Frequently Asked Questions

Expand the sections below to find answers to your questions about the online Master of Management program from the University of California, Davis.

  • What are the tuition and fees for the UC Davis Master of Management online program?

    Course tuition and fees are based on the number of units for which you register each quarter. Tuition and fees are subject to increase each academic year. Visit the Tuition and Fees page for the current academic year rates.

    How much is the enrollment deposit?

    A non-refundable $1,000 deposit is required to confirm your enrollment in the program. This payment is applied to your first quarter charges. Because the deposit represents your personal commitment to enroll, you cannot use other funds such as financial aid, employer funding or outside scholarships to pay the deposit.

    How do I view my tuition bill and when is payment due?

    You can view your outstanding account balance using MyBill. MyBill account balances and activity are updated in real time throughout the day and any payments from the Cashier’s Office are posted to the student account nightly at 6 p.m. (PT). Payments can be made either electronically using MyBill by 11:59 p.m. (PT) or in person at the Cashier’s Office by 4 p.m. (PT). UC Davis accepts most forms of payment. Note that there is an additional service fee for payments with a credit card. For a current list of payment options, please visit the Cashier’s webpage.

    What are the consequences if my tuition bill is not paid by the due date?

    If you do not pay your bill by the due date, Student Accounting will place a hold on your account, preventing future registration. Any account over five months past due, and without an appropriate payment arrangement on file, may result in referral to a collection agency.

    Please contact the GSM registrar by email at GSMRegistrar@gsm.ucdavis.edu if you know you will have difficulty meeting the payment deadline.

    How does my employer remit payment to UC Davis directly?

    If your employer requires UC Davis to bill a third-party for your charges, please visit the Sponsorship webpage.

    What is the process if I’m eligible to receive a refund?

    Financial aid refunds are available after the first day of the quarter. Refunds for dropped courses or overpayments are available after the 10th day of instruction. Please refer to our Schedule of Refunds for more information.

    To expedite your refund, we strongly encourage you to sign up for direct deposit. It is the fastest, most secure way to receive refunds at UCD. To have a paper check mailed, you must call 530-752-3646 or email myaccount@ucdavis.edu to place a request and confirm your address.

    Who can I contact at UC Davis for billing and payment questions?

    Visit the Student Accounting page and contact 530-752-5718 or 530-752-3646 for billing inquiries.

  • What is Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)? 

    Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) are degree requirements students must meet to maintain eligibility for federal student aid. Visit the Financial Aid and Scholarships page for more information on the UC Davis SAP standards.

    What federal student aid is available to graduate students?

    Graduate/professional Federal Student Aid includes the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan and the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan. To be eligible, you must meet the basic eligibility criteria.

    How do I apply and what is the minimum number of credits required to receive federal student aid?

    Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), submit your Loan Entrance Counseling and electronically sign the Master Promissory Note (MPN). You must be registered for a minimum of six (6) credits per quarter in order to be eligible for federal student aid. 

    What is the aggregate loan limit?

    The aggregate loan limit is the total amount that you may borrow in federal student loans for undergraduate and graduate study. In addition to borrowing limitations based on the cost of attendance for the program, you are also limited in terms of lifetime borrowing. The maximum aggregate loan limit for most federal student loans is $138,500 and does not include PLUS loans or private loans.

    What are the federal student loan forgiveness options?

    In certain situations, all or a portion of your federal student loans may qualify to be forgiven, canceled, or discharged. Outside of those circumstances, you remain responsible for repaying your loan, per the Master Promissory Note you signed. Learn more about federal student loan forgiveness programs.

    What are private loans?

    Private loans, also known as alternative loans, are credit-based, non-federal student loans offered by private financial institutions/lenders. Private/alternative loans can help students bridge the gap between the cost of tuition and the amount of other aid received. It can be used in addition to or instead of federal student aid. Lenders offer loans with various rates, fees, repayment terms and approval requirements.

    Visit the alternative loans page for information on the school certification process, private loan periods and the UC Private Lender List managed by ELMSelect. 

    When will I receive my financial aid offer and how do I accept my offer?

    You can expect to receive your financial aid notification approximately two weeks after UCD receives your FAFSA. You will be notified via email. You will be able to view your scholarship offer once admitted, and you will be able to view your full financial aid offer once you are fully enrolled (you’ve been admitted, have completed your application for financial aid and have paid your deposit). To view and accept your financial aid offer, log into MyAwards. 

    Can I use loan funds to cover additional expenses such as living, books, supplies, etc.?

