Enrollment Services departments are open for in-person and virtual services. Please check the Enrollment Services Update page for hours, service offerings, and contact methods.

Frequently Asked Questions
Federal School Code: 001316
Find the Answer
We’ve anticipated many of your questions and tried to answer them. If you are unable to find the answer here, don’t hesitate to contact us.
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Where do we send scholarship checks?
You will need to send your scholarship checks to the UCR Student Business Services office at:
UCR Main Cashiers Office 900 University Avenue Student Services Bldg, Rm 1111 Riverside, CA 92521
You may drop off payments and scholarship checks using the Cashier's Drop Box located on the east side of the Student Services Building.
Ensure that the scholarship check has the Student Identification number (SID) located on the check, the students name, and made payable to REGENTS UC.
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How do I accept my Financial Aid in R'Web?
- Visit rweb.ucr.edu
- Log in to your R'Web account.
- Click on the Financial Aid icon in your Authorized Applications window.
- Select the Award link.
- Choose 2017–2018 Award Year from the drop-down menu.
- Select the Accept Award Offer tab.
- Accept the financial aid award, decline it or accept a partial amount.
- Select the Award Overview tab to review your financial aid package and the status of each award.
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How do I find out if I still have incomplete financial aid requirements?
- Visit rweb.ucr.edu.
- Log in to your R'Web account.
- Click on the Financial Aid icon in your Authorized Applications window.
- Click on “Requirements and Eligibility” to view the requirements you need to complete.
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How do I request a Financial Aid appeal?
- Visit rweb.ucr.edu.
- Log in to your R'Web account.
- Click on the Financial Aid icon in your Authorized Applications window.
- Select the Award link.
- Select the Resources/Additional Information tab.
- Choose the appropriate type of appeal from the drop-down menu and submit your request. Your advisor will follow up by email with the appropriate financial aid forms to process your request.
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Do I have to apply for financial aid every year?
Yes. Your eligibility for financial aid is based on data from the prior calendar year – information that may change from year to year. Be sure to submit the correct year FAFSA, Renewal FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application for the academic year that you plan to enroll, and by the annual priority deadline of March 2. (Applications can be submitted after March 2.)
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How can I check to see whether my FAFSA has been processed?
If you submit online, you can check the status of your FAFSA immediately.
You can check the status of a paper FAFSA after it has been processed (roughly 7–10 days from the date mailed) by logging in to fafsa.gov or by contacting the Federal Student Aid Information Center.
If your FAFSA is still being processed, we recommend that you wait a few days before checking the status again.
- My taxes are filed: How do I use IRS Data Retrieval to update the tax estimate I used to complete my FAFSA?
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How do I apply for scholarships? now that my taxes are filed?
If you’re a new student, you apply for scholarships on the UC Application for Undergraduate Admission and Scholarships. Scholarship awards may be based on your academic achievement and/or financial need. UCR scholarship notifications will be included in financial aid offers.
If you are a continuing student, you are encouraged to check for scholarship opportunities sent to UCR from outside agencies throughout the year. Scholarships are available through various corporations, civic organizations, and clubs, as well as from some parents' employers.Below are just a few resources for online scholarship searches.
- finaid.org
- fastweb.com
- scholarships.ucr.edu
- studentaid.ed.gov/sa/
- careerinfonet.org/scholarshipsearch
Learn more about scholarships.
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How can I get Work-Study?
Connect with the Career Center to learn more about Work-Study and how to apply for it.
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I don't want to borrow loans. How do I get grant money?
Most grant funds are targeted to the highest need students from the lowest income families. For example, Federal Pell Grants are available to undergraduate students who meet Federal Expected Family Contributions limits. University grant funds are offered to undergraduate students who apply on time, based on family income and financial need. If you do not qualify for grant funding, fixed rate, low interest federal loans are a good way to finance your education and invest in your future.
Other options to reduce your need to borrow include:
- Work part-time in an on or off-campus position.
- Reduce your costs by carefully choosing your housing plans and transportation expenses. You can also control and reduce your food and personal expenses from the amounts allowed in the financial aid budgets.
- Look for outside scholarships to reduce your loan and work aid.
Learn more about grants.
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What is my Expected Family Contribution (EFC)?
The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) (which appears on your financial aid offer in R'web) is the amount that you and your parents are expected to contribute towards your education over the course of the academic year. Your EFC may include both a student contribution and a parent contribution.
