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 $22,000 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, your UC will remain the same for up to six years. This is true for both California resident and nonresident students and helps you plan for the total cost of your UC education.
Estimated average costs for California residents, 2026–27
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.
| Direct costs | On campus | Off campus |
| UC Tuition | $15,384 | $15,384 |
| Campus fees | $1,700 | $1,700 |
| Campus housing and meals | $21,300 | |
| Health insurance allowance/fee | $3,700 | $3,700 |
| Total direct costs | $42,084 | $20,784 |
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| Indirect costs | On campus | Off campus |
| Books and supplies | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| Housing & meals | $19,200 | |
| Personal transportation | $3,400 | $4,500 |
| Total indirect costs | $4,900 | $25,200 |
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| TOTAL COST (direct and indirect) | $45,234 | $43,634 |
* 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, 2026–27
This chart estimates the cost of attending UC for one year as a new nonresident undergraduate. UC tuition includes $36,747 in nonresident supplemental tuition. Keep in mind that your total cost will vary depending on your personal expenses and the campus you attend.
| Direct costs | On campus | Off campus |
| UC Tuition | $51,858 | $51,858 |
| Campus fees | $1,700 | $1,700 |
| Campus housing and meals | $21,300 | |
| Health insurance allowance/fee | $3,700 | $3,700 |
| Total direct costs | $78,831 | $57,531 |
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| Indirect costs | On campus | Off campus |
| Books and supplies | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| Housing & meals | $19,200 | |
| Personal transportation | $3,400 | $4,500 |
| Total indirect costs | $4,900 | $25,200 |
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| TOTAL COST (direct and indirect) | $83,731 | $82,731 |
* 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:
California residence for the purposes of tuition and fees »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.