Because this program is a fully accredited graduate degree, all enrolled students are eligible to apply for federal student loans. The first step in obtaining a loan is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) (federal school code 001314). The FAFSA takes one to four weeks to process and you will then be sent a Student Aid Report (SAR). Once your application has been reviewed you will receive notification from the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships regarding any additional information that may be needed. You can check the status of your application here. Once your aid application is complete you will be notified of your loan eligibility and provided with the necessary loan documents.
Please check the UCI Financial Aid office website for FAFSA and financial aid deadlines.
To review scholarships available, please browse the UCI Financial Aid web site. We also encourage you to check with your employer for tuition reimbursement programs and with your union for tuition assistance or scholarships.
Federal Direct Student Loans
Federal Direct Student Loans are available to M.A.S. students (specific details on eligibility criteria available here). Loans are available up to the cost of attendance for the M.A.S. program. Students who demonstrate financial need may be eligible for up to $8,500 in subsidized loan proceeds with any remaining eligibility provided in unsubsidized loans. The Federal Direct Student Loan program has two types of loans available:
Subsidized loans
Interest accrues on a borrower's loan while the borrower is in school, grace, or authorized periods of deferment, and is paid by the government.
Unsubsidized loans
The borrower is fully responsible for paying the interest that accrues on the loan. Interest on an unsubsidized loan accrues from the date of disbursement and continues throughout the life of the loan.
Student Scholarships
Your financial aid eligibility is determined by your cost of attendance and the expected student contribution. See the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships website for further information on how financial aid eligibility is determined and the current cost of attendance for the M.A.S. program.
Fellowships
Application fee fellowships are available to first year students who enroll in Fall 2025. For eligibility requirements and additional information, please contact Jessica Gutierrez at jygutier@uci.edu or 949-824-5462.