Cost to Attend UC Santa Cruz
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Cost to Attend UC Santa Cruz
Your financial aid is based on a standard student budget that reflects the typical costs of attending UC Santa Cruz. These budgets are used to determine your eligibility for financial aid and vary depending on your student type and where you plan to live.
Each budget includes estimated expenses for tuition and fees, housing, food, books and course materials, transportation, and personal costs. Use the links below to view the full breakdown for your situation.
Summer enrollment has separate tuition rates and aid rules. For details, see the Summer Session Costs and Budgets page.
2025-26 Undergraduate Student Budgets
Standard budgets are used to determine how much financial aid students receive. UC establishes standard budgets for students using statistical data from a variety of sources, including periodic surveys of UC Santa Cruz students. Students are assigned one of three budget types—on-campus, off-campus, or commuter—based on the housing plan they selected when completing the FAFSA or Dream Application. Standard budgets do not include living expenses for winter and spring breaks.
The undergraduate budgets for entering and continuing students are outlined below.
2025-26 Undergraduate Budgets for Entering Students (Fall, Winter, & Spring Terms)
| Entering Students | On-Campus | Off-Campus | Commuter |
| Tuition and Fees1 | $16,785 | $16,785 | $16,785 |
| Living Expenses2 | $20,928 | $20,904 | $8,970 |
| Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment2 | $1,257 | $1,257 | $1,257 |
| Transportation2 | $1,152 | $2,247 | $3,000 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Expenses2 | $2,418 | $2,481 | $2,784 |
| Campus Health Insurance3 | $3,756 | $3,756 | $3,756 |
| Total California Resident Budget | $46,296 | $47,430 | $36,552 |
| Non-Resident Tuition | $37,602 | $37,602 | $37,602 |
| Total Non-California Resident Budget | $83,898 | $85,032 | $74,154 |
1. The tuition and fees posted here are estimates based on currently approved amounts. These figures may not be final. Actual tuition, fees, and charges are subject to change by the Regents of the University of California and could be affected by increases or reductions in State funding or other developments. If different tuition and fee levels are approved for 2025–26, your costs and your financial aid award may be adjusted. The tuition and fees listed above include $14,934 for tuition/student services fees and $1,851 for campus fees. You can find more tuition information on the Office of the Registrar site.
Some or all instruction for all or part of the academic year 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 and fees 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. Final approved tuition and fee levels may differ from the amounts presented.
2. The listed amounts represent an average cost for students. Average amounts are determined annually based on statistical data from a variety of sources, including periodic surveys of UC Santa Cruz students. Your individual cost may vary. For off-campus rental options, including market costs for one-bedroom apartments and other housing arrangements, please refer to the UCSC Community Rentals website. Additional information on typical housing costs near UC campuses is also available.
3. The University of California Regents mandate that all students be covered by a health insurance plan. All full- and part-time undergraduate students are automatically enrolled in and charged for the University of California Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP) unless they choose to submit an online insurance waiver confirming they have comparable health insurance coverage to the Health Center. Please note: financial aid will not cover partial health insurance costs for students who choose to waive out of UC SHIP. Read more on how to use UC SHIP or how to waive UC SHIP.
2025-26 Undergraduate Budgets for Continuing Students who started at UCSC in 2024-25 (Fall, Winter, & Spring Terms)
| Entering Students | On-Campus | Off-Campus | Commuter |
| Tuition and Fees 1 | $16,089 | $16,089 | $16,089 |
| Living Expenses2 | $20,928 | $20,904 | $8,970 |
| Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment2 | $1,257 | $1,257 | $1,257 |
| Transportation2 | $1,152 | $2,247 | $3,000 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Expenses2 | $2,418 | $2,481 | $2,784 |
| Campus Health Insurance3 | $3,756 | $3,756 | $3,756 |
| Total California Resident Budget | $45,600 | $46,734 | $35,856 |
| Non-Resident Tuition | $34,200 | $34,200 | $34,200 |
| Total Non-California Resident Budget | $79,800 | $80,934 | $70,056 |
1. The tuition and fees posted here are estimates based on currently approved amounts. These figures may not be final. Actual tuition, fees, and charges are subject to change by the Regents of the University of California and could be affected by increases or reductions in State funding or other developments. If different tuition and fee levels are approved for 2025–26, your costs and your financial aid award may be adjusted. You can find more tuition information on the Office of the Registrar site.
