Program Purpose
Traditionally, financial aid awards are determined on an annual basis, making it difficult for students and families to plan for their college careers. The UC Merced Fiat Lux Scholars Program provides predictable financial resources for students so they can thrive academically and become active participants of a world-class research institution like UC Merced.
The Fiat Lux Scholars Program was established to recognize talented and deserving students. This special honor guarantees a minimum of $100,000 in grants and scholarships over four continuous years at UC Merced. That is a guaranteed minimum of $25,000* in free money per academic year. You will not see a “Fiat Lux Scholarship” on your award offer. All sources of gift aid count toward this guarantee, including your Pell and Cal Grant, scholarshpis, fee waivers, and VA benefits. Every year when your financial aid eligibility is evaluated, you will automatically receive additional Bobcat Grant funds if the total amount of your grants and scholarships is less than $25,000*.
*Contingent upon unmet need totalling at least $25,000. If unmet need equals less than $25,000, grant total will match unmet need.
Selection Process
- Be a California resident
- Minimum 3.00 High School GPA
- Complete the FAFSA by the priority deadline each year (March 2nd)
- Submit all required documentation requested by the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships by the established deadline each year (June 1st)
- Qualify for federal Pell Grant and state Cal Grant, as determined by your FAFSA
- Have sufficient financial need as determined by the UC Merced Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships
- Maintain active participation and eligibility in the Fiat Lux Program
In addition, test scores and GPA are taken into consideration using student’s Admission's Application.
Maintaining Eligiblity
Fiat Lux Scholars are responsible for meeting certain requirements throughout their undergraduate academic career in order to maintain eligibility for participation in the program. Students who fail to meet these requirements may lose eligibility for participation in the program. These requirements are as follows:
- Live in the Fiat Lux living-learning community during your first year
- File the FAFSA by March 2nd every year
- Meet the June 1st financial aid document deadline every year
- Maintain a 2.75 GPA
- Maintain a full-time course load of 12 units or more per semester
- Maintain Pell Grant and Cal Grant eligibility
- Meet all annual Fiat Lux Scholar requirements found here
Other Program Benefits
- On campus living-learning community
- Reserved on-campus housing during your first year
- Access to all Fiat Lux Program support services to enhance your development, growth, and academic success through individualized resources and advising
- Access to all Fiat Lux Program hosted events, workshops, and study sessions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will I receive a $25,000 scholarship on top of the financial aid I have already been offered?
A: No, your gift aid is guaranteed not to drop below $25,000 each year you participate in the program. All sources of gift aid count toward this guarantee, including your Pell and Cal Grant, scholarships, fee waivers, and VA benefits.
Q: Can I apply to be a Fiat Lux Scholar?
A: Fiat Lux Scholars must be invited to join. Thank you for your interest!
Q: If I opt out of the Fiat Lux Scholars Program, can I change my mind next year?
A: Fiat Lux Scholars must begin their participation in the program during their first year at UC Merced.
Q: I don't want to live on campus my first year at UC Merced. Can I still be a Fiat Lux Scholar?
A: No, Fiat Lux Scholars are required to live on campus during their first year at UC Merced.