Your EFC figure is not an actual amount that you and your parents have to pay to UCR, but is an approximation of how much you and your parents should reasonably be able to contribute toward all of your educational expenses, including your housing, food, and utility costs, as well as costs due to personal expenses and transportation that will not be on any UCR billing statement.
In general, when your financial aid does not cover your full quarterly/monthly billing “amount due,” this amount will come from your “Family Contribution”.
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Do I have to pay the Parent Contribution (PC) to the college?
Not necessarily. Quarterly fees, on-campus housing charges, and parking fees are paid directly to the college and will show up on your Growl student account. Your financial aid will first credit these charges, and then you are responsible for paying any of the expenses remaining. These expenses, and any other remaining educational costs, can be paid out of pocket or your parents may be eligible to borrow a parent PLUS loan to replace all or part of the PC.
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What if we need additional financial aid assistance?
You may be eligible to borrow a Parent PLUS Loan to replace all or a portion of the Expected Parent Contribution (PC) (and/or the Expected Student Contribution (SC). The maximum PLUS you may borrow is the UCR cost of attendance less other financial aid. To determine the maximum amount you may qualify to receive, subtract the Total Financial Aid shown on your financial aid award in R'web from the Total Cost of Attendance.
In addition, students may be able to replace a portion of the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) with an Unsubsidized Stafford Loan. If the student is not receiving the maximum Stafford Loan based on his or her grade level, he/she may borrow the remaining amount in an Unsubsidized Stafford Loan.
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Can I get an early estimate of my financial aid award at UCR?
Yes! Check out UCR's Net Price Calculator. Actual aid awards begin to appear on MyUCR on or after the date you’ve been admitted beginning in mid-March, and can also be viewed at UCR’s student portal in R'Web.
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When will my financial aid funds be available to pay my fees?
Once you have accepted your financial aid, it will be applied to pay your registration fees automatically prior to the deadline to pay fees, as long as you have submitted any required documents, enrolled in courses, cleared all holds, and completed pre-loan counseling (new borrowers). You should accept your awards in R'web and submit your loan promissory notes at least two weeks prior to the date that fees are due in order to allow for processing in time to meet the fee payment deadline. For example, fall bills are usually available to view in R'web in mid-August and fall fees are usually due September 15.
Outside scholarships may be issued to you directly in a check, depending on the procedures of the donor. Scholarship checks made payable to UC Regents will be credited to your student account as soon as possible, either in full or 1/3 of the amount each quarter.
Federal Work-Study is paid on a monthly basis by a payroll check for hours worked the preceding month and will NOT appear as credits towards the student account or fee charges.
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What if I need aid to pay for costs other than fees?
You will receive the balance of any remaining financial aid in a “refund” of account overages. You will receive your financial aid refund in a direct deposit to your bank account via electronic funds transfer. Direct deposits are usually available to you on the first day of each quarter. Visit Student Business Services to get more info on Direct Deposit application deadlines.
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What types of aid are available at UCR?
There are two types of financial aid: gift-aid and self-help aid. Students may be awarded a financial aid package including a combination of these. Gift-aid includes grants and scholarships which do not have to be repaid or earned. Self-help aid includes loans, which must be repaid, and work-study funds, which must be earned.
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What is the difference between subsidized and unsubsidized loans?
"Subsidized" means the federal government pays the interest on a borrower's loan while the student is enrolled at least half-time and during grace periods and deferment periods. Students must demonstrate financial need to qualify for a subsidized loan.
“Unsubsidized” means the federal government does not pay interest on the loan while the student is in school, during the grace period, or while in deferment. Interest is charged on the loan from the date on which it is disbursed until it is paid in full. The interest may be paid on a monthly basis (recommended), or borrowers can allow the interest to accumulate. If you choose not to pay the interest while you are in school, your interest will accrue, (accumulate) and be capitalized (that is, your interest will be added to the principal of your loan). -
When are the financial aid application deadlines?
Financial Aid – Important Dates
March 2 (priority deadline)
Priority deadline to submit FAFSA or California Dream Act application (Applications can still be submitted after March 2.) April 15
Financial Aid Requirements Deadline for continuing students May 1
Deadline to complete Request for Summer Aid application May 22
Target Date to Release Summer Financial Aid awards June 1
Financial Aid Requirements Deadline for new students June 1
CalVet Fee Waiver Deadline for Summer August 1
CalVet Fee Waiver Deadline for Fall
HEERF Funding Questions and Answers
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What is the HEERF funding?
On December 27, 2020, the President signed the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA) (P.L. 116-260). This new law gives the U.S. Department of Education (Department) approximately $22.7 billion to distribute to institutions of higher education in order to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus through the HEERF. This law has some similarities—as well as important differences—from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) (P.L. 116–136) that was enacted on March 27, 2020.
