The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is the top public school in the nation, known for its academic excellence and accessibility. As of Fall 2023, about 64% of first-year students at UCLA received financial aid. UCLA offers a range of scholarships, which make it easier for students from all walks of life to get a world-class education without worrying too much about tuition.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the different UCLA scholarships available, walk you through the application process, and answer some of the questions you probably have, like when to apply. We’ll also talk about how competitive these scholarships can get and give you some tips to help boost your chances of landing that financial aid.
- Types of UCLA Scholarships
- How Do UCLA Scholarships Work?
- How to Apply for UCLA Scholarships
- Do You Apply for UCLA Scholarships Before or After Acceptance?
- How Many People Apply to UCLA?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Takeaways
Types of UCLA Scholarships
When it comes to covering the cost of college, UCLA helps make things a little easier. They offer merit, need-based, and special scholarships. Let’s break down the different types of UCLA scholarships available so you can see what might work for you.
Merit scholarships
Merit-based scholarships at UCLA are given to students who shine academically, demonstrate leadership, or have unique talents. These scholarships aren’t based on financial need but instead reward students for their achievements.
- One of the most prestigious options is the Regents Scholarship. It comes with a $2,000 annual honorarium, priority enrollment, guaranteed housing, and faculty mentorship. Each year, about 75 new students receive this award, and to keep it, you’ll need to maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Other merit scholarships include the UCLA Alumni Scholarships. Their benefits range from $6,000 to $20,000 over four years for freshmen or two years for transfers. These are aimed at students who have shown leadership and a passion for creating positive change in their communities.
Need-based scholarships
If your financial situation is holding you back, UCLA has a range of need-based scholarships to help cover costs. These scholarships are designed to make sure that financial barriers don’t get in the way of your academic success.
- One standout program is the Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan. It ensures that tuition and fees are fully covered for California residents whose families make less than $80,000 a year.
- UCLA also offers University Grants. They vary based on your level of financial need and are awarded after you complete the financial aid process.
To qualify, you’ll need to submit the FAFSA or the California Dream Act application by the March 2 deadline each year.
Special scholarships
UCLA has some scholarships geared toward specific groups of students. These special scholarships ensure that UCLA continues to foster diversity and inclusion across its campus by providing extra support to students who might face unique challenges.
- For example, the Chancellor’s Blue and Gold Scholarship offers up to $5,000 a year to students from underrepresented LA County high schools.
- There’s also the John Ringlbauer UCLA Veterans Scholarship for veterans and the Los Angeles Chapter of the Links Scholarship for African American students with financial need.
- There are scholarships for students in particular fields of study or based on specific demographics, such as the Heather L. Kase Endowed Scholarship for Jewish students or the Mingori Climate Science Scholarship for students researching climate change.
How Do UCLA Scholarships Work?
UCLA scholarships can be a huge help when it comes to covering your college costs, but it’s key to know what they actually cover and how they stack up against other types of financial aid. Let’s break down the essentials, so you’re clear on what to expect from UCLA scholarships and how they differ from grants and loans.
What UCLA scholarships cover
UCLA scholarships can help with a range of college expenses. They often cover tuition and fees, which for California residents run about $13,225 per year. If you’re an out-of-state student, that number jumps to over $63,000 when you factor in room, board, books, and other costs. Some UCLA scholarships even help with housing, which is around $15,816 a year for students living on campus.
In addition to tuition and room and board, some scholarships also help with smaller but still significant costs like books, supplies, and personal expenses—typically adding up to $1,500 to $2,000 per year. For example, the Regents Scholarship not only covers part of these expenses but also gives you perks like priority enrollment and access to faculty mentors.
Scholarships vs. grants vs. loans
While scholarships, grants, and loans all help with paying for school, they’re not exactly the same. Scholarships don’t need to be repaid, and they’re often based on merit (like academic performance) or financial need. They can come from the university itself or private donors and usually cover at least part of your overall college costs.
Grants are similar to scholarships in that you don’t have to pay them back, but they’re mostly need-based. They often come from government programs like the Pell Grant or California’s Cal Grant.
Loans, however, are a different story. You have to pay loans back, plus interest. Federal loans typically have lower interest rates and better repayment options than private loans, which is why they’re a more popular choice for students who need extra financial aid.
How to Apply for UCLA Scholarships
Applying for UCLA scholarships can feel a bit overwhelming, but if you stay organized and keep track of deadlines, you’ll be in great shape. With a variety of scholarships available—covering everything from merit to financial need—it’s important to be thorough as you navigate the process.
Steps to apply for UCLA scholarships
Applying for UCLA scholarships is part of the school’s general admissions process. To get started, you’ll need to complete the UC Scholarship Application through UCLA’s application portal. This form helps the university match you with scholarships you’re eligible for.
Once admitted, you’ll gain access to the UCLA Scholarship Portal, where both need-based and merit-based scholarships are listed. Even after you’re enrolled, you can use this portal to apply for additional scholarships or renew existing ones.
Some scholarships might ask for extra documents, like essays or recommendation letters. For instance, the Regents Scholarship requires a personal statement, where you’ll outline your academic goals and leadership experiences. Be sure to check each scholarship’s specific requirements to make sure your application stands out.
