Skip to main content

Undergraduates Cost of Attendance for 2021-2022

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 determine 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.

Based on three quarters, Full-Time Enrollment for Undergraduate Students. ESTIMATE your expected direct UC San Diego costs using your estimated financial aid awards from your College Financing Plan (CFP) to fill out the 2021-22 Estimate Your Bill form.

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

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) $14,733 $14,733 $14,733
UC Systemwide Tuition/Fees: $12,570
UC San Diego Campus Fees: $2,163
Housing and Meals $7,116 $16,026 $14,385
Books and Supplies $1,152 $1,152 $1,152
Personal Expenses $1,815 $1,434 $1,590
Transportation Expenses $2,019 $765 $1,335
Estimated CA Resident Cost Totals $26,835 $34,110 $33,195
Non-California Resident Supplemental Tuition $29,754 $29,754 $29,754
Estimated Non-California Resident Cost Totals $56,589 $63,864 $62,949

Mandatory university charges for tuition and student services help cover infrastructure and ongoing operations such as the delivery of instruction and the cost of student services such as registration, financial aid, remote academic advising and tutoring. Tuition and mandatory 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.

Campus-based fees support campus services, maintain facilities, and broadly support and preserve the campus infrastructure. As campus operations adjust to the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, our dedicated team of professionals remains committed to delivering the highest quality service possible. Campus-based fees will continue to be collected and will not be refunded.


  1. The Cost of Attendance (COA) does not include the Document fee of $165. COA and award packages are automatically adjusted for incoming students.

  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://shwadmin.ucsd.edu/uc-ship/index.html.

  3. Non-California resident and international students pay Non-Resident Supplemental Tuition (currently $29,754 annually) in addition to charges paid by California resident students. To assist with educational costs, Non-California residents will be considered for federal aid only: Federal Pell Grant, Federal Work-Study and Federal Direct Loans. 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.

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.

  • 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

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