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Undergraduates Cost of Attendance for 2018-2019

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'll need to attend UC San Diego and how much financial aid you may need to meet that goal. Your actual costs may differ. Your basic cost of attendance may also have add-ons for nonresident costs and orientation fees.

View a printer-friendly version (PDF) of this cost of attendance.

Estimated Basic Cost of Attendance

CA Residents and Non-California Residents

Cost of Attendance Living with Parents On Campus Off Campus
CA Resident Tuition/Feesa, d, e (View Components) $14,199 $14,199 $14,199
UC Systemwide Tuition/Fees: $12,570
UC San Diego Campus Fees: $1,629
Housing and Meals $6,309 $13,788 $13,080
Books and Supplies $1,101 $1,101 $1,101
Transportation $1,473 $519 $1,089
Personal Expenses $1,608 $1,428 $1,566
Estimated CA Resident Cost Totalsb $24,690 $31,035 $31,035
Non-California Resident Supplemental Tuitionc $28,992 $28,992 $28,992
Estimated Non-California Resident Cost Totalsb $53,682 $60,027 $60,027
  1. All new UC San Diego undergraduate students will be billed a one-time Document fee of $165, which is not included in the Tuition/Fees amount. Any prior payments you made to the university (such as Student Intent to Register and Housing deposits) will show as credits towards your fall bill.

  2. The Cost of Attendance (COA) does not include the UC San Diego Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) of $1,971. The COA and award packages will be revised late October for students who do not opt out. For additional UC San Diego SHIP information, visit https://wellness.ucsd.edu/studenthealth/insurance/uc-ship/.

  3. Non-California resident students pay Non-Resident Supplemental Tuition (currently estimated to be $28,992 annually) in addition to charges paid by in-state students. Along with the family’s resources, non-residents will only be considered for Federal Pell Grant, Federal Work-Study, Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, and Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan to help meet their educational costs, if they qualify. Private Education Loans are also available for domestic and international students. Inquire at the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office for lenders that accept international applicants. Loans must be repaid.

  4. All new UC San Diego international students will be assessed a one-time Visa Administration fee of $100, which is not included in the Tuition/Fees amount.

  5. All new UC San Diego freshmen students will be billed an average one-time Orientation fee of $176 and new transfer students an average one-time Orientation fee of $108, which is not included in the Tuition/Fees amount.

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://hdh.ucsd.edu/arch/docs/market_comp.pdf. Please keep in mind, the Cost of Attendance listed above is based on actual student average expenses.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Financial Aid Estimator

Financial Aid Estimator

Use the UC San Diego financial aid calculator to find an early estimate of your full-time cost of attendance and financial aid.

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