Key deadlines and timelines
You don’t want to miss out on potential aid. March 2 is the big one—this is the priority deadline for most scholarships, especially need-based ones like the Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan. You’ll need to submit your FAFSA or California Dream Act application by then to be eligible.
For merit-based awards like Alumni Scholarships or Regents Scholarships, the deadlines can vary. It’s smart to regularly check the UCLA Scholarship Portal for updates, as these deadlines often fall in early spring.
Documents required
When applying for UCLA scholarships, you’ll need to gather a few key documents. Most scholarships ask for your transcripts, financial forms like the FAFSA, and sometimes letters of recommendation. For need-based scholarships, getting that FAFSA or California Dream Act application in on time is essential to determine your financial need.
For merit-based scholarships, you might also be asked to submit essays that highlight your achievements and explain why you’re a great fit. Keep everything organized and double-check that your materials meet the submission requirements to avoid any last-minute stress.
Do You Apply for UCLA Scholarships Before or After Acceptance?
You can—and should—start applying for UCLA scholarships before you even know if you’ve been accepted.
As part of the UCLA admission process, you’re encouraged to fill out the UC Scholarship Application. This form helps connect you with both merit-based and need-based scholarships. For example, if you’re going for the Regents Scholarship or the Alumni Scholarships, you’ll be considered for those as soon as your admissions decision rolls in.
To give yourself the best shot at receiving a scholarship, make sure you apply early and submit everything thoroughly. This means not only completing the scholarship application but also submitting your FAFSA or California Dream Act Application by the priority deadline (March 2). Getting all your paperwork in on time ensures that you’re in the running for the major scholarship opportunities UCLA offers.
Post-acceptance scholarships
Even after you’ve been accepted to UCLA, there are still plenty of scholarships available. Once you’re enrolled, you’ll get access to the UCLA Scholarship Portal, where you can apply for more need-based or merit-based awards. Some of these are specifically for current students, like departmental scholarships, or those focused on research, community service, or specific fields of study.
Additionally, there are donor-funded scholarships and other program-specific awards you can apply for after being admitted. These post-acceptance options are a great way to keep cutting down your college costs as you work through your degree at UCLA.
How Many People Apply to UCLA?
UCLA is one of the most popular universities in the country, attracting a huge number of applications each year. For the Fall 2023 admissions cycle, UCLA saw over 145,904 first-year applications, but only admitted 12,779 students. This puts the acceptance rate at a tough 8.8%.
Once you’re in, though, there’s a decent chance you could get some financial help. About 64% of first-year students receive some type of financial aid, which includes scholarships. The university also prides itself on diversity—45% of its applicants come from low-income families, and 41% are first-generation college students.
Competition for UCLA scholarships
Just like getting into UCLA, landing a UCLA scholarship is highly competitive. With thousands of high-achieving applicants, only a select few manage to secure significant awards.
Take the Regents Scholarship, for example. It’s one of the most prestigious merit-based awards at UCLA, but only around 75 students snag it each year. On the other hand, need-based programs like the Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan are more accessible and cover tuition for California residents with family incomes under $80,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What types of scholarships does UCLA offer?
UCLA has a variety of scholarships to fit different needs. These include merit-based, need-based, and special scholarships.
2. Does UCLA offer full-ride scholarships?
While UCLA offers some big scholarships, full-ride scholarships are pretty rare. The Regents Scholarship, for instance, covers a good chunk of your expenses, including tuition and perks like housing and mentorship, but it’s not a full ride. To cover all your costs, you might need a combination of merit-based awards and need-based aid.
3. How competitive are UCLA scholarships?
UCLA scholarships are tough to get, especially the merit-based ones. The Regents Scholarship, for example, is awarded to only 75 new students each year. Need-based scholarships are also competitive but are handed out to a larger number of students based on their financial situation. To improve your odds, it’s best to apply early and submit a strong, well-rounded application.
4. Can international students apply for UCLA scholarships?
Yes, international students can apply for some UCLA scholarships, but the options are a bit more limited compared to those available for U.S. citizens or permanent residents. International students can still qualify for private or donor-funded scholarships, and many opportunities are listed on the UCLA Scholarship Portal. That said, scholarships funded by the federal or state government usually aren’t open to international students.
5. When is the deadline for UCLA scholarships?
The deadline for most UCLA scholarships is typically March 2. This date coincides with the submission of the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application for the following academic year. Some scholarships may have different deadlines, so be sure to check the UCLA Scholarship Portal often for any updates.
Takeaways
When applying for UCLA scholarships, remember the following:
- UCLA has a variety of scholarships to help cover costs, ranging from merit-based awards like the Regents Scholarship to need-based programs like the Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan. There are also special scholarships tailored to specific groups, such as veterans or first-generation students.
- The scholarship application at UCLA is part of the general admissions process. To be considered for need-based scholarships, you’ll also need to submit the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application by the March 2 deadline.
- Certain UCLA scholarships, like the Regents and Alumni Scholarships, can be applied for before you’re officially accepted. After getting in, you can explore more opportunities through the UCLA Scholarship Portal.
- Scholarships at UCLA are competitive, especially for merit-based ones. Need-based scholarships are more accessible if you can demonstrate financial need, particularly for California residents.
- If you’re looking for personalized guidance on applying for UCLA scholarships and boosting your chances, it might be worth consulting a college admissions expert. They can help you ensure everything is prepared to give you the best shot at securing those scholarships.
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