Financial Aid

For Undergraduate Students

Education That’s Affordable, Meaningful, and Transformative

At UWest, we believe education is more than just earning a degree—it’s a transformative journey. Rooted in Buddhist wisdom and values, we provide a whole-person education that empowers students with character, compassion, and community while ensuring that financial barriers don’t stand in the way of personal and academic growth.

How Does UWest Compare?

Our dedication to providing exceptional financial aid services starts with affordable tuition. Did you know that UWest offers one of the lowest tuition rates of any private, accredited university in the nation? We are 1/3 of the tuition cost of many of the other private schools in Southern California!

Chart Comparing UWest and Average 4 Year Private College

Scholarships & Financial Aid Opportunities

UWest is committed to making education accessible through scholarships, grants, and work- study opportunities. Our generous financial aid packages help students graduate with less debt while focusing on their academic and personal growth. 80% of our students receive some forms of aid and don’t pay the sticker price!

Federal and State Grants

Gift aid from the government that helps students with the greatest financial need. Click here to start your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to receive federal and state grants.

Income and Continuing Students:

Federal Pell Grant – up to $7,395/year
Cal Grant – up to $11,006/year
Merit-Based Scholarships
Recognizing academic excellence and leadership potential.

Incoming Transfer Students:

Metta Scholarship – $6,000/year
AJ Wang Foundation Scholarship – $4,000/year

Continuing Students:

President’s Scholarship – Full tuition award
Dean’s Scholarship – Half tuition award
UWest Scholarship – Up to $2,000/year
Golden Benefactor Awards – $500/semester (based on financial need)
More Scholarship Information

Important Dates & Deadlines

March 2: Cal Grant deadline
April 1: All UWest institutional scholarships application deadline
June 1: AJ Wang Scholarship application deadline
October 1: FAFSA available

Link to Scholarships