    Provided the total amount of financial aid for a given semester exceeds the amount of direct institutional charges for that semester, you will have the ability to request the excess funds in the form of a refund. The total cost of attendance (COA) for the academic year includes but is not limited to direct expenses such as tuition and fees, and indirect expenses such as books, supplies and cost of living. 

    If there is eligibility for additional loan funds based on the COA, you are able to use those resources to cover expenses such as transportation and other personal miscellaneous expenses. The cost of attendance is not a bill, but rather a budget to help with planning for costs related to your education. View your estimated Cost of Attendance by program. 

    Who can I contact at UC Davis for financial aid questions?

    If you have questions about financial aid, email Graduate School of Management Financial Aid, or visit the Financial Aid and Scholarships page.

  • What is the FAFSA and how do I apply?

    The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an online application the Department of Education (ED) uses to determine if you are eligible to receive federal student aid. 

    Follow these steps to apply for federal student aid:

    • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) electronically using your Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID.  
    • Select the appropriate academic year.
    • Include the UC Davis school code: 001313.

    Note: The FAFSA must be submitted each academic year in order to remain eligible for federal student aid.

    When should I complete the FAFSA?

    The FAFSA is available every October 1 for the upcoming academic year. New students planning to use federal student aid should complete a FAFSA while applying for admission. You will need to complete the FAFSA for each year you are or plan to be a student.

    Refer to the text below to determine which academic year FAFSA to complete based on your desired start/continue/return:

    Spring 2025 Quarter: FAFSA Year 2024-2025

    Fall 2025 Quarter: FAFSA Year 2025-2026

    Spring 2026 Quarter: FAFSA Year 2025-2026

    Fall 2026 Quarter: FAFSA Year 2026-2027

  • What is the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan and how do I apply?

    Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to undergraduate and graduate students. At the graduate level, the loan amount is not based on need or income. To apply for the Direct Unsubsidized Loan, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

    If you wish to receive the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, you must complete Entrance Counseling and electronically sign the Master Promissory Note (MPN) at Studentaid.gov.

    • Both the Entrance Counseling and MPN must be completed in order for funds to be disbursed to your student account at UC Davis.
    • If you have previously borrowed federal student loans, be sure to update your lender(s) with contact information and enrollment status (for loan deferment purposes). 
    • Log in on the Studentaid.gov homepage to review loan history and loan servicer details.

    How much am I eligible for with the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan?

    There are limits on the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans that you may be eligible to receive each academic year (annual loan limits) and the total amounts that you may borrow for undergraduate and graduate study (aggregate loan limits). Most graduate-level students are potentially eligible to receive up to $20,500 per academic year from the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan. Learn more about graduate annual loan limits.

    What is the interest rate for the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan?

    If you receive a federal student loan, you will be required to repay that loan with interest. Interest is paid to the lender as a cost of borrowing. The Direct Unsubsidized Loan interest rate is determined on an annual basis for loans disbursed on or after July 1 of the current year, and before July 1 of the following year. Interest is calculated as a percentage of the unpaid principal amount. Unlike other forms of debt, such as credit cards and mortgages, Federal Direct Student Loans are daily interest loans, which means that interest accrues (accumulates) daily. Learn more about interest rates for Federal Student Loans. 

    What are the loan fees for the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan?

    Most federal student loans have loan fees that are a percentage of the total loan amount. The loan fee is deducted proportionately from each loan disbursement you receive while enrolled in school. This means the money you receive will be less than the amount you actually borrow. You’re responsible for repaying the entire amount you borrowed and not just the amount you received. Learn more about fees associated with federal student loans.

    When do I begin repayment on my Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan?

    Once you graduate, drop below half-time enrollment or leave school, your federal student loan will convert to either “in-grace” (loans borrowed for your current degree program) or “repayment” status (loans that were in repayment status before you began the current degree program). 

    If you have a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, you have a six-month grace period before you are required to start making regular payments. You can make prepayments on your loan while you are in school or during your grace period.

  • What is the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan and how do I apply?

    Graduate/professional students can apply for the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan to help pay for education expenses not covered by other financial aid. It is recommended that you apply for the PLUS Loan once you have been admitted to a program and within 60 days of the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan to begin.

    To apply for the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan, you must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Once you have completed the FAFSA, submit the Direct PLUS Loan Application for Graduate/Professional Students. 

    Note: The Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan is credit-based. A soft credit check will be performed when applying. Prior to borrowing through the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan program, you may need to review your credit reports for potential issues. Contact any of the following credit bureaus for information: Experian, Equifax or TransUnion.

    Please visit Studentaid.gov for detailed information regarding PLUS Loan credit requirements. 

    How much can I borrow from the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan?

