Yes, You Can Afford UC Merced
"My older brother and sister are still in college; I didn't want my family to worry about how they were going to afford my tuition on top of theirs. It's lifted a huge burden from my shoulders to know that I can afford to be here this semester and in semesters to come."
Ronald Magpantay, freshman, undeclared, Norwalk, Calif.
Financial concerns prevent many prospective students and their families from even considering a University of California education. However, the University of California Office of the President and UC Merced agree that if you're ready to attend a UC campus, money shouldn't stand in your way.
"Concern over expenses is the worst possible reason not to attend a UC. UC Merced has been able to offer competitive gift-aid packages to almost 75 percent of our enrolled students," said Kevin Browne, assistant vice chancellor for enrollment management. "If a student meets UC admission requirements, he or she deserves to be here, and we can help."
"I have a sister attending UC Santa Cruz, and my parents have lost their jobs because of the economy. Before I received the Regents Scholarship, my mom sat me down to explain that I wouldn't be able to go to a UC. They just couldn't afford it. It's been a godsend for us."
Christa Caneda, freshman, microbiology, Sacramento, Calif.
The UC's new Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan will cover your systemwide fees if you are a California resident whose family earns less than $60,000 a year and you qualify for financial aid. And this is just the starting point. As a Blue and Gold student, you may qualify for even more gift aid to help reduce the cost of attending if you have sufficient financial need.
But even your family is above that income threshold, you still stand a good chance of getting some type of financial assistance at UC Merced, which is committed to making a research-based college education within financial reach of qualified students.
This year alone, the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships has awarded $28,216,197 in grants and scholarships to 2,230 undergraduate students. These awards represent money that does not need to be repaid, and do not include fee waivers or work-study benefits.
The key to affording UC Merced is knowing your options. Our Web site and the University of California Web site are rich resources of information for you and your families.
