The starting point
UC San Diego awards non-need institutional merit to approximately 3% of freshmen, averaging $14,948. UCSD has the most generous Regents Scholarship in the UC system at $5,000/year ($20,000 total). The Triton Scholars program ($5,000-$20,000/year) is a rare UC merit program specifically targeting out-of-state students.
Selection beyond grades and scores. These awards are not recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read each award's selection rules, application steps and dates. Meeting a minimum is not an award offer.
Awards to discuss
The 3 awards in this school's research. Amounts retain the original units and conditions; confirm the entering year with the school.
Regents Scholarship
$5,000/year for four years ($20,000 total). The most generous Regents cash honorarium in the UC system. · Published award terms
Not recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read the selection rules.
Eligibility: All UCSD applicants automatically considered via UC application. No separate application. Test scores NOT considered (test-free selection). Based on academic excellence in coursework and grades.
Renewal: Paid annually over four years. Requires 3.0 cumulative GPA and Satisfactory Academic Progress.
Other terms: Benefits: first-choice college assignment, priority enrollment, research program in first quarter, Faculty Mentor Program in sophomore year. Test-free selection is notable; UCSD does not use SAT/ACT for Regents.
https://fas.ucsd.edu/types/scholarships/regents-scholarships-for-entering-freshmen.html
Chancellor's Scholarship
Up to $5,000/year for four years ($20,000 total). · Variable or qualified amount
Not recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read the selection rules.
Eligibility: California residents only. Requires demonstrated financial need. Automatic consideration through UC application and FAFSA.
Renewal: Renewable for four years with Satisfactory Academic Progress.
Other terms: Need-based merit hybrid for CA residents. Benefits: guaranteed housing, priority enrollment (starting Winter quarter), study-abroad advising, mentorship, leadership development. Distinguished from Regents by requiring need and CA residency.
https://fas.ucsd.edu/types/scholarships/chancellors-scholarships-for-entering-freshmen.html
Triton Scholars Program
$5,000-$20,000/year (up to four years). · Variable or qualified amount
Not recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read the selection rules.
Eligibility: Specifically for non-resident (out-of-state and international) students demonstrating academic excellence. Automatic consideration through UC application.
Renewal: Renewable for up to four years. Specific renewal requirements not published.
Other terms: One of the few UC programs targeting OOS merit students. At $20,000/year, offsets roughly 60% of the $34,200 NRST. Families who dismiss all UCs as 'no merit for OOS' miss this.
https://fas.ucsd.edu/types/scholarships/entering-freshmen.html
