The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at UC Merced strives to support its diverse, talented and ambitious student body by cultivating scholarship opportunities to further individual growth and interests that meet the needs of our students. Through engagement with students, as well as collaboration with campus and community partners, we aim to ensure that a world-class education is an affordable reality.
Scholarships are gift funds that are often awarded based on financial need, merit, academic achievement, special talents, interest, or other criteria defined by the sponsoring organization or donor. Scholarship funds do not have to be repaid.
New Students
All incoming students are automatically considered for all UC Merced scholarships simply by submitting a FAFSA (citizen/eligible non-citizens) or CADAA (Dreamers) by March 2nd. New students must have at least a 3.25 GPA to be considered for most scholarships. The information provided on the UC Admissions Application along with the financial aid information will be used to determine eligibility.
Continuing Students
Students must submit a FAFSA (citizens/eligible non-citizens) or CADAA (Dreamers) by March 2ndAND update their scholarship information through ScholarshipUniverse (available online beginning Feb. 1 each year). students must have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA as of the end of the prior fall semester to submit the Continuing Student General Scholarship Application.
