Is UC Berkeley need-blind for admissions?
I’ve been looking into applying to UC Berkeley next year and I’m a little confused about their financial aid policies. Specifically, I keep reading about some schools being 'need-blind' or 'need-aware' and I’m not totally sure which category Berkeley falls into, at least for in-state or out-of-state students.
I know some universities say that your ability to pay doesn’t affect your admissions chances, but is that actually how it works at Cal? For instance, if I need a lot of financial aid, will that count against me somehow when they make their admissions decision?
I’d appreciate any clarifications from people who’ve been through the process or who know about this policy. I’m just trying to figure out the best way to decide where to apply since I come from a family with a pretty modest income. If anyone knows where I can find official info about this too, please let me know.
I know some universities say that your ability to pay doesn’t affect your admissions chances, but is that actually how it works at Cal? For instance, if I need a lot of financial aid, will that count against me somehow when they make their admissions decision?
I’d appreciate any clarifications from people who’ve been through the process or who know about this policy. I’m just trying to figure out the best way to decide where to apply since I come from a family with a pretty modest income. If anyone knows where I can find official info about this too, please let me know.
3 weeks ago
•
58 views
Kathy Jayanth
• 3 weeks ago
Advisor
UC Berkeley’s admissions process is not need-blind for everyone, but here’s how it works:
For U.S. citizens and permanent residents (both in-state and out-of-state), Berkeley is need-blind. That means your family’s financial situation and your request for financial aid do not affect the admissions decision. Admissions readers do not see your financial information—it only comes into play after you’ve been admitted, when you file the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application for aid.
For international applicants, Berkeley is need-aware, so financial need can factor into the decision.
Once admitted, Berkeley has a number of financial aid programs to make education more affordable. For example, the Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan covers tuition for California residents with family incomes under $80,000.
From my own experience, the amount of aid you receive can change a lot from year to year. My first year, I barely got any aid—maybe around $1,000—and because I lived in the dorms, my costs were very high. But when my brother also started college, my FAFSA reflected that change, and my aid increased significantly. Later, when I moved into the co-op, my housing costs were cut in half. By my last two years, I got serious about applying for scholarships, and that made the biggest difference. I spent weeks of winter breaks applying, and I ended up earning about $26,000 in scholarships, which allowed me to be completely financially independent from my family.
So while the admissions process itself is need-blind for domestic students, your financial planning really begins after admission. Filling out the FAFSA and actively applying for scholarships can have a huge impact on your bottom line, sometimes more than you expect.
For the official policies, you can check:
Berkeley Financial Aid & Scholarships Office
Berkeley Admissions FAQ
In summary: If you’re a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you don’t need to worry that asking for aid will hurt your admission chances. Once admitted, though, it’s worth being proactive with FAFSA and scholarships—something I learned firsthand.
For U.S. citizens and permanent residents (both in-state and out-of-state), Berkeley is need-blind. That means your family’s financial situation and your request for financial aid do not affect the admissions decision. Admissions readers do not see your financial information—it only comes into play after you’ve been admitted, when you file the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application for aid.
For international applicants, Berkeley is need-aware, so financial need can factor into the decision.
Once admitted, Berkeley has a number of financial aid programs to make education more affordable. For example, the Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan covers tuition for California residents with family incomes under $80,000.
From my own experience, the amount of aid you receive can change a lot from year to year. My first year, I barely got any aid—maybe around $1,000—and because I lived in the dorms, my costs were very high. But when my brother also started college, my FAFSA reflected that change, and my aid increased significantly. Later, when I moved into the co-op, my housing costs were cut in half. By my last two years, I got serious about applying for scholarships, and that made the biggest difference. I spent weeks of winter breaks applying, and I ended up earning about $26,000 in scholarships, which allowed me to be completely financially independent from my family.
So while the admissions process itself is need-blind for domestic students, your financial planning really begins after admission. Filling out the FAFSA and actively applying for scholarships can have a huge impact on your bottom line, sometimes more than you expect.
For the official policies, you can check:
Berkeley Financial Aid & Scholarships Office
Berkeley Admissions FAQ
In summary: If you’re a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you don’t need to worry that asking for aid will hurt your admission chances. Once admitted, though, it’s worth being proactive with FAFSA and scholarships—something I learned firsthand.
Kathy Jayanth
Berkeley, CA
UC Berkeley | Economics & Slavic Studies
Experience
5 years