Summer Session Costs and Budgets
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Summer Session Costs and Budgets
Taking classes in the summer can be a great way to stay on track, explore new subjects, or get ahead in your degree. Because summer enrollment is optional, tuition and financial aid work a little differently than during the fall, winter, and spring. This page outlines estimated summer budgets, financial aid eligibility, and special programs so you can plan with confidence.
Summer Grant Calculator
Our summer grant calculator is a tool to help you estimate the grant amount you may receive for summer enrollment. The estimate is based on the information you provide and may differ from your final financial aid package if the information entered is incorrect. Estimates are not guarantees, are subject to funding availability, and may change if you drop below the required number of credits for federal or institutional aid. For details on eligibility requirements, click here.
Estimated Budgets for Summer 2025
Budgets are used for financial aid purposes and reflect average costs. Your actual tuition and fees may differ; visit the Summer Session website for current tuition rates.
5-Week Session (2025)
| Category | Amount |
| Tuition and Fees | $2,368 |
| Living Expenses | $3,264 |
| Books, Course Materials, Supplies, Equipment | $199 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Expenses | $390 |
| Transportation | $310 |
| Total Budget | $6,531 |
10 (8+) Week Session (2025)
| Category | Amount |
| Tuition and Fees | $3,994 |
| Living Expenses | $6,528 |
| Books, Course Materials, Supplies, Equipment | $398 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Expenses | $781 |
| Transportation | $621 |
| Total Budget | $12,322 |
Eligibility for Summer Aid
Federal, state, and institutional aid is available for current and newly admitted UC Santa Cruz students who enroll in summer courses at UC Santa Cruz or another UC campus.
To be considered for aid, you must:
- Complete the current FAFSA or Dream Application (school code: 001321) by June 30. The priority date for most students is June 1.
- Meet minimum credit enrollment requirements:
- Undergraduates
- 6+ credits: eligible for federal and state aid.
- 12+ credits: eligible for the Summer University Grant (must also be grant-eligible during the regular academic year).
- Pell-eligible students taking 6+ credits may also qualify for grant funding.
- Graduate students
- 5+ credits: eligible for federal aid.
- Graduate students are not eligible for the Summer University Grant.
- Undergraduates
- If you are not applying for aid and are paying tuition directly, these credit minimums do not apply.
Important: Summer aid packages are typically smaller than those offered during fall, winter, and spring.
Summer Dream Grant
Dreamers with high financial need, as determined by the Dream Act Application, are eligible for the Summer Dream Grant. This grant is designed to help cover the cost of tuition & fees, which total $3,132. Additionally, based on individual financial need, students may also qualify for university grants to assist with living expenses.
Changes to Aid Eligibility
Financial aid may be canceled or decreased if eligibility requirements are not met, resulting in a bill to your account. Your financial aid eligibility will decrease if:
- If you drop below 12 credits.
- If you enroll in 12 or more credits in Sessions 1 and 2 but then decide to take all 12 credits in one session.
- If you withdraw from a course or the summer quarter
- If you take an incomplete “I” and receive non-passing (Fs, NP) grades
If you are considering withdrawing from summer courses, please review our Summer Withdrawal Policy and Form.
Below are examples of how enrollment changes impact a student’s grant eligibility.
| Example 1: Student enrolled in 8+ weeks, 12 credits, 0 SAI | The same student drops to 10 credits and remains enrolled in 8+ weeks, 0 SAI |
| Tuition: $3,348 Total Estimated Grant: $5,600 | Tuition: $2,790 Total Estimated Grant: $1,849 |
| Example 2: Student enrolls in 8+ weeks, 12 credits, 0 Expected Family Contribution | The same student remains enrolled in 12 credits but decides to enroll in a 5-week session instead of 8+ weeks; 0 SAI |
| Tuition: $3,348 Total Estimated Grant: $5,600 | Tuition: $3,348 Total Estimated Grant: $3,400 |
Accepting and Maintaining Aid
- Accept your summer aid in MyUCSC so funds can be applied to your bill.
- Your aid may be canceled or reduced if you:
- Drop below the required credit minimum.
- Change from 12 credits across two sessions to 12 credits in one session.
Withdraw from a course or from summer entirely. - Take an incomplete (“I”) or receive non-passing grades.
- Intercampus students: Fail to provide an unofficial transcript confirming credit completion.
Summer Intercampus Enrollment
UC Santa Cruz students may take summer courses at another UC campus through the Intercampus Visitor Program. This option allows you to enroll in classes not offered at UCSC, join special programs, or study with faculty at other UC campuses.
How to Apply for Summer Intercampus Aid
To receive financial aid for summer intercampus study, you must:
- Complete a 2024–25 FAFSA or Dream Application (school code: 001321) by June 30, 2025.
- Submit the Summer Intercampus Form with proof of enrollment by June 1.
- Provide an unofficial transcript confirming completion of the credits you received aid for by the due date. If not submitted, your aid will be canceled.
Enrollment Requirements
- 6+ credits: required for federal and state aid.
- 8+ credits: required to be considered for the Summer University Grant (must also be grant-eligible during the academic year).
