Does UCSD give out merit-based full rides? If so, how many students get it each year?
I know about the Regents Scholarship (8k) and the Ellen and Roger Revelle Scholarship (10k) but was wondering if anyone had more information about the “Freshmen restricted scholarships” referred on https://students.ucsd.edu/finances/financial-aid/types/scholarships/freshmen/index.html.
No, they do not give full rides of any sort. Closest you will get is with an EFC of 0.
The UCs are funded by public monies from the state of California, so there is not a bunch of money around for merit based scholarships.
The scholarship restrictions are based on the descriptions listed on the site you posted.
They are self explanatory, most are need-based and URM. They also target local residents.
They will be extremely competitive and have minimal monies over 4 years.
Full rides consist of Calgrant-eligible students with supplemental private funding.
A large number of students at UCSD would qualify for merit aid, but the state wouldn’t be able to afford that.
When my son applied a few years ago, he was awarded the Jacobs Scholarship. I know as late as last year, there were people on CC asking about it so UCSD must still offer it. Here is some info:
“Each academic year, about ten incoming freshman to the Jacobs School of Engineering at UC San Diego are named “Jacobs Scholars.” Recipients are selected for their academic achievement, leadership potential and commitment to community service. The exceptional individuals receive a scholarship that includes full tuition and living expenses, invitations to cultural and other social events, and access to a network of current and former Jacobs Scholars.”
“The Jacobs Engineering Scholarship is awarded to the top 0.3% of the incoming freshmen engineering class at UCSD (about 50 students). Jacobs Scholars receive the Regent’s Scholarship and all the perks associated with it (priority registration for classes, automatic research in the first quarter, and graduate level borrowing privileges at all UCSD libraries). The scholarship is a full ride that covers tuition, housing, and all other miscellaneous fees. Jacobs Scholars can switch among all engineering majors at will (immune from the impaction rule). Jacobs Scholars must remain in engineering and maintain a 3.5 GPA. Jacobs Scholars are often given preference for research in labs, and the network of Jacobs Scholars provides opportunities for scholars to help each other with internships and job opportunities.”
IIRC, they offer it to about 50 students and around 10 enroll.
So yes, it really is a full ride for all four years, tuition, fees, room and board and even included parking based on merit. You must stay in engineering and also keep a 3.5 gpa. When my son was considering it, the gpa requirement said above a 3.5 so maybe that has changed. If you are awarded the Jacobs, you are also awarded the Regents so if by chance, you drop below the 3.5 gpa, but stay above the 3.0 required for Regents, UCSD will meet your full financial need as determined by FAFSA. You will still have your EFC but there won’t be any additional student contributions.
As for Regents, UCB, UCLA and UCSD meet full financial need as determined by FAFSA. If there is no financial need, the awards vary around $2K but the perks are substantial.