UCLA Undergraduate Tuition: What To Know

UCLA, or the University of California, Los Angeles, is one of the top public universities in the United States. UCLA is the UC system’s second-oldest campus and is a leader in innovation, education, and athletics.  For students who want to apply to this institution, one important factor to consider is the cost of UCLA undergraduate tuition.

How Much Is the Annual Tuition for Undergraduates at UCLA?

How much is the tuition per year for undergraduates at UCLA? For the 2022-2023 academic year, the UCLA undergraduate tuition and fees cost $13,804 for both California residents and non-residents. The tuition and fees for undergraduate students are the same regardless of the degree program.

• UCLA Undergraduate Tuition: $13,752 (California residents and non-residents)

However, this figure does not include the room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses. For California residents living on campus, the cost of attendance is $46,326. For non-residents, there is an additional non-resident supplemental tuition fee, which makes the estimated cost of attendance higher. The cost of attendance is $68,474 for non-residents who reside in UCLA residence halls during the entire academic year.

Beginning in the fall of 2022, the tuition will remain flat for each incoming undergraduate class until the student graduates for a period of up to six years. This plan, known as the UC Tuition Stability Plan, gives families unprecedented predictability in helping them manage their educational costs.

Students and families can better calculate and plan for the costs of attending UCLA by minimizing unexpected tuition increases and reducing uncertainty about the cost of their education.

Moreover, UCLA offers a variety of financial aid options for undergraduate students.  In addition to financial aid, students may also be eligible for external scholarships and grants from private organizations and foundations. It is important to research and apply for these opportunities early in the application process.

Overall, the UCLA undergraduate tuition can be high, but there are options available to help finance your education. It is important to consider the full cost of attendance and to research all available financial aid options. UCLA is a top choice for many students and the cost of UCLA undergraduate tuition should not deter you from pursuing your academic goals.

A Breakdown of an Estimated Undergraduate Budget for 2024-2025

**This UCLA tuition 2024 breakdown was from the UCLA official website

Financial Aid Statistics at UCLA

Financial aid refers to funding that students can use to pay for college and is typically awarded based on need or merit.

Need-based aid is determined by your or your family’s demonstrated ability to pay for college, as calculated by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). At the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), the average need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students was $24,289. Additionally, 46% of first-year students received need-based financial aid in fall 2021. These financial aids help to offset the heavy weight of the UCLA undergraduate tuition.

Need-based self-help aid includes federal loans and work-study programs. The average need-based self-help aid awarded to first-year students was $6,662.

Merit-based aid, also known as non-need-based aid, is awarded for specific talents or academic achievements. The average non-need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students at UCLA, excluding athletic scholarships, was $7,455.

UCLA met 84% of its students’ financial aid needs. Approximately 31% of undergraduates receive federal gift aid, averaging $15,461 per year. State grant aid is awarded to 34% of students, with an average amount of $11,091. Additionally, 31% of students receive institutional grants, averaging $10,043 annually. Federal grant aid averages $3,014 per student. Overall, UCLA provides a substantial amount of financial aid to support its students in paying for the UCLA undergraduate tuition.

UCLA Financial Aid Quick Facts

• 84% of undergraduates: financial aid grantees
• 31% of undergraduates: federal gift aid grantees with a $15,461 annual average
• 34% of undergraduates: state grant aid grantees with $11,091 annual average
• 31% of undergraduates: institutional grand aid grantees with an $11,091 annual average

Student Loan Debt at UCLA

The amount of student loan debt you accumulate can significantly impact your financial life long after college. Ideally, your total student loan debt should be less than your anticipated starting salary once you graduate.

At the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), the median federal loan debt among borrowers who completed their undergraduate degree is $14,000. For those repaying their federal loans over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate, the median monthly payment is $148.

Additionally, 2% of graduating students at UCLA took out private loans. These students had an average private loan debt of $42,751 at graduation. This goes to show that despite not being the most expensive, the UCLA undergraduate tuition can be cause of struggle for college students.

What are the scholarships available at UCLA?

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) offers a variety of scholarships to support its students. Here are some of the main types of scholarships available:

1. Merit-Based Scholarships

• Regents Scholarship Program: Awarded to entering freshmen and transfer students based on academic excellence.
• Chancellor’s Blue and Gold Scholarship: Awarded to students who demonstrate high academic achievement and are from low- to middle-income families.

2. Need-Based Scholarships

• UCLA Alumni Scholarships: Awarded based on a combination of academic merit, leadership, and financial need.
• UCLA Achievement Scholarship: For California residents with financial need who demonstrate academic excellence.

3. Departmental Scholarships

• College of Letters and Science Scholarships: Various scholarships for students majoring in disciplines within the College of Letters and Science to help cover the UCLA undergraduate tuition.
• School of Engineering Scholarships: Specific scholarships for students enrolled in the UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science.
• School of the Arts and Architecture Scholarships: Scholarships for students pursuing majors in the arts and architecture.

4. Specific Criteria Scholarships

• Athletic Scholarships: Awarded to student-athletes based on their athletic abilities and potential contributions to UCLA’s sports teams.
• Community-Based Scholarships: Scholarships awarded to students who are involved in their communities or come from specific geographic areas to help pay for the UCLA undergraduate tuition.
• Cultural and Identity-Based Scholarships: Scholarships for students from diverse backgrounds or who are involved in cultural or identity-based activities and organizations.

