<p>This plan will cover only tuition fee right?!
So, UCI tuition fee for three quarters is: 14,000
So, if I apply for B&G plan, it will cover 14,000 dollars, then I will have to pay around 18,000 out of my pocket, with loan or work.</p>
<p>Now, my FA package for three quarters has : 22,000 of grants (EFC = 0)
Then I will have to pay only 31,600 - 22,000 = 9,600 dollars out of my pocket!</p>
<p>The Blue and Gold plan isn’t something you apply for, it’s a plan that is reflected in your financial aid package if your income falls within a certain window. So if your income is between whatever that window is (I’ve forgotten), your UC’s financial aid offer will have to cover tuition. Since your EFC is 0, you qualify for more than just the B&G plan, and therefore your financial aid package covers more.</p>
<p>That income bracket is 50,000.
Ok, I thought Blue and Gold plan is something far better than just financial aid…but based on what you said, it is only good for those whose parents make less than 50,000, but have an EFC>0. But for those who have EFC = 0, it’s not really helpful!!</p>
<p>Blue and Gold Opportunity is merely a promise that financial aid will be at least a certain amount under certain student financial circumstances. However, it appears to be just a marketing name for existing financial aid policy which offers that much or more anyway to such students (try the net price calculators).</p>
<p>FAFSA EFC = $0 will typically result in net price of $8,500 to $10,000 (federal direct loan plus work or work study earnings expectation) at UCs for California residents (try the net price calculators).</p>
<p>Exactly guys…everybody who knows me, was like: “oh you should apply for B&G” etc etc.
I tried to figure out why, and that it wouldn’t make sense for a guy with my situation. Anyhow, now I’m SURE I’m better off without it! Thanks.</p>
<p>@bolandgoo - Blue and Gold covers your tuition if your income bracket is less than 80k per year, not 50k.</p>
<p>It’s automatically done when you submit your FAFSA.</p>
<p>@Dagoberto - From the UC site,
"What’s covered</p>
<p>If you are eligible, your systemwide tuition and fees will be fully covered by scholarship or grant money. The plan combines all sources of scholarship and grant awards you receive (federal, state, UC and private) to go toward covering your tuition and fees.</p>
<p>Students with greater financial need can qualify for even more grant support to help defray other educational expenses (like books, housing, transportation, etc.).</p>
<p>You don’t need to fill out a separate application to qualify for the Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan. You will receive the benefits of the Blue and Gold plan automatically if you qualify."</p>
<p>@bolandgo, you’re already under the Blue &Gold plan, so your financial aid reflects the B&G plan. You just get more aid with grants because your EFC is 0.</p>
<p>I see. I wonder why it says on my application profile that “It seems like you’re eligible for Blue and Gold and you can apply for it” if I’m already under the plan…anyway, thanks.</p>
<p>Blue and Gold only covers tuition and mandatory fees. If you qualify then there’s money available for housing, books, etc, but that’s not part of the Blue and Gild guarantee.</p>