Understanding UC San Diego Tuition and Fees
The University of California San Diego (UCSD) is a highly-regarded public university located in San Diego, California. For prospective students, the UC San Diego tuition is a significant factor to consider alongside campus life and academic programs. Like many institutions, the University of California San Diego tuition is subject to increases. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the University of California San Diego tuition cost from various perspectives, including in-state and out-of-state rates, and the average cost of attendance, taking into account financial aid and scholarships.
Base Tuition and Fees
UCSD operates on a quarter system, with the academic year divided into fall, winter, and spring quarters. According to UCSD's official data, the base yearly UCSD tuition is $3,976 per quarter for California residents. In addition to tuition, there are systemwide fees that cover campus activities and facilities. First-year admitted students also have a one-time $165 document fee.
Tuition for Residents vs. Non-Residents
The UCSD tuition out of state per quarter is significantly higher. For the 2022-2023 academic year, nonresidents were required to pay $10,342 in supplemental tuition per quarter. This supplemental UCSD tuition applies to both international and domestic out-of-state students.
Annual Cost of Attendance
While quarterly payments are common, some students prefer to pay for the entire academic year upfront. UC San Diego provides detailed data on tuition for its various schools through the UCSD admissions office.
For the incoming class of 2023, UC San Diego tuition and fees for in-state students totaled $18,480. The total UCSD cost for in-state students ranges from $31,830 to $39,591, depending on living arrangements. Housing options significantly influence these cost estimates, with students living with parents and commuting paying the least, and those in on-campus dorms paying the most. These figures are estimates and can vary based on a student's course load and lifestyle.
Read also: Navigating UC San Diego's College System
The UCSD tuition out of state is higher due to the supplemental tuition. For 2023, the supplemental UCSD tuition was $32,574 per year. In addition to UCSD tuition, students must also factor in room and board, books, and other expenses. There are no specific additional charges for nonresident UCSD students, but transportation costs to and from UCSD should be considered.
Why the Difference in Tuition?
The University of California system is a state university system that prioritizes serving California residents. To make higher education accessible, in-state tuition is lower at all UC schools.
Tuition Stability Plan
UCSD is addressing tuition inflation by implementing a tuition lock for students enrolling from fall 2022 onwards. Continuing students enrolled before fall 2022 will maintain their previous year's tuition rate. However, new students will have a higher UCSD tuition rate that will remain constant throughout their enrollment. The University of California Board of Regents approved a multiyear Tuition Stability Plan on July 22, 2021. 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.
Additional Fees and Expenses
Full payment of all fees is required to complete registration.
- Material Fees: Some courses may require material fees, which all enrolled students must pay.
- Travel Study Courses and Global Seminars: These programs have a Program Fee in addition to tuition.
Summer Session Fees
During the summer, all UC San Diego undergraduates pay the same fees, regardless of their residency status. Summer Session allows students to take classes online or in-person at an accelerated pace. This can be cost-effective by helping students graduate earlier and avoid future flat-rate quarters.
Read also: UCSD Summer Tuition Explained
Health Insurance
Health insurance is a mandatory condition of enrollment. Students are automatically enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) but may qualify for a health fee waiver if they already have adequate insurance coverage.
Cost of Attendance
As you’re comparing costs of different institutions, also consider the total cost and the net price. The total cost is the sticker price, plus the cost of food and housing, books and supplies, and transportation and personal expenses. At University of California San Diego, the total cost is $42,639 for in-state students and $76,839 for out-of-state students.
Direct Costs
These are charges included in the cost of attendance that the student pays directly to the institution. Actual charges may vary by student. Estimated Cost of Attendance amounts are subject to change.
- Systemwide Tuition and Fees: These include Tuition, the Student Services Fee, and (if applicable) Nonresident Supplemental Tuition, assessed annually.
- Campus-based Fees: These fees support various student-related services like student government and transportation.
- Health Fees: A charge billed to the student’s university student account, unless a waiver is approved.
- One-time document fee: A one-time fee.
- Food and Housing (Living expenses): Includes housing fees or rent, utilities, telephone, meals, and groceries.
Indirect Costs
These are not charged to the student’s university student account.
- Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment
- Transportation
- Personal Expenses
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Despite the high University of California San Diego tuition and fees, the actual UCSD cost of attendance is often lower due to financial aid and scholarships. Although California state grants aren’t available to nonresidents, a variety of scholarships are available for UCSD students. These range from full-tuition UCSD scholarship programs to smaller awards. Some scholarships require only a strong UCSD application, while others have a separate application process.
Read also: Choosing a UCSD Diploma Frame
The Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan covers UC's systemwide tuition and fees for financial aid-eligible California residents with an annual family income under $80,000.
Don’t let high base tuition prevent you from applying to the college of your choice. With so many renowned majors and faculty, UCSD is bound to attract students from all over the nation and the world. In fact, about 15% of UCSD undergraduate students are from abroad. As non-Californians, international students pay supplemental UC San Diego tuition. Therefore, the UCSD cost of attendance is significantly higher than for California residents. Although these are the only formal charges, there are many other costs associated with attending college abroad.
Financial Resources for International Students
Once an international applicant has received an offer of admission, he/she must provide in a financial statement the amount and source of the funds he/she will use for graduate study in the United States. Written evidence of sufficient financial resources must be provided before visa forms will be issued.
Applying for California Residency
All eligible students are encouraged to apply for California state residency for tuition purposes as soon as possible. Admitted students are provided information about how to apply for residency.
Private Education Loans
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.
Cost of Attendance Add-Ons
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.
Understanding the Breakdown of Costs
We know that the cost of earning a degree is a significant financial investment. Understanding the breakdown of costs and how UC San Diego’s comprehensive financial aid program helps students afford costs will allow you to plan ahead for your future.
The amount of grants and scholarships offered are subject to change and may be prorated based on a student’s actual budget type (e.g., residence hall versus off-campus apartment). UC San Diego reserves the right to adjust financial aid offers to correct any awarding errors. Changes to qualifying information or revisions of federal, state, or institutional policy may result in updates to aid eligibility and adjustments of financial aid offers.
Tuition and Fees for 2025-2026 Academic Year
Find tuition and fees for the 2025-2026 academic year for UC San Diego's undergraduate programs. All fees are subject to change. Some or all instruction for all or part of Academic Year 2025-2026 may be delivered remotely. Tuition and 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. Figures for tuition represent currently approved amounts and may not be final. Actual tuition and fees are subject to change by the University of California as determined to be necessary or appropriate.
