UCLA

"How To Afford UCLA"

When you are admitted to UCLA, you and your family might have a lot of questions about how you’ll cover the costs of tuition, housing and other necessities. Our financial aid professionals will make every effort to help you afford to pay for your education. Our office is dedicated to helping each family create a strategy that works for them. Thanks to the numerous options available, your education can be affordable.

The No. 1 Best Value University

In 2018, Forbes ranked UCLA the No. 1 best value university, citing our combination of high education quality and low student debt upon graduation.

Most families pay less than the full price, and 46 percent of our undergraduate students pay no tuition at all. We offer an array of housing options and meal plans — as well as financial aid for housing — so that you have flexibility as to how much you pay for room and board. In addition, UCLA offers payment plans for both tuition and housing so that families can make smaller, regular payments throughout the academic year instead of larger payments.

ESTIMATED COSTS FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR 2019-20

(Note: all fees are subject to change)

LIVING IN A RESIDENCE HALL
University Fees	$13,239
Room and Meals*	$16,625
Books and Supplies	$1,464
Transportation	$441
Personal	$1,506
Health Insurance**	$2,516
TOTAL	$35,791
Non-resident Tuition	$29,754
NON-RESIDENT TOTAL	$65,545

* Housing costs may vary, depending on room type and meal plan chosen

** Waived if proof of insurance is provided

Four Types of Financial Aid

Paying for your education should be a partnership between student, family and university. Check out the many ways you can pay for your UCLA education.

1. Scholarships

UCLA offers financial support that may be awarded based on need, academic merit, background, specific talents or professional interests:

• UCLA Regents Scholarships (merit-based)
• UCLA Alumni Scholarships (merit-based)
• UCLA Achievement Scholarships (merit- plus need-based)

Some other important scholarship resources include:

• Searchable scholarship databases: Fastweb, College Board and Sallie Mae.
• UCLA Scholarship Resource Center: This unique center for current UCLA students helps you identify available scholarships, regardless of income level. Services include counseling and workshops.

Don’t forget to check organizations in your hometown, such as the Rotary Club and AmeriCorps, that offer scholarships for community service.

3. Student Loans

In 2018, graduating seniors in the U.S. had an average student loan debt of over $29,800. But for UCLA seniors, the average was much lower — just over $22,390. And virtually all UCLA graduates — 98% of them — successfully manage loan repayment.

The federal government offers low-interest Federal Direct Student Loans for higher education.

There are flexible payment options and other discounts, as well as delayed repayment options. Interest paid on student loans is tax-deductible.

What Parents Can Do

Parents have access to a number of resources, including some that offer tax benefits.

Parent Loans

Parents may take out low-interest education loans from the government and private loans from banks or other lenders. The terms for federal loans to parents are determined by the Department of Education; they are not based on credit scores. Loan payments can be postponed until after the student graduates. Interest paid on parent loans is tax-deductible.

Savings Accounts and Tax Benefits

Some families set up special college savings accounts, such as Coverdell Education Savings Accounts and 529 plans, which enable them to put away money for college tuition and related expenses.

Families can also withdraw money from their 401(k) or 403(b) retirement savings accounts. Withdrawals are penalty-free when the money is used to pay for education.

The government offers tax benefits and credits for higher education. For details, check your tax preparation software or ask your tax preparer.