- Study abroad through Intercampus: must complete 6+ credits to be considered for federal, state, and Summer University Grant funding.
Important Notes
- Your aid will be paid directly to you by UC Santa Cruz. You are responsible for paying summer charges at the host campus.
- Students who meet eligibility will be offered a combination of grants and/or loans depending on financial need.
- Summer aid is generally less than fall, winter, or spring packages.
- Credit minimums do not apply to students who are paying tuition out of pocket.
- Pell-eligible undergraduates taking 6+ credits may qualify for additional grant funding.
Summer Edge
Summer Edge gives entering first-year and transfer students a head start on their UC Santa Cruz experience. Students take required summer courses, connect with peers, and get early access to campus resources. Learn more about Summer Edge programs
Use the Summer Edge Calculator to get an idea of your potential Summer Edge award. Enter your Student Aid Index (SAI) from your 2024–25 FAFSA or Dream Application. Estimates are based on the information you provide and are subject to change depending on accuracy and funding availability.
Summer Edge Costs
- Tuition per credit: $279
- One-time campus fee: $344.90 (only charged once for the summer; subject to approval)
- Required minimum enrollment to maximize financial aid eligibility: 7 credits
The average estimated budget for Summer Edge students is $12,322. This includes tuition, housing, personal expenses, books and supplies, and transportation.
Example of Billed Costs
| Category | First-Year Example | Transfer Example |
| Tuition & Campus Fee | $2,297.90* | $3,134.90* |
| Health Insurance (UC SHIP, est.) | ~$573** | ~$905** |
| Total Billed Costs | $2,870.90* | $4,039.90* |
*Grant funding available, billed costs, and examples of aid packages are estimates based on 2024-25 costs and are subject to change. The 2025 Campus Fee is subject to the Chancellor’s approval.
**Students are required to have health insurance. You may waive UC SHIP with proof of comparable coverage. See the Student Health Center for rates. Rates shown are estimates for 2024–25.
Note on Verification: Required by state/federal regulations; your aid may be adjusted based on family income, assets, or other factors.
Examples of Summer Edge Financial Aid Packages
| Type of Student | Credits | SAI / EFC | Estimated Aid Available | Aid Total |
| First-Year, Dependent | 7 credits (8+ weeks) | –1000 SAI | Pell Grant: $1,236 Summer Edge Promise Award: $2,298 University Grant: $2,299* Subsidized Loan: $3,500 Unsubsidized Loan: $2,000 Parent PLUS Loan: $989 | $12,322 |
| Transfer, Independent | 10 credits (8+ weeks) | 0 SAI | Pell Grant: $2,045 Summer Edge Promise Award: $3,135 University Grant: $820* Subsidized Loan: $5,500 Unsubsidized Loan: $822 | $12,322 |
*Grant funding available, billed costs, and examples of aid packages are estimates based on 2024-25 costs and are subject to change.
Summer Edge Eligibility Requirements
To assist with the costs of participating in Summer Edge, the Financial Aid & Scholarship Office offers financial aid to students who meet the eligibility criteria. Need-based aid, such as grants and subsidized loans, is offered based on financial need as determined by the information provided on the FAFSA or Dream Application. No-need financial aid, such as unsubsidized and parent-plus loans, is also available.
To receive financial aid for Summer Edge, students must:
- Submit the current FAFSA or Dream Application by June 30 (in addition to the FAFSA/Dream App for the upcoming academic year).
Transfer students: If you applied for aid at another school, update your FAFSA/Dream Application to include UC Santa Cruz School Code 001321. - Complete the verification process if selected, by uploading required documents in MyAid Verify.
- Enroll and complete a minimum of 7 credits. Changing your credit load may reduce or cancel aid.
Aid may be decreased or canceled if:
- You drop below 7 credits.
- You withdraw from a course or from the summer quarter.
Your admission is canceled, deferred, or you withdraw your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR).
Summer Edge Promise Award
All students with high financial need, as determined by the FAFSA or Dream Act Application, are eligible for the Summer Edge Promise Award. This award covers the 7-credit Summer Edge Program minimum tuition and Campus Fee. Students with greater financial need may be eligible for additional need-based aid.
Examples of Summer Edge Promise Award Financial Aid Packages
| Type of Student | Credits | EFC | Estimated Aid Available | Aid Total |
| First-Year, Dependent | 7 credits (8+ weeks) | 1000 EFC | Pell Grant: $1,074 Summer Edge Promise Award: $2,295 University Grant: $2,065* Subsidized Loan: $3,500 Unsubsidized Loan: $2,000 Parent PLUS Loan: $21 | $10,955 |
| Transfer, Independent | 10 credits (8+ weeks) | 0 EFC | Pell Grant: $1,849 Summer Edge Promise Award: $2,295 University Grant: $1,456* Subsidized Loan: $5,355 Unsubsidized Loan: $0 | $10,955 |
*Grant funding available, billed costs, and examples of aid packages are estimates based on 2024-25 costs and are subject to change.
Contact Us
Have a question or need support? We’re here to help.
Location: 205 Hahn Student Services (view map)
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