Need-Based Rent Subsidy

Mission

We believe that every student, regardless of their financial situation, deserves to receive the residential education experience provided by Student Housing and Dining Services. Our mission is to provide financial support for under-resourced students through long term investments in their housing stability.

Brief History

The Aggie Compass Basic Needs Center (ACBN) and Student Housing and Dining Services (SHDS) is committed to economic justice and anti-poverty as a priority to keep students from experiencing basic needs challenges. We further recognize that students’ identities and experiences inform their ability to meet their basic needs, as defined by the University of California Office of the President. Prior to and during the implementation of this program, SHDS has offered on campus housing to students at rates at least 20% below market value. As the cost of construction and housing continues to rise, we introduced the need based rent subsidy to further support students experiencing financial challenges. The first three years of this program directed funds to transfer and returning undergraduate students living in on campus apartments at The Green at West Village, and to graduate students and students with dependents living in family housing. As the needs of our residents evolve, our subsidy program will grow with them. However, our foundational values of equity, holistic review, and self-advocacy will remain consistent.

Values Statement

A commitment to equity under girds our efforts to establish, expand, and implement this program. In our work, equity is both a process and approach that recognizes that our students do not all start from the same place; therefore we must engage in an ongoing effort to identify and overcome barriers arising from bias or systemic structures. The UC Davis Principles of Community and Student Housing and Dining Services’ statement of ethics inform our selection and implementation priorities for the Need Based Rent Subsidy. Therefore, our application process is designed to treat students as individuals who possess dignity, worth, and the ability to be self-directed. Further, we maintain a firm commitment to developing a sense of belonging among our students, especially for those who experience financial barriers. To this end, our focus is on determining students’ need without re-traumatizing them or asking them to perform their poverty. We accomplish this by asking students to share a narrative about their financial need, and allow them to indicate the extent to which they need financial assistance to succeed as a student at UC Davis. Further, our subsidy award decisions demonstrate good stewardship of physical, financial, and human resources. Students provide their income which is compared to the county wide income standards for subsidy eligibility to ensure equity in providing awards.

Testimonials

Student 1

I am a single parent to a son living in Orchard Park. With the financial aid I receive it is very hard to support my family, even with student jobs. I am responding to poverty that I have inherited over many generations and I have come too far to give up. This subsidy helps me break the curse of generational poverty, and I get to be there for my son as he learns and grows, and be a model for him in finishing my education.

  • Undergraduate Junior Majoring in Sociology
  • Living at Orchard Park

Student 2

I am writing to share how the Need-Based Rent Subsidy has profoundly benefited me as an undocumented UC Davis student facing unique financial challenges. Due to my immigration status, I am not permitted to work, and my family resides in my home country, so supporting myself financially has been incredibly difficult.

The subsidy has provided essential support by significantly reducing the financial burden of living on campus. This assistance has enabled me to prioritize my academic pursuits and overall well-being without worrying about meeting rent obligations. It has allowed me to focus more on my studies, participate in campus activities, and engage with the university community.

The impact of this subsidy extends beyond mere financial relief; it has contributed to my sense of security and stability during my time at UC Davis. I am immensely grateful for this support, as it has played a vital role in my ability to pursue higher education despite my challenges.

  • Undergraduate Junior Majoring in Sustainable Environmental Design
  • Living at The Green

Student 3

As international students, we are limited to part-time employment and cannot work outside the university. While my focus is on studying and research, the high cost of living in California, especially in Davis, has become a significant challenge for my family and me.

I live with my wife in a small studio at Primero Grove, and more than 60% of my salary goes towards rent. This financial strain often causes stress about how to manage our other costs of living. UC Davis Student Housing has been very supportive, particularly for international students who lack parental and external financial support. Given our situation, we are deeply grateful to receive the Need-Based Rental Subsidy.

  • PhD Candidate in Biological Systems Engineering
  • Living at Primero Grove

Student 4

I am a first generation, queer student who struggled to support myself in college. My family members are not able to provide for me as they have their own bills to pay. I wanted to finish my last year of undergraduate strong and my housing subsidy meant the difference between having a home and being homeless. Thank you for your help.

  • Graduated with bachelors degrees in Sociology and Political Science in 2024
  • Lived at The Green

Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL INFORMATION

Will the NBRS affect my financial aid?

The subsidy is considered a grant for the purposes of financial aid and will affect your financial aid package in that you must have room in your budget for the full year’s amount you receive for the subsidy.

Can I apply for the subsidy prior to signing my on campus housing contract?

