How should I compare financial aid offers from UCLA and UC Santa Barbara?

Start with grants and scholarships that do not need to be repaid. Add institutional UC grants, Cal Grant if applicable, federal Pell Grant, outside scholarships, and any renewable merit awards, then subtract that total from the school’s direct charges: tuition and fees, housing, and meal plan. Next, include realistic indirect costs such as books, personal expenses, transportation home, and health insurance if you will not have a waiver. A larger listed award is not better if it simply accompanies a higher cost of attendance.

Treat federal work-study as an opportunity to earn wages through an eligible job, not money automatically credited to your bill. Separate subsidized federal loans, unsubsidized federal loans, parent loans, and any private loans; loans should not be counted as gift aid. Note whether each grant or scholarship is guaranteed for future years and what GPA, enrollment, financial-need, or housing requirements apply.

Make a one-year comparison showing: total cost of attendance, minus gift aid, equals the amount you must cover through savings, earnings, or borrowing.