The CARES Act required that 50 percent of an institution’s allocation under section 18004(a)(1) be used for financial aid grants to students, which was represented by the institution’s CARES Act Student Aid Portion award. The CRRSAA requires that an institution receiving funding under section 314(a)(1) provide the “same amount” in financial aid grants to students from the new CRRSAA funds that it was required or which it would have been required to provide under its original CARES Act Student Aid Portion award.
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Who can qualify for HEERF funding?
While HEERF-student share dollars are not Title IV aid, the Department of Education requires that students must meet Title IV eligibility requirements in order to receive a HEERF emergency grant. If a student has filed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), then the student has demonstrated eligibility to participate in programs. The criteria to participate in programs include but are not limited to the following: U.S. citizenship or eligible noncitizen; a valid Social Security number; registration with Selective Service (if the student is male); and a high school diploma, GED, or completion of high school in an approved homeschool setting.
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Are AB540 or students in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program eligible to receive HEERF Act grants?
Although DACA students are not eligible for this Federal funding, the UC system and UC Riverside are committed to the support of our entire community. UCR plans to use institutional funding to provide an equal UC grant to our eligible enrolled Dreamers.
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What kinds of expenses should the HEERF payment be used to cover?
Financial aid grants for students may be used for any component of the student’s cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health care) or child care.
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How do I apply?
If you have not already done so, you may apply by filing a 2020-2021 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to demonstrate your eligibility to participate in programs under Section 484 of the HEA. Eligible graduate students at UCR may complete an affidavit, in lieu of a FAFSA, by following the instructions emailed to their account.
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Does the HEERF money need to be repaid?
No, money received through this fund does not need to be repaid.
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Would this funding reduce my current financial aid awards?
No, this fund will not reduce or replace financial aid.
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Does a change in income qualify a student for HEERF funding?
No, student share dollars are to aid students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus; this is different than a change in a student's financial need due to COVID-19, which could be a result of a loss of income rather than new expenses.
If your FAFSA or Dream Act application does not capture a financial difficulty that you are currently facing, you may request a PJ/EFC Change of Income Appeal provided there has been a significant change in your financial situation, which began on, or after January 1, 2019. Please reach out to your financial aid counselor to discuss your situation.
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What additional resources are available at UC Riverside if I need access to food or housing?
You can apply for additional assistance through Basic Needs to get the support you need to survive and thrive at this difficult time.
FAQ for Financial Aid and Coronavirus (COVID-19)
UCR is enacting new policies and practices based on the concept of social distancing. The goal is to decrease the number of situations that require community members to gather in large groups and to minimize the time spent in close proximity with others. We understand that your financial aid funding remains critically important at this time and we appreciate your patience and cooperation as we all work together to proactively take steps to protect our community.
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Will the Financial Aid Office remain open?
Yes. Our office is committed to supporting you during this time of uncertainty. We will continue to serve students by phone, email, and livechat. You can call at 951-827-3878 Monday-Friday from 9AM-4PM. You can email us at finaid@ucr.edu. We are currently responding to emails within 4-6 business days. Please be sure to have included your Student ID Number (SID) in your e-mail. It is a number that is nine digits long and usually starts with 86.
You can also connect live with a Financial Aid representative via Scottybot between Monday-Friday from 11AM-2PM. Wait times may vary. If you need assistance outside of these hours, Scottybot can still answer general questions 24/7!
Visit our website or check our Instagram account at @ucrfinaid for more information on financial aid topics. Additionally, you can visit the Financial Wellness page for tips on managing your money! Follow us on Instagram @ucrfinwell to learn about credit, budgeting, and other money tips.
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If a student has sent an email, when should they expect to receive a response from the Financial Aid Office?
Students should allow for about 5 - 10 business days for a response. Please be sure to include your Student ID Number in your email.
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As a student, how can I apply for HEERF funding?
We understand that you may have questions related to the HEERF funding that has been sent to our University. For general questions about your eligibility for HEERF funds, please review our Frequently Asked Questions page. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
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Will a student’s accepted financial aid be disbursed to their student account on schedule?
Yes, the Financial Aid Office and Student Business Services (SBS) will be partnering to process student’s financial aid disbursements as usual.
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Is there still time to sign up for direct deposit before the Spring 2020 financial aid disburses?
Yes, students are encouraged to sign up immediately for a secure and quick way to receive their funds. Instructions can be found here.
