University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is one of the best-ranked universities with good academics and an active campus life. As families and students plan UCLA study cost arrangements for the 2024–2025 academic year, it is wise to know what various factors constitute the cost of study overall.
Tuition and fees
For 2024–2025, UCLA has suggested the following approximate fees:
- University fees: $15,154
These are the same rates for other types of living arrangements, such as residence halls, off-campus apartments, and for commuters. Note that tuition and fees are established no matter what mode of instruction is used. UCLA indicates that “Tuition and fees have been established irrespective of the method of instruction and will not be refunded if instruction is delivered remotely for any portion of the academic year.”
Other expenses
Besides tuition, students will also have to accommodate other unavoidable expenses:
- Food and shelter:
- Residence halls: $18,369
- Off-Campus apartments: $18,609
- Commuter students: $8,019
- Books, class materials, supplies, and equipment: $1,641
- Transportation:
- Residence halls: $778
- Off-Campus apartments: $1,458
- Commuter students: $2,451
- Personal spending:
- Residence halls: $2,226
- Off-Campus apartments: $2,340
- Commuter students: $2,535
- Health insurance: $3,774
Note: UC Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP) is mandatory but may be waived if a student provides evidence of adequate coverage.
- Loan fees: $117
Total estimated cost
When added together, these charges estimate the total for California residents to be:
- Residence halls: $42,059
- Off-Campus apartments: $43,093
- Commuter students: $33,691
Nonresident students are charged an additional Nonresident Supplemental Tuition of $34,200, so their estimated totals are:
- Residence halls: $76,259
- Off-Campus apartments: $77,293
- Commuter students: $67,891
Tuition stability and possible changes
In July 2021, the University of California Board of Regents voted to approve a multiyear Tuition Stability Plan that is designed to bring stability to students and families. This plan promises fixed tuition for the length of time a student remains on campus, and budgeting is guaranteed. It must be understood, however, that although the plan promises stability, actual fees and tuition do fluctuate. UCLA says, “Tuition and fee levels are approved or recommended and are not definitive. Actual tuition and fees are subject to revision by the University of California as deemed appropriate or necessary.”
Residency requirements and tuition classification
Residency is important because it directly affects the calculation of the fees for tuition. Californians pay less than non-residents. UCLA also has a set of requirements for residency that do not exist with other applications of the word ‘residency’. Particularly relevant is that non-residents of California will be hard-pressed to qualify as financially independent, which makes most undergraduates ineligible as California residents for fee purposes. Transfer students previously established as California residents elsewhere must not assume automatic residency here.
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Financial aid and scholarships
UCLA provides access to education and offers a good financial aid package. The university urges students intending to enrol to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) by March 2, 2025, which is its priority filing date. The two applications are eligible for federal, state, and institutional programmes of financial aid. Incidentally, 100% of the families earning less than $80,000 annually don’t have to pay a penny in tuition at UCLA.