    If approved for the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan, you can borrow up to the cost of attendance as determined by UC Davis.

    What are the next steps if I’m approved for the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan?

    If approved for the Grad PLUS Loan, you must complete the Master Promissory Note (MPN) for Graduate/Professional Students. If you are denied, you may reapply with an endorser, or begin the credit appeal process and complete PLUS Credit Counseling. 

    What is the interest rate for the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan?

    If you receive a federal student loan, you will be required to repay that loan with interest. Interest is paid to the lender as a cost of borrowing. Interest is calculated as a percentage of the unpaid principal amount. Unlike other forms of debt, such as credit cards and mortgages, Federal Direct Loans are daily interest loans, which means that interest accrues (accumulates) daily. The Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan interest rate is determined on an annual basis for loans disbursed on or after July 1 of the current year, and before July 1 of the following year. Learn more about interest rates for Federal Student Loans. 

    What are the loan fees for the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan?

    Most federal student loans have loan fees that are a percentage of the total loan amount. The loan fee is deducted proportionately from each loan disbursement you receive while enrolled in school. This means the money you receive will be less than the amount you actually borrow. You’re responsible for repaying the entire amount you borrowed and not just the amount you received. Learn more about fees associated with Federal Student Loans.

    When do I begin repayment on my Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan?

    Once you graduate, drop below half-time enrollment, or leave school, your federal student loan will convert to either “in-deferment” (loans borrowed for your current degree program) or “repayment” status (loans that were in repayment status before you began the current degree program). 

    If you’re a graduate/professional student PLUS borrower, you will be placed on an automatic deferment while in school and for six months after graduating, leaving school, or dropping below half-time enrollment. Learn more about repayment timelines.

  • Does UC Davis offer scholarship opportunities or tuition discounts for military students or family members?

    GSM awards funds up to a certain amount for tuition expenses not covered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill to up to two eligible Master of Management students. Please indicate on the application what type of benefit you will be using.

    How do I begin the process to apply for VA education benefits?

    Visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website to discover which benefits are available. Complete the VA Education Benefits Form which generates a request for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). The COE is mailed to you within six to eight weeks from submitting the application.  

    Once you have received your Certificate of Eligibility, submit a copy to the University VA Certifying Official on the UC Davis Veterans Success Center page. Questions regarding eligibility should be directed to the VA at 888-442-4551. 

    California residents: Please note that this program is not approved for CalVet benefits.

    What is the current payment rate of benefits, including the Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA)?

    The tuition and fee payment and MHA rates are determined at the beginning of each military academic year on August 1, and are valid through July 31. View the current payment and MHA rate. 

    What is the Yellow Ribbon Program and does the UC Davis Master of Management Online program participate?

    The Yellow Ribbon Program allows degree-granting colleges and universities in the United States to voluntarily enter into an agreement with the VA to fund tuition expenses that exceed the annual national maximum cap per military academic year. Participating institutions choose their contribution amount, the VA matches that amount, and issues payment directly to the school. Veterans who are utilizing Post-9/11 GI Bill® Benefits and who are entitled to 100 percent of their benefit may be eligible. 

    The Yellow Ribbon Program at UC Davis applies to full-time students. Students participating in the part-time Master of Marketing Management program are not eligible.

    Who can I contact at UC Davis for questions about using Military Education Benefits?

    If you are a veteran, service member, or dependent, the Veterans Success Center (VSC) is your place to file your educational benefits, attend workshops to help you succeed in your educational goals, and engage and network with your veteran community. The VSC serves as a liaison between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and UC Davis student veterans, providing course attendance certification and to learn about benefit eligibility. 

    Contact the Veterans Success Center at vaoffice@ucdavis.edu, or by phone at 530-752-2020. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pacific Time (PT).

  • How do I qualify for a tuition tax credit?

    For details on tax benefits for education, see the Internal Revenue Service IRS Publication 970, which provides detailed information. UC Davis is unable to provide tax advice. 

    We urge you to contact your tax advisor or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at 800-829-1040. You may also visit the IRS website if you have any questions regarding the HOPE or Lifetime Learning Tax Credits.

    What is the 1098-T form?

    It is an informational form filed with the Internal Revenue Service to report the amounts billed to you for qualified tuition, related expenses and other related information. The primary purpose of the IRS Form 1098‐T is to inform you that we have provided this required information to the IRS.

    What information is included in the 1098-T form?

    Form 1098-T reports amounts paid for qualified tuition, scholarship and grants processed in the previous year to students enrolled in courses at UC Davis for which they receive academic credit. The information reported on the 1098-T form helps students evaluate whether they are eligible for an educational tax credit.