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If a student chooses to move off campus or change their living arrangements, does the student need to notify the financial aid office?
If a student chooses to move off campus or change their living arrangements, does the student need to notify the financial aid office?
Yes, the student must submit a revision request in R’Web and update your housing plans so that we can adjust your financial aid award accordingly.
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If a student needs to purchase a new computer in order to complete courses online, can they request additional loan funds through the Financial Aid Office?
Students are encouraged to reach out to the Financial Aid Office to receive individualized counseling on how their financial aid award might be adjusted to accommodate a new computer purchase using loan funding.
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Will the temporary shift to online courses change the minimum number of credits required to receive financial aid?
No, unit requirements remain the same, regardless of the method used to deliver curriculum to our students.
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What if a student can't take 12 or more units and will be a part-time student? Can the student still receive financial aid for the term?
Part-time students are eligible for some financial aid funds, although the award amounts may vary based on the number of units the student is taking in the term. To learn more, please review types of aid and eligibility requirements on our website.
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If a Federal Work Study eligible student is currently working for a UCR off-site school employer and their job is temporarily suspended, can the student look for another on campus job to continue earning their Federal Work Study award?
Yes, we encourage any student who learns that their position has been suspended or ended in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, to reach out to our office to receive individualized guidance.
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If a student was enrolled or was supposed to begin a travel-abroad experience and either the student has been called back to the U.S. or was never able to begin the travel abroad experience, what will happen to their financial aid eligibility?
UCR students should reach out to our office to speak to the Study Abroad Coordinator for individualized counseling. Our goal is to accommodate our students and to help them continue their education despite interruptions caused by COVID-19.
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If a student withdraws during term, due to a disruption from COVID-19, does UCR still have to follow the normal Return of Title IV Aid process?
Yes, the an institution must return any Title IV funds for which it is responsible in accordance with the provisions of 34 CFR § 668.22 when a student withdraws. Currently, we do not have the authority to waive the statutory requirement for the return of unearned Title IV funds in the case where a student (who receives Title IV assistance) withdraws from an institution during a payment period or period of enrollment after having begun attendance. To learn more, please review the guide posted on our website.
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Will students receive their 2020-2021 Financial Aid Award Notification according to the published schedule for 2020-2021?
Yes, our office will send 2020-2021 Financial Aid Award Notifications out as scheduled.
- Newly admitted students will begin receiving their preliminary financial aid offers beginning April 3, 2020.
- Current students returning in the Summer 2020 term who applied by the March 2, 2020 deadline and submitted any requested documentation by April 15, 2020 will begin receiving their Financial Aid Award Notification before June 1st.
- Current students returning in the Fall 2020 term who applied by the March 2, 2020 deadline and submitted any requested documentation by April 15, 2020 will begin receiving their Financial Aid Award Notification before July 1st.
NOTE: Prompt attention to requests for additional information will avoid delays in the processing of your financial aid. Students that have applied on time and submitted all required documentation by June 1st will be processed in time for financial aid to be credited to their UCR bills.
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Is a student still required to submit additional verification forms in addition to my financial aid application this year? Do I still need to submit the forms?
Yes, UCR is still required to collect the documentation we requested in order to process your financial aid offer. No application verification requirements have been changed due to the COVID-19.
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What if a student is not able to meet the document deadline due to quarantine or illness?
Our office will be happy to extend a student’s document deadline. Just email our office at financialaid@ucr.edu to request an extension.
- If a student didn’t complete a financial aid application because in the past years they did not qualify for any free grants, but there is a change in their family income due to coronavirus, can the submit a late application to be considered for 2020-2021?
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If a student and/or their family experience a significant reduction in income, is it possible for the student to file a Professional Judgement Appeal to recalculate the Expected Family Contribution for the 2020-2021 financial aid award year?
If a student and/or their family experience a significant reduction in income, such as in the case where an employer closes for a period of time as a result of COVID-19, the student should contact the Financial Aid office to speak to a counselor.
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If the Financial Aid staff agrees that a student will qualify for a Professional Judgement Appeal, what will be required to complete the appeal?
In making a professional judgement determination, a Financial Aid Counselor must obtain documentation to support the reduction in income and retain it in each student’s file. This documentation must substantiate the reason for any adjustment. Each student appeal will be reviewed on an individual basis, and the type of documentation required will be determined after the appeal has been carefully evaluated.
- If a student does not meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards due to circumstances related to an outbreak of COVID-19, will the Financial Aid Office allow the student to appeal with appropriate documentation?