2026-27 Financial Aid Calculator

Our UC systemwide financial aid calculator can help you assess how much it will cost you to attend UC for one year. Use the calculator to estimate the amount of gift aid (free money) you could receive as part of your financial aid award. The calculator can also help you estimate your net costs, which is the total cost of attendance minus the estimated gift aid. If you have dependents and plan to live off campus, check with your financial aid office for more accurate housing cost estimates, as additional housing costs may qualify you for additional aid. Keep in mind that there may be other financial aid options like work-study and student loans to help you cover your net cost. 

It will be helpful to refer to these documents before you use the calculator:

  • Federal income tax returns from two years ago, filed by you or your parents/spouse as applicable. For the 2026-27 estimator use the 2024 tax return information. 
  • 2024 W-2 forms and/or pay stubs with year-to-date information for you and/or your parents/spouse as applicable. 

Remember, the calculator provides an estimate, not exact results. 

Will my financial aid offer cover ALL costs of attending UC?

Many students receive financial aid that covers the cost of UC tuition, but you might need additional resources to help pay for other college costs. This usually means working or taking out student loans.