Some or all instruction for all or part of the academic year 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 and fees 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. Final approved tuition and fee levels may differ from the amounts presented.
2. The listed amounts represent an average cost for students. Average amounts are determined annually based on statistical data from a variety of sources, including periodic surveys of UC Santa Cruz students. Your individual cost may vary. For off-campus rental options, including market costs for one-bedroom apartments and other housing arrangements, please refer to the UCSC Community Rentals website. Additional information on typical housing costs near UC campuses is also available.
3. The University of California Regents mandate that all students be covered by a health insurance plan. All full- and part-time undergraduate students are automatically enrolled in and charged for the University of California Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP) unless they choose to submit an online insurance waiver confirming they have comparable health insurance coverage to the Health Center. Please note: financial aid will not cover partial health insurance costs for students who choose to waive out of UC SHIP. Read more on how to use UC SHIP or how to waive UC SHIP.
2025-26 Undergraduate Budgets for Continuing Students who started at UCSC in 2023-24 (Fall, Winter, & Spring Terms)
| Continuing Students | On-Campus | Off-Campus | Commuter |
| Tuition and Fees1 | $15,405 | $15,405 | $15,405 |
| Living Expenses2 | $20,928 | $20,904 | $8,970 |
| Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment2 | $1,257 | $1,257 | $1,257 |
| Transportation2 | $1,152 | $2,247 | $3,000 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Expenses2 | $2,418 | $2,481 | $2,784 |
| Campus Health Insurance3 | $3,756 | $3,756 | $3,756 |
| Total California Resident Budget | $44,916 | $46,050 | $35,172 |
| Non-Resident Tuition | $32,574 | $32,574 | $32,574 |
| Total Non-California Resident Budget | $77,490 | $78,624 | $67,746 |
1. The tuition and fees posted here are estimates based on currently approved amounts. These figures may not be final. Actual tuition, fees, and charges are subject to change by the Regents of the University of California and could be affected by increases or reductions in State funding or other developments. If different tuition and fee levels are approved for 2025–26, your costs and your financial aid award may be adjusted. You can find more tuition information on the Office of the Registrar site.
Some or all instruction for all or part of the academic year 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 and fees 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. Final approved tuition and fee levels may differ from the amounts presented.
2. The listed amounts represent an average cost for students. Average amounts are determined annually based on statistical data from a variety of sources, including periodic surveys of UC Santa Cruz students. Your individual cost may vary. For off-campus rental options, including market costs for one-bedroom apartments and other housing arrangements, please refer to the UCSC Community Rentals website. Additional information on typical housing costs near UC campuses is also available.
3. The University of California Regents mandate that all students be covered by a health insurance plan. All full- and part-time undergraduate students are automatically enrolled in and charged for the University of California Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP) unless they choose to submit an online insurance waiver confirming they have comparable health insurance coverage to the Health Center. Please note: financial aid will not cover partial health insurance costs for students who choose to waive out of UC SHIP. Read more on how to use UC SHIP or how to waive UC SHIP.*The listed Books, Course Materials, Supplies, Equipment, Transportation, and Miscellaneous Personal Expenses amounts represent an average cost for students. Average amounts are determined annually based on statistical data from a variety of sources, including periodic surveys of UC Santa Cruz students. Your individual cost may vary.
