Scholarships are generally given in recognition of outstanding academic achievement and potential. Most UCSC scholarships are also awarded on the basis of financial need although the Regents Scholarship is awarded based on academic merit alone. Most UCSC scholarships are awarded to students who have a current FAFSA on file.  We recommend that all students complete a FAFSA to ensure that they are considered for all financial assistance for which they may be eligible. Scholarships do not have to be repaid.

Regents Scholarship
Regents Scholarships are awarded to undergraduates at the University of California in recognition of outstanding academic achievement. Recipients who do not demonstrate financial need receive a renewable honorarium which is $6,000 in 2006-07. Regents Scholars who have financial need typically receive a stipend which covers their demonstrated in-state financial need and if these students are from out of the state, they can receive loans and work-study in addition to the scholarship to help cover the non-resident tuition portion of their budget. The Regents Scholarship is renewable for 4 years for freshman recipients and for 2 years for juniors. 

Campus Merit Scholarship
Campus Merit Scholarships are awarded to students in recognition of both academic achievement and demonstrated financial need. These scholarships pay up to $2,000 per year.

Restricted Scholarships
Various restricted scholarships are awarded from special funds donated to the campus by benefactors of the university. A variety of restricted scholarships are available which recognize special attributes such as county of residence, academic majors, special interests, and family background.

Karl S. Pister Leadership Opportunity Awards Program
The Karl S. Pister Leadership Opportunity Awards Program was established in 1993 by former chancellor Karl S. Pister to increase opportunities for talented community college students who want to transfer to UCSC. The scholarships recognize students who have overcome adverse socioeconomic circumstances, who have a demonstrated commitment to assisting and improving the lives of others, and who might not otherwise be able to attend UCSC for financial reasons. Candidates are nominated by the presidents of each of the 13 regional community colleges. The nominations are reviewed by the Leadership Opportunity Awards Screening Committee, and one student from each college will be selected to receive the $20,000 award ($10,000 awarded for two years). For more information, inquire at the financial aid office of one of the participating community colleges: Cabrillo College, Cañada College, College of San Mateo, De Anza College, Evergreen Valley College, Foothill College, Gavilan College, Hartnell College, Mission College, Monterey Peninsula College, San Jose City College, Skyline College and West Valley College.

Page and Eloise Smith Scholastic Society and Scholarship
UC Santa Cruz invites former foster youth, orphans, wards of the court, homeless, and runaway youth to join the Page and Eloise Smith Scholastic Society. The Smith Society is a special program to help them achieve their dream of a college education. The Smith Society along with the UCSC Renaissance Scholars Program offers you a wide array of student support services, a close and caring community to belong to, and various opportunities to become involved.

• individualized academic and financial aid advising
• $1,000 Page and Eloise Smith Scholarship
• priority enrollment in courses
• orientation and academic skills workshops
• option of a personal mentor
• personal and life-skills training and support
• opportunities for leadership roles and training
• a close and caring community

For more information, check our website at: http://www.smithsociety.ucsc.edu/ or call Cheryl Perazzo at (831) 459-3480.