Updated
California · Institutional financial aid

UC Native American Opportunity Plan

UC systemwide tuition and Student Services Fee coverage for qualifying California tribal students.

Free if eligibleSources checked Oct 15, 2026View sources ↓Compare related routes ↓
Students & families · General optionAdult learners · General optionNative American & Alaska Native learners · Explicitly servedGraduate & professional students · Explicitly served

At a glance

Free if eligible
What it covers
Qualifying students have in-state UC systemwide Tuition and Student Services Fees covered by financial aid.
As of Oct 15, 2026 · University of California ↗
Income / financial rules
Greater financial need may qualify a student for additional support for other educational expenses.
As of Oct 15, 2026 · University of California ↗
Who to check first
Be an enrolled member of a federally recognized Native American, American Indian or Alaska Native tribe.
As of Oct 15, 2026 · University of California ↗
Application timing
The page directs FAFSA or CADAA filing by March 2; confirm the applicable academic year with UC.
As of Oct 15, 2026 · University of California ↗
Read official guidanceYou’ll leave FreeCheapEdu. The program makes the eligibility decision.

Check your eligibility

Some items describe alternative routes rather than requirements for everyone. Use the route that applies to you as a preparation checklist; the program makes the eligibility decision.

As of Oct 15, 2026 · University of California ↗

How to apply

  1. 1
    Undergraduates file FAFSA, if eligible, or the California Dream Act application by the published aid deadline.
    As of Oct 15, 2026 · University of California ↗
  2. 2
    Follow UC’s instructions and submit the requested tribal-enrollment documentation.
    As of Oct 15, 2026 · University of California ↗
  3. 3
    If UC has not contacted you, ask the campus financial-aid office or Native resource center.
    As of Oct 15, 2026 · University of California ↗

What to watch for

Campus fees, summer charges and Professional Degree Supplemental Tuition are excluded.
As of Oct 15, 2026 · University of California ↗
Certificate, self-supporting graduate and extension programs do not qualify.
As of Oct 15, 2026 · University of California ↗

Common questions

What is the main benefit?

Qualifying students have in-state UC systemwide Tuition and Student Services Fees covered by financial aid.

As of Oct 15, 2026 · University of California ↗
Is there an income limit?

Greater financial need may qualify a student for additional support for other educational expenses.

As of Oct 15, 2026 · University of California ↗
When should I apply?

The page directs FAFSA or CADAA filing by March 2; confirm the applicable academic year with UC.

As of Oct 15, 2026 · University of California ↗

Sources & verification

Source summaries checked by automated research on the dates below. No human professional review is claimed.

Native American Opportunity Plan
University of California
Checked Oct 15, 2026
Read official guidance