Students can find detailed information and apply for these scholarships through the UCLA Financial Aid and Scholarships office and the respective departmental websites.

How Much Does Room and Board Cost at UCLA?

Residential life is a key part of the college experience at UCLA, providing students with opportunities for academic and personal growth within a supportive community. Room and board costs are a significant part of the student budget and vary depending on the room type and meal plan selected. For the 2024-2025 academic year, the estimated cost for housing and dining at UCLA is $18,369. This is added to the overall UCLA undergraduate tuition.

• Housing and dining: $18,369 (estimated only)

UCLA offers various housing options, including traditional dormitories and university apartments, accommodating 14,500 undergraduate students on campus. Meal plans are included in housing contracts and should be selected based on class and work schedules.

Additional expenses such as tuition, books, supplies, transportation, and personal costs are not covered by room and board fees, so students should budget accordingly.

University of California Requirements for Residency and Tuition

As a premier public research university, UCLA values the contributions of California residents, who help fund state education. Tuition fees depend on residency status, determined by a specific process distinct from other definitions of California residency.

If your parents are not California residents, meeting the financial independence requirement makes it challenging for most undergraduates to qualify as California residents at UCLA. This includes those from community colleges or other in-state institutions. You may end up covering the entire UCLA undergraduate tuition.

Transfer students classified as California residents at their previous school should not assume they will receive the same classification at UCLA.

To be classified as a California resident for tuition purposes at UC, you must meet four requirements by the residence determination date (typically the first day of classes):

1. Physical Presence: You must be continuously physically present in California for over a year (366 days) before the term’s residence determination date. Moving to California primarily to attend UC may disqualify you.
2. Intent to Remain: You must show intent to make California your home over a year before the residence determination date.
3. Financial Independence: Unmarried undergraduates under 24, with non-resident parents, must prove financial independence for the year preceding enrollment. Graduate students are presumed independent.
4. Immigration Status: You must have the legal ability to establish a permanent domicile in the U.S., such as being a citizen, permanent resident, or holding a valid qualifying visa.

How Do You Get a Full Scholarship to UCLA?

Attending UCLA can be costly as the UCLA undergraduate tuition is a bit steep, but numerous scholarships are available to help cover tuition, fees, room, and board. About 45% of students do not pay tuition. To qualify for need-based scholarships, students must complete the FAFSA or CA DREAM Act Application.

The FAFSA assesses eligibility for federal and some state and institutional aid. The CA DREAM Act allows undocumented students, including DACA recipients, to access state financial aid. Eligibility for the CA DREAM Act requires attending a California high school for three years and graduating.

Financial aid applications open on October 1 and close on March 2. UCLA offers various financial aid options, including need-based grants, merit-based scholarships, low-interest loans, and work-study opportunities. Planning and preparing for the scholarship application process is essential for increasing your chances of success.

UCLA works closely with students and families to make education affordable, allowing students to focus on their academic and career goals without the burden of financial stress from paying the entirety of the UCLA undergraduate tuition.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does it cost to go to UCLA?

So how much does it cost to go to UCLA? The UCLA cost of attendance depends on residency and living arrangements. For California residents, the estimated total cost for the 2023-2024 academic year is about $36,297, covering tuition, room and board, books, transportation, and personal expenses. For non-residents, the cost is higher at around $67,051 due to additional tuition fees. Check UCLA’s official website for the latest information.

2. How much is the UCLA tuition per semester?

For the 2023-2024 academic year, UCLA tuition per semester for California residents is approximately $3,814, totaling around $7,628 annually. For non-residents, the UCLA tuition per semester is about $13,089, including non-resident supplemental tuition, totaling around $26,178 annually. These figures do not include additional fees, room, board, and other expenses.

3. How much does UCLA cost for international students?

For the 2023-2024 academic year, the estimated total cost of attendance for international students at UCLA is approximately $67,051 per year. This includes non-resident UCLA undergraduate tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses.

4. What is the housing cost for UCLA?

The housing cost at UCLA for the 2024-2025 academic year is estimated to be $18,369. This amount includes room and board and is added to the total UCLA undergraduate tuition. UCLA offers various housing options, such as traditional dormitories and university apartments, which cater to different preferences and budgets. Meal plans are included in the housing contract rates, and students select a meal plan when they accept their housing offer and make their first contract payment.

5. Is UCLA more expensive than other UC schools?

The UCLA cost of attendance is generally comparable to other UC schools, though it can vary based on specific programs and living arrangements. For the 2023-2024 academic year, the estimated total UCLA cost of attendance for California residents is around $36,297, similar to other UC campuses. Non-residents and international students face higher costs, approximately $67,051 annually, which is also in line with other UC schools. Financial aid options are available across the UC system to help manage these expenses.

6. What is the most expensive UC school?

Among the University of California (UC) schools, UC Berkeley and UC San Diego have some of the highest tuition and fees. For the 2023-2024 academic year, UC San Diego has the highest undergraduate tuition and fees at $46,042, closely followed by UC Berkeley. In comparison, UCLA undergraduate tuition and fees are relatively lower at $44,524, making it one of the more affordable options among the UC campuses.