Halicioglu Data Science Institute and the Department of Computer Science

Master of Data Science Online, 2 Year Program (Fall or Winter Start)

Cost of Attendance for 2025-2026

These figures may not be final. Actual tuition, fees, and charges are subject to change by the Regents of the University of California or, as authorized, by the President of the University of California. Accordingly, final approved levels and charges may differ from the amounts shown.

Use this estimated cost of attendance to help decide how much money you need to attend Halicioglu Data Science Institute, Department of Computer Science, Master of Data Science Online, 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.

CA Residents and Non-California Residents

Cost of Attendance	Academic Year (33 weeks)
Direct Costs
Academic Year Tuition and Fees UC Per Unit Program Academic Year Costs: $18,720 UC Systemwide Student Services Fees: $1,290 UC San Diego Campus-based Academic Year Fees: $1,125	$21,135

Direct Costs
Living Expenses Food & Housing for students without dependents Food & Housing for students with dependents ¹⁰	$30,264
Indirect Costs
Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment	$696
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses	$2,460
Transportation Expenses	$3,813
UC San Diego Health Insurance Fee (may be waived if covered by private insurance that is equivalent or better.)	$5,820
MDS Basic Cost of Attendance Totals for CA and Non-California Residents	$64,168

Quarterly Breakdown of Tuition and Fees

Cost of Attendance Category	Fall 2025	Winter 2026	Spring 2026
Direct Costs
UC Mandatory Tuition and Fees	$6,240	$6,240	$6,240
UC Systemwide Student Services Fee	$430	$430	$430
UC San Diego Campus-based Fees	$375	$375	$375
UC San Diego Graduate Student Health Insurance Fee (may be waived if covered by private insurance that is equivalent or better.)	$1,940	$1,940	$1,940
Living Expenses Food & Housing for students without dependents Food & Housing for students with dependents ¹⁰	$10,088	$10,088	$10,088
Indirect Costs
Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment	$232	$232	$232
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses	$820	$820	$820
Transportation Expenses	$1,271	$1,271	$1,271
Quarter Cost of Attendance	$21,396	$21,396	$21,396

Notes

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.
The Cost of Attendance (COA) includes the annual UC San Diego Graduate Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP) of $5,820. Read more on how to use UC SHIP or how to waive UC SHIP. (May be waived if covered by private insurance that is equivalent or better.)
Non-California Resident and international students are not charged a Non-California Resident Supplemental Tuition cost. Non-California Residents and California Residents will be considered for Federal Direct Loans only. International students will also be billed a one-time International Student Visa Administration fee of $150. International students may apply for Private Education Loans to assist with educational costs.
The MDS California and Non-California Resident Basic Budget Total for Year 1 Fall Start is $64,188 and Year 2 Fall Start is $42,792. Basic Budget Total for Year 1 Winter Start is $42,792 and Year 2 is $64,188. Students enrolled in the MDS Program are not charged Non-California Resident Supplemental Tuition.
The MDS Program California and Non-California Basic Budget Total is based on the criteria in footnote #7.
The Cost of Attendance (COA) above is based on a student living off-campus. A student living on-campus will have a different COA and can refer to the graduate student cost of attendance budgets for the various components and costs Graduate Students Cost of Attendance.
MDS new and continuing students pay $780 per credit unit. Fall Start, Year 1 of 2, the academic year is based on 8 credit units Fall term, 8 credit units Winter term, and 8 credit units Spring term. In Year 2 of 2, the academic year is based on 8 credit units Fall term and 8 credit units Winter term. Winter Start, Year 1 of 2, the academic year is based on 8 credit units Winter term and 8 credit units Spring term. In Year 2 of 2, the academic year is based on 8 credit units Fall term, 8 credit units Winter term, and 8 credit units Spring term. Actual units taken may vary based on each student’s enrollment. The MDS Program requires 40 completed credit units and is a 2-Year program although some students may finish in less time.
The Food & Housing category includes a cost for Snacks & Meals Out. The Snacks & Meals out included in the On-Campus Food & Housing cost is $9,801. The Snacks & Meals out included in the Off-Campus Food & Housing cost is $9,801.
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.
Students with Dependents will be given a separate allowance in their cost of attendance.

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.

Financial Assistance Information:

Students may submit a Special Circumstance-Cost of Attendance Appeal with appropriate documentation for rent and utilities, transportation costs, computer purchases and/or increased books and supplies. Submission of a request does not guarantee approval.
Federal Direct Unsubsidized and Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans require the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). FAFSAs are available beginning October 1st every year except the 2025-26 FAFSA, which was available December 2024. Your Major Department and/or the Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs may provide other forms of financial support. You may be required to complete and submit the FAFSA to be considered for some types of graduate financial support.
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. Review our comparison tool, ELMSelect for helpful information on how to choose and compare lenders.