Get answers to the most frequently asked questions by clicking on each question below. Need more answers? Visit our main FAQ page for more answers to common financial aid questions!
Applying and Awards
Why haven't I received a financial aid offer from UC Merced?
I've been informed that I'm eligible for the Blue & Gold Opportunity Plan. What does that mean?
I'm eligible for the Cal Grant but it's not listed in my financial aid offer. Why not?
The Verification Process
I've been selected for verification. How can I get started?
My parent(s) must submit their 2021 tax information. How can I obtain and submit this information?
I am required to submit an IRS Verification of Non-Filing Letter. How can I obtain and submit it?
Applying and Awards
Why haven't I received a financial aid offer from UC Merced?
You might need to add UC Merced’s school code to your 2023-2024 FAFSA/CA Dream Act Application (CADAA)
Go to studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa or dream.csac.ca.gov (respectively) and add our school code: 041271
Is the Social Security Number (SSN) listed on your admissions application/FAFSA/CADAA correct?
Log into your admissions application and/or your FAFSA or CADAA and determine the discrepancy and make the necessary correction(s).
How to check your admissions application:
If the SSN on your admissions application is incorrect, the Office of the Registrar will require a copy of your Social Security Card in order to update the information as appropriate. You can submit a copy through the Students First Center we will ensure that the Office of the Registrar receives it.
How to check your FAFSA:
If the SSN on your FAFSA is incorrect, you will need to complete a new 2022-2023 FAFSA with the correct SSN and submit your original confirmation number with the wrong SSN to our office in order to be eligible for the maximum amount of institutional aid you’re eligible for.
You might have outstanding requirements that prevent us from offering you aid at this time.
Log onto connect.ucmerced.edu and click on “My Checklist” and submit the requested documentation required to our office.
If you need an estimate of your financial aid while you are collecting the documentation, please contact the Students First Center by phone 209-228-7178 or by email.
Are you a part of the Count Me In, Too Program? If so, your financial aid offer will be available shortly after you are officially admitted to UC Merced.
Make sure you add our school code (041271) to your 2023-2024 FAFSA/CADAA
Make sure that your SSN is on your admissions application (if applicable) *refer back to the top of the page if you have an SSN discrepancy
I've been informed that I'm eligible for the Blue & Gold Opportunity Plan. What does that mean?
UC’s Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan is a minimum commitment to cover your systemwide fees if you’re a California resident whose family earns less than $80,000 per year and you qualify for financial aid. If you’re eligible for Blue and Gold, your financial aid package should already include awards that will cover the cost of systemwide fees. For more information, please visit financialaid.ucmerced.edu/blue-gold.
I'm eligible for the Cal Grant but it's not listed in my financial aid offer. Why not?
If you have been notified that you’re eligible for a Cal Grant by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) but the award is not listed in your UC Merced financial aid offer, please contact CSAC at csac.ca.gov. You may need to initiate a school change in order to let them know that you’ll be attending UC Merced. Please be aware that this grant will be factored into your overall financial aid package and may reduce other grant/scholarship aid you have been offered.
I think that I'm eligible for the California Middle Class Scholarship. How can I check my eligibility?
If your family’s income and household assets are under $217,000 per year, you qualify for this scholarship, and you don’t already qualify for the Blue & Gold Program, the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) and our office will let you know your actual scholarship amount via email sometime in July.
If the scholarship has not appeared on your award letter and you feel that you qualify for the program, please contact the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) for further assistance.
The Verification Process
I've been selected for verification. How can I get started?
Visit the My Financial Aid section of your UC Merced Connect portal for information about the information you’re required to submit, as well as access to submit your requirements through My Checklist.
All verification documents listed on My Checklist should be submitted by June 1st, 2023. Failure to adhere to this date could mean a reduction in your financial aid.
My parent(s) must submit their 2021 tax information. How can I obtain and submit this information?
You can submit your parent’s 2021 tax information in the following ways:
- Link their tax information to your FAFSA via the IRS Data Retrieval Tool
- Obtain and submit a 2021 IRS Tax Return Transcript
- Submit a signed copy of their 2021 tax return
Learn how to submit this documentation by visiting financialaid.ucmerced.edu/submit-tax
I am required to submit an IRS Verification of Non-Filing Letter. How can I obtain and submit it?
Only some Independent students and some parents of Dependent students are required to submit this letter. Please visit for financialaid.ucmerced.edu/submit-tax for more information about who should complete this requirement and how you can obtain and submit this information.
