Understanding UCLA Tuition and Cost of Attendance

Attending UCLA is a significant investment, and understanding the various costs involved is crucial for prospective students and their families. UCLA provides resources and tools to help estimate these costs, ensuring transparency and aiding in financial planning. This article breaks down the components of the Cost of Attendance (COA) at UCLA, explores the factors influencing tuition, and highlights the available resources for estimating and managing these expenses.

Components of the Cost of Attendance (COA)

The Total Cost of Attendance (COA) at UCLA encompasses all expenses a student is likely to incur during an academic year. This includes not only direct costs like tuition and fees but also indirect costs such as housing, food, books, and transportation. Understanding each component allows for a more accurate assessment of the overall financial commitment.

University Fees: This category includes UC systemwide tuition and campus fees. For instance, new undergraduate students starting in the 2025-26 academic year can expect university fees of $15,700. These fees cover the academic and administrative costs associated with attending UCLA.
Tuition Stability Plan: The University of California Board of Regents approved a multiyear Tuition Stability Plan on July 22, 2021. The plan helps students and families budget for a UC education by keeping UC tuition stable and predictable and providing new resources for financial aid.
Food and Housing: Housing costs can vary significantly depending on the student's choice of accommodation. Living in residence halls typically costs more than living at home. For new students in 2025-26, food and housing are estimated at $18,960 for on-campus living and $19,888 for off-campus living. Commuting students have a significantly lower estimate of $8,968. These figures are used to determine the maximum amount of financial aid given and can be adjusted if housing plans change, so the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office should be informed of any modifications.
Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment: This component covers the costs of textbooks, course-specific materials, and any necessary equipment. The estimated cost for this is $1,680 across all housing scenarios for the 2025-26 academic year.
Transportation: Transportation costs vary depending on whether a student lives on campus, off-campus, or commutes. New students in 2025-26 can expect to pay $857 for on-campus transportation, $1,646 for off-campus transportation, and $2,998 for commuting.
Personal Expenses: These costs cover personal items, recreation, and other miscellaneous expenses. The estimated personal expenses for new students in 2025-26 range from $2,361 for on-campus students to $2,686 for commuters.
Health Insurance: Health insurance is a mandatory fee but can be waived if the student has their own insurance coverage. The estimated cost for health insurance is $3,579.
Nonresident Supplemental Tuition (NRST): Nonresident students are required to pay supplemental tuition in addition to the standard university fees. For new undergraduate students in 2025-26, the NRST is $37,602.

Estimated Total Costs for Undergraduate Students

To provide a clearer picture, here's a breakdown of the estimated total costs for undergraduate students starting in the 2025-26 academic year:

California Residents:

On-Campus: $43,137
Off-Campus: $44,974
Commuter/Remote Learner: $35,611

Non-Residents:

On-Campus: $80,739
Off-Campus: $82,576
Commuter/Remote Learner: $73,213

Students with dependents should also note that an additional $13,034 will be added to their COA to cover housing, food, and personal expenses.

Tuition Variations and Factors Influencing Cost

Several factors can influence the tuition and fees a student pays at UCLA. These include residency status, the year of admission, and any changes to tuition policies implemented by the University of California.

Residency Status

Residency status is a primary determinant of tuition costs. California residents pay significantly less than non-residents. The UCLA Campus Residence Deputy decides your Residence Status for Tuition purposes. For instance, the Nonresident Supplemental Tuition (NRST) for new undergraduates in 2025-26 is $37,602. Meeting the financial independence requirement is particularly challenging for undergraduates whose parents are not California residents.

Academic Year of Admission

The year a student was admitted to the University of California (UC) system affects their tuition costs, even for intercampus transfers. This means that tuition and fee costs will be based on the year of initial admission to the UC system, not the year of transfer to UCLA.

Tuition Stability Plan

The University of California Board of Regents approved a multiyear Tuition Stability Plan on July 22, 2021. The plan helps students and families budget for a UC education by keeping UC tuition stable and predictable and providing new resources for financial aid.

Changes in Tuition and Fees

It's important to note that figures for tuition and fees may not be final. Actual tuition, fees, and charges are subject to change by the Regents of the University of California. Final approved tuition and fee levels may be higher or lower than the amounts presented and are published at Annual and Term Student Fees | UCLA Registrar’s Office.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

UCLA offers a comprehensive financial aid program to help students manage the cost of attendance. Many families pay less than the full price, and some may even pay no tuition at all due to financial aid and scholarships.

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Financial Aid Calculator

UCLA provides a financial aid calculator to help students estimate the amount of gift aid they could receive. This tool estimates the cost of attending UC for one year and calculates the estimated net costs, which is the total cost of attendance minus the estimated gift aid. To use the calculator, students will need:

Federal income tax returns from two years prior, filed by the student or their parents/spouse, as applicable.
Approximate annual, combined adjusted gross income of parents (including wages, salaries, tips, business and farm income, and commissions).
Approximate total value of the combined assets of parents, including cash, investments, 529 plans owned by the parents, and real estate property.
Approximate annual adjusted gross income of the student, if any (including wages, salaries, tips, business and farm income, and commissions).
Approximate total value of the combined assets of the student, including cash, investments, 529 plans owned by the student, and real estate property.

Additional Financial Aid Options

In addition to gift aid, students can explore other financial aid options such as work-study programs and student loans to help cover their net cost. UCLA also offers payment plans for tuition and housing, allowing families to make smaller, regular payments throughout the year instead of larger, lump-sum payments.

Financial Aid Revisions

At the time of admission, the tuition and fees reflected on the aid letter will be based on preliminary information from the admission application. If a student's residence status changes after completing the Statement of Intent to Register, their financial aid will be revised accordingly.

Graduate Student Costs

The cost structure for graduate students differs from that of undergraduates. Here's an overview of the estimated costs for graduate students in the 2025-26 academic year:

Estimated Costs for 2025-26 Graduate Students (All Housing)

University Fees (UC Systemwide Tuition: $14,430, Campus fees: $459): $14,889
Food & Housing: $27,396
Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment: $1,908
Transportation: $3,639
Personal: $3,066
Health Insurance (can be waived for students with own insurance): $6,882
Estimated CA Resident Total Costs: $57,780
Nonresident Supplemental Tuition (NRST): $15,102
Estimated Nonresident Total Costs: $72,882

Important Considerations

Several important points should be considered when planning for the cost of attending UCLA:

Read also: Understanding UCLA Counselors

Online Instruction: Some or all instruction may be online. Tuition and mandatory fees will not be refunded in the event any instruction occurs remotely.
Changing Housing Plans: If housing plans change, it is crucial to inform the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office so that aid can be recalculated.
Annual and Term Student Fees: Final approved tuition and fee levels are published at Annual and Term Student Fees | UCLA Registrar’s Office.
Filing Period: The filing period for financial aid is expected to be available on or before December 1.

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