Fafsa and UC Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan

Paying for College
1

Hi there everyone! Recently I was accepted to UCSC and I am trying to figure out a rough estimate of how much I would have to pay for attending each year. I applied for FAFSA and I qualify for the Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan. If I am correct the Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan only covers tuition. If so, can my FAFSA grants be used for the expenses other than tuition, such as room and board? Thanks a ton!

2

Yes, absolutely! Any federal grants or loans you qualify for can be used to pay for room and board.

3

Thanks so much!

4

Blue and gold is not a grant. It’s a promise.

5

FAFSA is a form to fill out for federal aid. What is your FAFSA EFC? You may not be eligible for Pell Grant, that would leave you eligible for student loan only. Did you run the Net Price Calculator? In any case you should have your financial letter soon.

6

what is your efc

7

I just ran the Net Price Calculator, so I know a rough estimate now. Thanks!

8

Guys I have a question.

I got into UCSB and I qualify for Blue and Gold.

My Cal Grant estimate is $12,000
Pell grant $4,000
UCSB grant $3,000
the total comes out to about $19,000 in aid

Since Blue and Gold covers tuition, do I get to keep the $19,000 for apartment rent expenses and book fees and stuff?

9

^ I thought this cal grant for 12,000 was blue and gold

10

Blue and Gold doesn’t “cover” anything - it’s just a guarantee that your tuition and fees will be covered by some type of grant. The grants you were awarded cover your tuition and fees, so the Blue and Gold “promise” has been satisfied. You’re not getting anything else. Whatever is left after you’ve paid tuition can be used for room & board. You can also get a federal student loan to help with those expenses.

11

Understood, looks like I’ll be paying about $4-5k out of my own wallet then :S

12

@TonyStark93‌ that’s it? Mine is $11,000 out of my pocket.

13

@Tonystark93 usually it is best to start your own thread. If you are Pell Eligible I don’t see how Blue & Gold applies to you. Don’t you have loans and work study in your package too? Usually UC will show you a package that meets your need if your EFC is that low. That will usually include a loan and about 3k in student earning/contribution.