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Undergraduates Fall 2023 Cohort 2023 Cohort Cost of Attendance for 2023-2024

The University of California Board of Regents approved a multiyear Tuition Stability Plan on July 22, 2021. The plan helps students and families budget for a UC education by keeping UC tuition stable and predictable and providing new resources for financial aid.

Beginning fall 2022, tuition will be adjusted for each incoming undergraduate class but will subsequently remain flat until the student graduates, for up to six years. For undergraduates who first enrolled in fall 2021 or earlier--including all current undergraduates--tuition will stay flat at current rates for the duration of their enrollment, up to six years. The plan will be up for reauthorization by the Board of Regents in five years.

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. For more information on each Cost of Attendance element visit our Financial Aid Terms webpage.

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 Estimate Your Bill form.

Estimated Basic Cost of Attendance

California Residents and Non-California Residents

Cost of Attendance Living with Parents On Campus Off Campus
Components of CA Resident Tuition and Fees $18,480 $18,480 $18,480
UC Systemwide Tuition and Fees: $13,752
UC San Diego Campus Fees: $2,304
UC San Diego Health Fee: $2,259
UC San Diego One-time Document Fee: $165
Living Expenses
Food & Housing for students without dependents
Food & Housing for students with dependents6
$7,716 $17,325 $15,567
Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment $1,308 $1,308 $1,308
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses $2,049 $1,620 $1,791
Transportation Expenses $2,277 $858 $1,500
Estimated CA Resident Cost Totals $31,830 $39,591 $38,646
Non-California Resident Supplemental Tuition $32,574 $32,574 $32,574
Estimated Non-California Resident Cost Totals $64,404 $72,165 $71,220
  1. The Cost of Attendance (COA) includes the one-time Document fee of $165. 

  2. The Cost of Attendance (COA) includes the annual UC San Diego Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) of $2,259. 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 $32,574 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.

  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 $1,635. The Snacks & Meals out included in the Off-Campus Food & Housing cost is $2,123.

  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.

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.

  • Federal Direct Unsubsidized and Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loans require the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). FAFSAs are available beginning October 1st every year except the 2024-25 FAFSA, which will be available December 2023. Private Education Loans are available for domestic and international students.

  • 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