Can I appeal UC financial aid when two kids attending? Only got one Middle Class Scholarship

Yes, you absolutely can appeal! I went through this last year when my twins both got into UCs. The process is called a "special circumstances appeal" and each UC handles it differently. You'll need to contact each financial aid office directly. For our situation, we needed to provide: - A detailed letter explaining our circumstances - Proof of both children attending college (acceptance letters, enrollment verification) - Recent pay stubs - Documentation of any unusual expenses (medical bills, etc.) - Our completed FAFSA SAI calculation We were able to get additional grants for both kids after the appeal. Make sure you emphasize that you have two children in college at the same time - this is a legitimate special circumstance they consider.

Yes, you have to appeal to each UC financial aid office separately. The decisions are completely independent - one doesn't affect the other. Make sure you start the process ASAP because it can take several weeks to process.

The whole UC financial aid system is broken!!! I have three kids, two in UCs and one in community college, and they expect us to pay almost $50,000 a year!!! How is that even possible??? The Middle Class Scholarship is a JOKE. It covered like 20% for one kid and nothing for the other. I tried appealing and they basically told me "too bad, so sad." The whole system is rigged against middle class families. Either be super poor or super rich. Anything in the middle and you're SCREWED.

my daughter got into UC santa cruz last yr and we got the middle class scholarship but it only covered like 25% of tuition. we tried calling the financial aid office for weks and couldnt get thru to anyone. so frustrating!!

I work in college financial counseling, and here's what you need to know about UC appeals: 1. Each UC has their own appeal process and forms - check each school's financial aid website 2. The key factor will be the "multiple children in college" circumstance. This doesn't get fully captured in the FAFSA calculation for Middle Class Scholarship eligibility. 3. Appeals for 2025-2026 typically require: - The special circumstances form from each UC - Letter explaining your situation - Documentation of both children's enrollment - Current tax documentation beyond what was on FAFSA - Evidence of expenses (mortgage/rent, medical, etc.) 4. Timeline: Submit ASAP as funds are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis 5. Be aware that Middle Class Scholarship amounts vary by UC campus and by year depending on state funding The success rate for appeals with multiple children in college is actually quite good compared to other types of appeals. Don't get discouraged!

Appeals can technically be submitted anytime, but I strongly recommend doing it before May 1st (the enrollment deposit deadline). And yes, accept the current package while appealing - you can always decline later if needed, but missing deposit deadlines could cost you the spot altogether.

my son is at UCI too!! we appealed last yr and got an extra $2500 which helped but still not enough tbh. make sure u check out the specific UCI scholarships too sometimes theres money that doesn't show up in the main financial aid pkg

To answer the question about budget breakdowns - yes, absolutely include this! Financial aid officers need to see the gap between your resources and the expected costs. Be specific about monthly expenses like mortgage/rent, utilities, car payments, insurance, groceries, etc. This concrete evidence helps them understand your situation. And regarding specific UC scholarships - each department within each UC often has their own scholarship programs that aren't automatically considered in the main financial aid package. Contact your student's specific college/department (Engineering, Letters & Science, etc.) to ask about additional scholarship opportunities.

I'm in a similar situation with my daughter starting at UC San Diego this fall while my son is already at UC Berkeley. One thing that really helped us was documenting ALL our expenses - not just the obvious ones like mortgage and car payments, but also things like increased grocery costs, medical expenses, and even the transportation costs between campuses for visits. Also, don't forget to mention any changes in your financial situation since you filed the FAFSA - job changes, medical bills, etc. The financial aid offices are more understanding than you might think, especially when you present a clear, organized case. One tip: when you call, ask specifically about the "Professional Judgment" process - that's the official term they use for these appeals, and using the right language sometimes helps get you to the right person faster. Good luck!

I'm currently going through this exact situation and wanted to share what I've learned so far. My daughter is starting at UC Berkeley this fall while my son is already at UC Santa Barbara, and the financial reality hit us hard when we realized we'd be paying nearly $70k per year combined. Here's what has been working for us in the appeal process: 1. I submitted appeals to both schools simultaneously - don't wait to finish one before starting the other. Time is critical since aid is distributed on a first-come basis. 2. The "multiple children in college" circumstance is your strongest argument. Make sure to lead with this in your appeal letter and provide enrollment verification for both kids. 3. I included a detailed cost-of-living analysis specific to California. Housing costs, gas prices, groceries - everything is more expensive here and that context matters. 4. Don't forget about the Cal Grant program in addition to the Middle Class Scholarship. Sometimes students miss out on Cal Grant B even when they qualify. 5. Each UC has slightly different forms and requirements. UC Berkeley wanted more detailed expense documentation while UCSB was more focused on the family size impact. So far, UC Berkeley has indicated they're reviewing our case favorably and we should hear back within 2-3 weeks. The key is being thorough but concise in your documentation and following up appropriately without being pushy. The system definitely isn't perfect for middle-class families, but there ARE options if you're willing to advocate for yourself. Don't give up!