Cost to Attend UC Santa Cruz – Financial Aid and Scholarships

Cost to Attend UC Santa Cruz – Financial Aid and Scholarships
Cost to Attend UC Santa Cruz
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
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.
2026-27 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.
2026-27 Undergraduate Budgets for
Entering
Students (Fall, Winter, & Spring Terms
Entering Students
On-Campus
Off-Campus
Commuter
Tuition and Fees
$17,490
$17,490
$17,490
Living Expenses
$21,477
$21,522
$8,619
Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment
$1,176
$1,176
$1,176
Transportation
$963
$1,899
$2,808
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses
$2,652
$2,700
$3,039
Campus Health Insurance
$3,870
$3,870
$3,870
Total California Resident Budget
$47,628
$48,657
$37,002
Non-Resident Tuition
$39,270
$39,270
$39,270
Total Non-California Resident Budget
$86,898
$87,927
$76,272
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 2026–27, your costs and your financial aid award may be adjusted. The tuition and fees listed above include $15,588 for tuition/student services fees and $1,901 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 Student Budgets
The 2025-26 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 Fees
$16,785
$16,785
$16,785
Living Expenses
$20,928
$20,904
$8,970
Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment
$1,257
$1,257
$1,257
Transportation
$1,152
$2,247
$3,000
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses
$2,418
$2,481
$2,784
Campus Health Insurance
$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
$16,089
$16,089
$16,089
Living Expenses
$20,928
$20,904
$8,970
Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment
$1,257
$1,257
$1,257
Transportation
$1,152
$2,247
$3,000
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses
$2,418
$2,481
$2,784
Campus Health Insurance
$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 Fees
$15,405
$15,405
$15,405
Living Expenses
$20,928
$20,904
$8,970
Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment
$1,257
$1,257
$1,257
Transportation
$1,152
$2,247
$3,000
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses
$2,418
$2,481
$2,784
Campus Health Insurance
$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 Fees
$14,757
$14,757
$14,757
Living Expenses
$20,928
$20,904
$8,970
Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment
$1,257
$1,257
$1,257
Transportation
$1,152
$2,247
$3,000
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses
$2,418
$2,481
$2,784
Campus Health Insurance
$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 Fees
$14,223
$14,223
$14,223
Living Expenses
$20,928
$20,904
$8,970
Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment
$1,257
$1,257
$1,257
Transportation
$1,152
$2,247
$3,000
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses
$2,418
$2,481
$2,784
Campus Health Insurance
$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.
Master’s Education Program Brochure
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.
Have a question or need support?
We’re here to help.
Location:
205 Hahn Student Services (
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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:
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Last modified: Apr 10, 2026