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Graduate Students Cost of Attendance for 2023-2024

Some or all instruction for all or part of the Academic Year may be delivered remotely. Tuition and fees have been 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. Figures for tuition and fees represent currently approved or proposed amounts and may not be final. Actual tuition and fees are subject to change by the University of California as determined to be necessary or appropriate. Final approved tuition and fee levels may differ from the amounts presented.

Professional Graduate students in the School of Global Policy and Strategy (GPS) formerly IR/PS, the RADY School of Management, the Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) and other professional self-supporting programs will have different fees and budget costs.

Use this estimated cost of attendance to help decide how much money you'll need to attend UC San Diego and how much financial aid you may need to meet that goal. Your actual costs may differ. For more information on each Cost of Attendance element visit our Financial Aid Terms webpage.

Estimated Basic Cost of Attendance

California Residents and Non-California Residents

Cost of Attendance Living with Parents On Campus Off Campus
CA Resident Tuition and Fees (View Components) $18,951 $18,951 $18,951
UC Systemwide Tuition and Fees: $13,470
UC San Diego Campus Fees: $1,071
UC San Diego Health Insurance Fee: $4,410
Living Expenses
Food & Housing for students without dependents
Food & Housing for students with dependents6
$7,716 $23,115 $20,484
Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment $861 $861 $861
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses $1,452 $1,452 $1,452
Transportation Expenses $1,725 $1,725 $1,725
Estimated CA Resident Cost Totals $30,705 $46,104 $43,473
Non-CA Resident Supplemental Tuition $15,102 $15,102 $15,102
Estimated Non-California Resident Cost Totals $45,807 $61,206 $58,575
  1. The Cost of Attendance (COA) does not include the one-time Document fee of $100. COA and award packages are automatically adjusted for incoming students.

  2. The Cost of Attendance (COA) includes the annual UC San Diego Graduate Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP) of $4,410. Read more on how to use UC SHIP or how to waive UC SHIP.

  3. Non-California resident and international students pay Non-Resident Supplemental Tuition (currently $15,102 annually) in addition to charges paid by California resident students. International students will also be billed a one-time International Student Visa Administration fee of $100. International students may apply for Private Education Loans, to assist with educational costs.

  4. The Food & Housing category includes a cost for Snacks & Meals Out. The Snacks & Meals out included in the Living with parents Food & Housing cost is $1,824. The Snacks & Meals out included in the On-Campus Food & Housing cost is $2,022. The Snacks & Meals out included in the Off-Campus Food & Housing cost is $2,055.

  5. The Miscellaneous personal expenses category will be adjusted, along with federal financial aid for students enrolled less than half-time (i.e. less than 6 units). Miscellaneous personal expenses are indirect costs that are not billed to your student account.

  6. Students with Dependents will be given a separate housing allowance in their cost of attendance.

Students enrolled the School of Global Policy and Strategy (GPS), Rady School of Management, Joint Ed.D (UCSD/CSUSM) and other self-supporting professional degree programs will have different fees and budget costs.

For off-campus rental options, including market costs for one-bedroom apartments and other housing arrangements, please refer to the UC San Diego Off-Campus Housing Services website: https://offcampushousing.ucsd.edu/. Please keep in mind, the Cost of Attendance listed above is based on actual student average expenses. You can also view additional information on current typical housing costs near UC campuses here.

  • Students may submit Cost of Attendance Add-On forms with appropriate documentation for rent and utilities, transportation costs, computer purchases and/or increased books and supplies. Submission of a request does not guarantee an approval.

  • Financial Aid and Scholarships Office provides Federal Direct Unsubsidized and Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans and requires the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Private Education Loans are available for domestic and international students. Inquire at the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office for lenders that accept international applicants. Your Major Department and/or the Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs may provide other forms of financial support Graduate registration fees. You may be required to complete and submit the FAFSA to be considered for some types of graduate awards. FAFSAs are available beginning October 1st every year except the 2024-25 FAFSA, which will be available December 2023.

  • Students who are unable to complete the FAFSA and/or California Dream Act Application or who are enrolled in less than half-time (6 units), may be able to apply for a private loan. Private Education Loans are available for domestic and international students. Inquire at the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office for lenders that accept international applicants or review this outside resource finaid.org for helpful information on how to choose and compare lenders.

Financial Aid Estimator

Net Price Calculator

Use this tool to see how much financial aid you may be eligible to receive for in the 2024-25 academic year.

Estimate Your Aid