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Pathway Program Financial Aid

2026–27 Federal Financial Aid Information 
(for enrollments between July 1, 2026 and June 30, 2027)

 

Pathway Sequential Program in Learning and Life Skills (Restricted Enrollment)
Pathway at UCLA Extension is a two-year program providing a blend of educational, social, and vocational experiences to students with intellectual disabilities. The program provides an opportunity for our students to fully engage in the UCLA campus experience while also receiving specialized instruction and support.

The Pathway curriculum blends required coursework in broad life skill areas with elective opportunities to explore specific academic interests through other UCLA department course offerings. The curriculum emphasizes self-advocacy and uses individualized support to accommodate the different learning styles of students with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. Courses include training in life skills and career exploration, with a strong emphasis on practical learning. 

Students live in an apartment building one block from the UCLA campus, attend classes on the campus, receive support and instruction in independent living skills and participate in internships to clarify or solidify their career goals.

 

STEPS TO THE FINANCIAL AID PROCESS

To receive Federal Student Aid, students must: 

  • Have a documented intellectual disability as defined in the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008.
  • Be enrolled in the program full-time (at least 12 unit equivalents per quarter).
  • Maintain passing grades (“C” or better or Pass) in all enrolled classes.
  • Complete the program in six quarters.

Aid applications accompanied by a corresponding FAFSA will be processed throughout the year, based on a student’s enrollment. The last day to request aid to be processed for the 2026-27 academic year is May 15, 2027 to ensure adequate time to process and disburse aid prior to the completion of the 2026-27 academic year.
 

Note: Students enrolling in the Pathway Program are NOT eligible to apply for the Federal Direct Loan Program and therefore should NOT complete the master promissory note (MPN) and/or supplemental certification form.  


Note: Aid processing can take 4 – 6 weeks to be completed.

U.S. citizens or eligible green card holders enrolled in the Pathway Sequential Program in Learning and Life Skills may apply for a Federal Pell Grant to assist with the allocated costs of tuition expenses while in the program. Federal Pell Grants are need-based and do not have to be repaid. Eligibility is determined by the federal government according to a formula developed by the U.S. Department of Education and approved annually by Congress. Pell Grant amounts for 2026-27 range from $765 to $7,395.  

  1. To determine eligibility for a Pell Grant, applicants must submit a 2026–27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid which is accessible online at www.studentaid.gov. Students and/or parents that need assistance completing the paperwork should email finaid@uclaextension.edu or schedule an appointment to meet with a Financial Aid Counselor here. We recommend you apply 4–6 weeks before your anticipated program start date so that your funds will be applied to your tuition and fees.
  2. Create a UCLA Extension Account at uclaextenstion.edu if you do not have one yet. Make sure to provide your Social Security Number (SSN)***.
  3. Complete and submit the UCLA Extension Federal Aid Application found on our website. More information also included in the UCLA Extension Federal Financial Aid Guide & Application Packet
  4. Financial aid funds will be credited toward the outstanding tuition due. The Financial Aid Disbursement schedule will be included in your Bruin Financial Fid Letter.

*** If you do not provide your Social Security Number (SSN), we will not be able to receive your FAFSA information and therefore you will not be offered any aid until this is completed.