2025-26 Undergraduate Budgets for Continuing students who started at UCSC in 2022-23 (Fall, Winter, & Spring Terms)
| Continuing Students | On-Campus | Off-Campus | Commuter |
| Tuition and Fees1 | $14,757 | $14,757 | $14,757 |
| Living Expenses2 | $20,928 | $20,904 | $8,970 |
| Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment2 | $1,257 | $1,257 | $1,257 |
| Transportation2 | $1,152 | $2,247 | $3,000 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Expenses2 | $2,418 | $2,481 | $2,784 |
| Campus Health Insurance3 | $3,756 | $3,756 | $3,756 |
| Total California Resident Budget | $44,268 | $45,402 | $34,524 |
| Non-Resident Tuition | $31,026 | $31,026 | $31,026 |
| Total Non-California Resident Budget | $75,444 | $76,428 | $65,550 |
1. The tuition and fees posted here are estimates based on currently approved amounts. These figures may not be final. Actual tuition, fees, and charges are subject to change by the Regents of the University of California and could be affected by increases or reductions in State funding or other developments. If different tuition and fee levels are approved for 2025–26, your costs and your financial aid award may be adjusted. You can find more tuition information on the Office of the Registrar site.
Some or all instruction for all or part of the academic year 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 and fees 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. Final approved tuition and fee levels may differ from the amounts presented.
2. The listed amounts represent an average cost for students. Average amounts are determined annually based on statistical data from a variety of sources, including periodic surveys of UC Santa Cruz students. Your individual cost may vary. For off-campus rental options, including market costs for one-bedroom apartments and other housing arrangements, please refer to the UCSC Community Rentals website. Additional information on typical housing costs near UC campuses is also available.
3. The University of California Regents mandate that all students be covered by a health insurance plan. All full- and part-time undergraduate students are automatically enrolled in and charged for the University of California Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP) unless they choose to submit an online insurance waiver confirming they have comparable health insurance coverage to the Health Center. Please note: financial aid will not cover partial health insurance costs for students who choose to waive out of UC SHIP. Read more on how to use UC SHIP or how to waive UC SHIP.
2025-26 Undergraduate Budgets for Continuing students who started at UCSC prior to 2022-23 (Fall, Winter, & Spring Terms)
| Continuing Students | On-Campus | Off-Campus | Commuter |
| Tuition and Fees1 | $14,223 | $14,223 | $14,223 |
| Living Expenses2 | $20,928 | $20,904 | $8,970 |
| Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment2 | $1,257 | $1,257 | $1,257 |
| Transportation2 | $1,152 | $2,247 | $3,000 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Expenses2 | $2,418 | $2,481 | $2,784 |
| Campus Health Insurance3 | $3,756 | $3,756 | $3,756 |
| Total California Resident Budget | $43,734 | $45,868 | $33,990 |
| Non-Resident Tuition | $29,754 | $29,754 | $29,754 |
| Total Non-California Resident Budget | $73,488 | $74,622 | $63,894 |
1. The tuition and fees posted here are estimates based on currently approved amounts. These figures may not be final. Actual tuition, fees, and charges are subject to change by the Regents of the University of California and could be affected by increases or reductions in State funding or other developments. If different tuition and fee levels are approved for 2025–26, your costs and your financial aid award may be adjusted. You can find more tuition information on the Office of the Registrar site.
Some or all instruction for all or part of the academic year 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 and fees 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. Final approved tuition and fee levels may differ from the amounts presented.
2. The listed amounts represent an average cost for students. Average amounts are determined annually based on statistical data from a variety of sources, including periodic surveys of UC Santa Cruz students. Your individual cost may vary. For off-campus rental options, including market costs for one-bedroom apartments and other housing arrangements, please refer to the UCSC Community Rentals website. Additional information on typical housing costs near UC campuses is also available.
3. The University of California Regents mandate that all students be covered by a health insurance plan. All full- and part-time undergraduate students are automatically enrolled in and charged for the University of California Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP) unless they choose to submit an online insurance waiver confirming they have comparable health insurance coverage to the Health Center. Please note: financial aid will not cover partial health insurance costs for students who choose to waive out of UC SHIP. Read more on how to use UC SHIP or how to waive UC SHIP.
