Step 1: File the FAFSA

UC Riverside School of Medicine students interested in receiving financial assistance should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Each year, students must reapply for aid by completing a new FAFSA. Prior FAFSA filers will have a Personal Identification Number (PIN) assigned by the U.S. Department of Education. Use the PIN to complete your FAFSA online.

Students may apply for financial aid at any time during an academic year. However, to meet the priority-filing deadline and be considered for the best available funding, the FAFSA must be filed on or after January 1 and received by the federal processor by March 2. Be sure to list UC Riverside (school code 001316) on the Information Release section of the FAFSA.

Step 2: Review your Student Aid Report

About three to four weeks after submitting the FAFSA, your Student Aid Report (SAR) will be generated by the federal processor (either electronically or by mail, depending on your application method). Review the SAR carefully to ensure all information is accurate and UC Riverside is included in the Information Release section. If UC Riverside is not listed, we will not receive your application information. Follow the SAR instructions for submitting changes or additions. If the data you reported is incorrect and/or has failed any of the database matches, you must follow the instructions to correct or resolve any problems. The most common problems with database matches are related to citizenship, legal name, and/or date of birth.

Step 3: Promptly Submit Additional Documentation

After submitting the FAFSA, additional documents may be required. Typical documents needed may include copies of your federal income tax returns, verification forms, and a copy of your Social Security card and/or citizenship documentation. You may receive an email message or Notice of Missing Information letter from our office asking for some of these items. Promptly return the requested documents, as the awarding of your financial aid may be delayed if items are not received in a timely manner.

Step 4: Award Notification via MyAwards

After your completed financial aid application has been reviewed; your award package will be available at https://rweb.ucr.edu/. This will include your estimated cost of attendance (i.e., student expense budget), your financial aid eligibility, and any remaining outstanding requirements (e.g., entrance loan counseling). Promissory notes and other loan documents can then be completed.

For Undocumented Students

• Fill out the California Dream Act Application between January 1 and March 2. You must fill this out every year!
• List UC Riverside on the California Dream Act Application. Our school code is 00136.

For Veterans

There are a variety of benefits, scholarships and grants that can help veterans attend UC Riverside with little or no money out of pocket. Please visit the UCR Veterans' website for more information.