Understanding the Costs and Tuition at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) stands as one of the premier public research universities in the United States. Renowned for its academic excellence, diverse student body, and vibrant campus life, UCLA attracts students from across the globe. However, understanding the financial commitment required to attend is crucial for prospective students and their families. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the costs and tuition associated with attending UCLA for the 2024–2025 academic year.

Tuition and Fees

For California Residents:

• Tuition and Fees: $15,154 per academic year.

For Non-Residents:

• Tuition and Fees: $15,154
• Nonresident Supplemental Tuition: $34,200
• Total Tuition and Fees: $49,354 per academic year.

It’s important to note that the University of California Board of Regents approved a multiyear Tuition Stability Plan in July 2021. This plan ensures that tuition remains stable for up to six years, providing predictability for students and families.

Cost of Attendance

Beyond tuition, students should consider additional expenses that contribute to the total cost of attendance. These include housing, food, books, supplies, transportation, personal expenses, health insurance, and loan fees. The estimated costs for the 2024–2025 academic year are as follows:

California Residents:

• On-Campus Housing: $42,059
• Commuter: $33,691

Non-Residents:

• On-Campus Housing: $76,259
• Off-Campus Apartments: $77,293
• Commuter: $67,891

Breakdown of Additional Costs:

• Food and Housing: $18,369 (on-campus), $18,609       (off-campus), $8,019 (commuter)
• Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment: $1,641
• Transportation: $778 (on-campus), $1,458                        (off-campus), $2,451 (commuter)
• Personal Expenses: $2,226 (on-campus), $2,340           (off-campus), $2,535 (commuter)
• Health Insurance: $3,774 (can be waived with proof of adequate coverage)
• Loan Fees: $117

Financial Aid and Scholarships

UCLA is committed to making education accessible and affordable. A significant portion of students receive financial assistance to help offset the costs.

• Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid: Approximately 62% of UCLA students receive some form of financial aid.
• Average Grant Award: Students receiving grants typically receive an average of $17,703, which is notably higher than the national average for public schools.
• Types of Financial Aid:
  • Grants and Scholarships: These do not require repayment and are awarded based on financial need, academic merit, or other criteria.
  • Work-Study Programs: Provide students with part-time employment opportunities to earn money towards their education.
  • Loans: Both federal and private loans are available, but they require repayment with interest.

Notable Scholarships:

• Regents Scholarship: Awarded to students with outstanding academic records and high potential.
• UCLA Samueli Scholarships: Targeted towards engineering students, these scholarships consider financial need, academic excellence, community service, extracurricular activities, and research achievements.

Net Price and Affordability

The net price is the actual amount a student pays after financial aid is applied. For many students, this amount is significantly lower than the total cost of attendance.

• In-State Students: The average net price is approximately $15,637.
• Out-of-State Students: The average net price is approximately $39,278.

These figures highlight UCLA’s commitment to affordability, ensuring that students from various economic backgrounds can access quality education.

Residency Requirements

Determining residency status is crucial, as it significantly impacts tuition rates.

• California Residency: To qualify for in-state tuition, students must meet specific criteria, including physical presence in California and intent to remain in the state.
• Non-Residents: Students whose parents are not California residents often find it challenging to attain resident status for tuition purposes.

It’s essential for prospective students to review the University of California’s residency requirements to understand their status and potential tuition implications.

Payment Plans and Budgeting

Understanding that lump-sum payments can be burdensome, UCLA offers payment plans to ease the financial strain.

• Tuition Payment Plans: Allow families to make smaller, regular payments throughout the academic year.
• Housing Payment Plans: Similar to tuition plans, these enable students to spread out housing costs over time.

These options provide flexibility and assist families in managing educational expenses more effectively.