We understand that students want to have a full picture of their financial situation before committing to long term housing plans. The Need Based Rent Subsidy is intended to provide additional support for students experiencing ongoing financial hardship and we award based on the level of need among applicants with signed contracts. Therefore you should not sign a contract unless you are confident you can pay the full amount of your housing bill. If you experience a financial crisis that prevents you from paying your housing fees, please reach out to studenthousing@ucdavis.edu.

How likely am I to receive the subsidy?

Subsidy awards depend each year on each student’s financial aid package, the extent of financial need for all applicants, and the funding available. Unfortunately we are not able to estimate the likelihood of receiving the subsidy at this time.

If I receive the subsidy for one year, am I guaranteed to receive it next year?

Subsidy applications are for one academic year. You must reapply each year to be considered for a subsidy and you are not guaranteed to receive a subsidy each year.

PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY

Who is eligible to apply for the NBRS?

Any resident enrolled in at least six units with a full year contract for 2024-2025 at the Green, Orchard Park, and Primero Grove. For students in unit leases, only the leaseholder is eligible to apply. Students are not eligible to apply if: you are enrolled in a predominately online or certificate only program, you are on a leave of absence from your program, or you are not a current student (postdocs, faculty members, and UC Davis employees are not eligible for this program).

I live in a residence hall on campus or in an apartment off campus, am I eligible for the NBRS?

Unfortunately, no. Students living off campus are encouraged to reach out to the Aggie Compass Basic Needs Center for support. Students living in residence halls should reach out to Student Housing and Dining Services’ Basic Needs Advocate for support.

Can part-time students apply?

Students must be enrolled in six units in order to apply.

Can international students/ undocumented students apply for the NBRS?

Yes! Students of all immigration statuses are encouraged to apply.

I signed a contract or lease at Orchard Park, Primero Grove, or the Green midyear, am I eligible to apply for the NBRS?

Depending on program funding, you may be eligible to apply midyear. Please reach out to studenthousing@ucdavis.edu.

APPLICATION PROCESS

How do I access the application?

The application will be emailed directly to all eligible on campus residents in the summer quarter.

I need to update my NBRS application, how can I do that?

Please fill out a new application using the same link and note in the additional information section that you have resubmitted your application and to disregard the previously submitted application.

I missed the deadline, can I still apply?

Late and midyear applications can be accommodated, pending budget availability. To inquire if a midyear subsidy application is available, please email studenthousing@ucdavis.edu.

What documents do I need to provide with my application?

No documents are required for the application, but our team may conduct an income verification while they review your application. Please be prepared to share financial aid and income documentation.

SUBSIDY AWARD PROCESS

How much can I receive in a subsidy?

The amount an individual will receive will be dependent upon their level of need and on the amount of funds available.

When will I hear back about whether I was selected to receive a subsidy?

Applications will undergo a rigorous and holistic review process, and we hope to notify recipients in August.

How will the funds be dispersed?

The subsidy is dispersed by Financial Aid, regardless of if you have a financial aid package, in the form of a grant. The subsidy is dispersed monthly over a 10 month period (September-June) at Orchard Park and Primero Grove, and quarterly at the Green at West Village. Please be aware that if you have a financial aid package on file your room in budget will be affected by the subsidy award.

Is the rental subsidy considered taxable income?

It may be taxable depending on your particular situation. For international students specifically, they are subject to different tax laws and requirements, which may vary from those applicable to U.S. citizens, and we are not experts in these regulations. However, under federal guidelines, scholarships and grants are generally not taxable if used for qualified educational expenses, such as tuition, fees, and required books or supplies. If any funds are used for non-qualified expenses, including room and board, travel, or optional equipment, that portion may be subject to taxes. We strongly advise all students to consult a tax professional to understand their specific tax requirements.

What happens if my financial situation changes after I receive a decision about my subsidy application?

We understand that unexpected financial challenges arise throughout the year for students. Please fill out the appeal application that was included in your decision message. If your financial situation changes midyear, please email studenthousing@ucdavis.edu.

How are the awards determined?

No two student situations are the same and our decision making process is dynamic. Individual subsidies are determined based on a student’s financial status and any additional extenuating circumstances that they choose to share with us.

I received a subsidy in previous years but this year I received less or was denied. Why?

Subsidy applications are reviewed each year in relation to other applicants and awards are determined by the level of need experienced by all students and the funding available. We are not able to guarantee that your subsidy amount will be the same each year.

APPEALS

How can I appeal my subsidy decision?

We understand that you may not agree with the subsidy decision you received. If you feel like you made an error or left out information in your application, or a new extenuating circumstance has arisen, please fill out the appeal application that was included in your decision message. Appeals are reviewed independently by the Aggie Compass Basic Needs Center.

How long do I have to appeal?

You have one week from when you receive your decision message to appeal your award decision. Unfortunately, you cannot appeal your decision once your lease or contract begins.