2025-26 Graduate Student Budgets
2025-26 Graduate Student Budgets (Fall, Winter, and Spring Terms)
| On-Campus | Off-Campus | Commuter | |
| Tuition and Fees | $15,924 | $15,924 | $15,924 |
| Living Expenses | $26,202 | $26,202 | $8,970 |
| Books, Course Materials, Supplies, & Equipment | $1,869 | $1,869 | $1,869 |
| Transportation | $3,867 | $3,867 | $3,867 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Expenses | $2,820 | $2,820 | $2,820 |
| Campus Health Insurance | $6,756 | $6,756 | $6,756 |
| Total California Resident Budget | $57,438 | $57,438 | $40,206 |
| Non-Resident Tuition | $15,102 | $15,102 | $15,102 |
| Total Non-California Resident Budget | $72,540 | $72,540 | $55,308 |
Important notes about graduate student tuition and fees:
- The tuition and fees listed are estimates based on currently approved amounts. They may change at any time by action of the University of California Regents and could also be affected by changes in state funding or other developments. Final approved amounts (and a student’s actual balance due) may differ from those shown.
- The amount listed above includes $14,430 for tuition and student services fees and $1,493 for campus fees. It does not include any professional degree fees specific to certain programs. Learn more about professional degree fees.
- Some or all instruction may be delivered remotely during the academic year. Tuition and fees are charged regardless of the method of instruction and will not be refunded if classes are taught remotely.
- Housing costs: View on-campus housing rates. For information on the market cost of nearby apartments and private housing, see this resource.
- Health insurance: All graduate students are automatically enrolled in the University of California Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP). Students with comparable insurance may submit an online waiver to opt out.
2025-26 Budget for Master’s Program in Education
Estimated 2025-2026 Budget for Master’s Program in Education
| Summer 2025 | Academic Year | Summer 2026 | Entire Cost | |
| Tuition and Fees | $4,248 | $15,924 | $1,395 | $21,567 |
| Living Expenses | $4,896 | $26,202 | $3,036 | $34,134 |
| Books, Course Materials, Supplies, & Equipment | $118 | $1,869 | $73 | $2,060 |
| Transportation | $661 | $3,867 | $412 | $4,940 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Expenses | $538 | $2,820 | $332 | $3,684 |
| Campus Health Insurance | $1,045 | $6,756 | N/A | $7,801 |
| Total California Resident Budget | $11,500 | $57,438 | $5,248 | $74,186 |
| Non-Resident Tuition | N/A | $15,102 | N/A | $15,102 |
| Total Non-California Resident Budget | $11,500 | $72,540 | $5,248 | $89,228 |
Cost Notes
- Estimated additional costs: Plan for $1,000–$1,500 in expenses beyond tuition and university fees. Amounts are subject to change.
- Summer 2026 tuition/fees: Calculated on 5 credits, the minimum enrollment to remain eligible for federal and state financial aid programs.
Program Timeline & Billing
- Start: Summer session (6 weeks, full-time)
- Academic year: Fall, Winter, Spring
- Finish: Following summer (4 weeks, part-time)
- Program length: Five quarters total — three regular quarters and two summer mini-quarters
- Billing: The total program cost is based on all five quarters.
- Academic years: The program spans two academic years because it runs over two summers.
How standard budgets are determined
Standard budgets are used to determine how much financial aid students receive. UC establishes standard budgets for students using statistical data from a variety of sources including periodic surveys of UC Santa Cruz students. Students are assigned one of the following 3 budget types based on the housing plan they selected when completing the FAFSA or Dream Application.
- On-Campus budgets – for students living in campus housing
- Off-Campus budgets – for students living in non-campus owned housing
- Commuter budgets – for students living with family
Standard budgets take into account basic expenses a student will have each year including the following:
- Tuition and fees
- Food and housing (includes room, board, groceries, and utilities)
- Books and supplies (includes books, supplies, course fees, data services, software, etc.)
- Personal expenses (includes toiletries, laundry, clothing, and entertainment)
- Transportation (includes an allowance for traveling to and from home and a pro-rated allowance for vehicle insurance and registration)
- Health Insurance (an allowance for health insurance)
Standard budgets do not include living expenses for winter and spring breaks.
Contact Us
Have a question or need support? We’re here to help.
Location: 205 Hahn Student Services (view map)
In-Person Advising: Monday–Friday, 1 – 5 p.m.
Phone and Zoom Advising (Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.):
Phone: Call (669) 900-6833
Zoom: Join Zoom drop-in