Tuition & cost of attendance

We want to be transparent about what college costs. So our estimate includes tuition and fees, housing and meals, transportation, books and supplies, and personal expenses.

Going to college is an investment - but it’s worth it. We have generous financial aid programs and predictable tuition costs year-to-year that help to bring a UC education within reach.

Nearly 70% of our California undergrads get an average of $20,000 in grants and scholarships to help with costs, including UC tuition, food and housing, transportation, books and supplies.

Even if you don’t qualify for financial aid, UC’s Tuition Stability Plan keeps your tuition the same for up to six years. Tuition stability applies to both California resident and nonresident students and helps you plan for the total cost of your UC education.

Estimated average costs for California residents, 2025–26

This chart estimates the cost of attending UC for one year as a new California resident undergraduate. For a significant proportion of our students, these expenses are offset by grants and scholarships.

Keep in mind that your total cost will vary depending on your personal expenses and the campus you attend.

* UC Tuition remains flat for up to six years under the Tuition Stability Plan. It includes systemwide tuition (the cost of classes for California resident students), and student services fees for areas such as student government, student public transportation, and building improvements. These fees are set regardless of the method of instruction and will not be refunded in the event instruction occurs remotely for any part of the academic year.

Estimated average costs for nonresidents, 2025–26

This chart estimates the cost of attending UC for one year as a new nonresident undergraduate. UC tuition includes $34,200 in nonresident supplemental tuition. Keep in mind that your total cost will vary depending on your personal expenses and the campus you attend.

* UC Tuition remains flat for up to six years under the Tuition Stability Plan. For non-residents, this includes systemwide tuition (the cost of classes for CA resident students), supplemental nonresident tuition, and student services fees for areas such as student government, student public transportation, and building improvements. These fees are set regardless of the method of instruction and will not be refunded in the event instruction occurs remotely for any art of the academic year.

Understanding California residency

If you're not sure whether you're a resident or a nonresident, review the policies:

Good to know

Obtaining California residency for the purposes of tuition and fees is extremely difficult for undergraduates with nonresident parents (this includes transfer students from community colleges and other postsecondary institutions within California).

Virtually all nonresident undergraduates with nonresident parents remain nonresidents for the duration of their undergraduate career at UC.

Financial aid is for everyone (including you).

of UC's California undergrads pay no tuition

That's because UC has one of the strongest financial aid programs in the country. And we want you to get every penny of help you deserve.