Does UC Santa Cruz Require the CSS Profile?

UC Santa Cruz does not require the CSS Profile and has no CSS Profile code. File the FAFSA with code 001321 or the California Dream Act Application by March 2, 2026; the UC application triggers many automatic scholarships, while campus units may require separate applications.

CSS Profile

Not used

UC Santa Cruz uses the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application for eligible federal, state, institutional, and need-based scholarship aid and does not list the CSS Profile. Entering undergraduates receive automatic review for many merit awards through the UC application, while departments, divisions, and colleges manage some separate opportunities.

CSS school code

None

UC Santa Cruz has no CSS Profile code because it does not use the form. Submit the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application plus the UC admission application and campus-specific scholarship applications directly to UC Santa Cruz instead.

Published financial aid deadlines

2026–27 FAFSA or California Dream Act Application priority deadlineMarch 2, 2026
Automatic entering-student merit scholarship reviewMarch 2026
2026–27 verification-document deadlineAugust 15, 2026
Department, division, and college scholarship deadlinesVaries by opportunity

These are the school's currently published 2026–27 dates. A late or updated application cycle can use different dates, so confirm the deadline shown in your applicant portal.

Which parent files?

Each contributor required under federal FAFSA rules uses a separate StudentAid.gov account, provides consent, and signs. California Dream Act applicants complete its applicable contributor process. UC Santa Cruz does not request an additional noncustodial-parent CSS Profile.

Documents and next steps

Use UC Santa Cruz school code 001321. After filing, review the MyUCSC To-Do List and use MyAid Verify to upload requested tax records or forms. Conditional aid estimates arrive from March through May, while official awards appear in MyUCSC from July through September after required documents are complete.

Official sources for this answer

Common questions

Does UC Santa Cruz require the CSS Profile?

No. UC Santa Cruz does not require the CSS Profile and has no CSS Profile code. File the FAFSA with code 001321 or the California Dream Act Application by March 2, 2026; the UC application triggers many automatic scholarships, while campus units may require separate applications.

What is UC Santa Cruz's CSS Profile code?

UC Santa Cruz has no CSS Profile code because it does not use the form. Submit the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application plus the UC admission application and campus-specific scholarship applications directly to UC Santa Cruz instead.

When is UC Santa Cruz's financial aid deadline?

2026–27 FAFSA or California Dream Act Application priority deadline: March 2, 2026; Automatic entering-student merit scholarship review: March 2026; 2026–27 verification-document deadline: August 15, 2026; Department, division, and college scholarship deadlines: Varies by opportunity.

Is the FAFSA enough for UC Santa Cruz?

The FAFSA or California Dream Act Application is important because most UCSC scholarships consider financial need, but the UC admission application also serves as the main scholarship application for entering students. Department and college awards can add separate requirements and dates.

Estimate the rest of your aid

The CSS Profile does not tell you what federal aid you may receive. Estimate that separately, then compare the result with each college's net price and your outside scholarship options.

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