you will pay UC tuition and fees, which means your residency status will affect your costs. Non-residents will incur supplemental tuition, similar to what they would pay during a regular academic year.

Cost Variability

  • Fall Semester: Generally more expensive than a single UCSD Fall quarter due to extended academic time and credits.
  • Spring Semester: Often less costly than attending both Winter and Spring quarters at UCSD.
  • Additional Fees: UCEAP programs may include extra costs such as insurance and administrative fees that are not part of the standard tuition.
  • Location Impact: The overall cost can vary significantly based on the destination, with some locations offering a lower cost of living than San Diego, potentially making UCEAP more affordable overall.
Comparing UCEAP and Third-Party Programs

When deciding between UCEAP and third-party programs, consider:

  • Financial Aid: UCEAP offers full aid, including UC-specific support, while third-party programs may have limited aid options.
  • Academic Credit: UCEAP provides UC credit that impacts your GPA, whereas third-party credits may require petitioning for major/minor use and do not affect your UC GPA.
For more detailed cost estimates, visit the UCEAP Program Search to explore specific programs and their associated costs.

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