Question 1

How much is UCLA tuition for the 2026-2027 year?

Accepted Answer

UCLA tuition for California residents is $15,588 per year. Campus fees add another $842, bringing the total to $16,430. Non-resident students pay an additional $39,270 in Nonresident Supplemental Tuition (NRST), for a total of $55,700.

Question 2

What is the total cost of attendance at UCLA?

Accepted Answer

The total estimated cost of attendance for a California resident living on campus is approximately $45,500 per year. This includes tuition, fees, housing, food, books, transportation, personal expenses, and health insurance. Use our calculator on the homepage for a personalized estimate.

Question 3

What is the Nonresident Supplemental Tuition (NRST)?

Accepted Answer

NRST is an additional charge of $39,270 per year that out-of-state and international students pay on top of regular tuition and fees. After establishing California residency for one year, domestic students may be able to petition for reclassification to avoid NRST.

Question 4

Can I waive the UCLA health insurance fee?

Accepted Answer

Yes. UCLA charges $3,885 per year for UC SHIP (Student Health Insurance Plan), but you can waive it if you have comparable health insurance coverage. You must submit a waiver request during the enrollment period each quarter.

Question 5

How much does UCLA housing cost?

Accepted Answer

On-campus housing ranges from about $9,620 per year (triple room in a classic dorm) to $18,348 per year (single suite in Olympic or Centennial Hall). The most common option is a double room in a classic hall at $11,172 per year. Check our Housing Directory for full details on all 17 dorms.

Question 6

Are meal plans required at UCLA?

Accepted Answer

Yes, first-year students living on campus are required to purchase a meal plan. UCLA offers 6 plans (11, 14, or 19 meals per week) in two tiers: Regular plans reset weekly, while Premier plans let unused meals carry over week to week within the same quarter. The most popular choice is the 14 Regular plan. See our Meal Plans page for cost comparisons and recommendations.

Question 7

How has UCLA tuition changed over time?

Accepted Answer

UCLA tuition for California residents has risen from $2,533 in 1998-1999 to $14,934 in 2025-2026 — a nearly 490% increase. The biggest jumps came during the 2009-2011 budget crisis, when tuition spiked by roughly 50% in two years. See our Tuition History chart for the full picture.

Question 8

What financial aid is available at UCLA?

Accepted Answer

UCLA offers grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans. Over 60% of UCLA students receive some form of financial aid. The Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan covers tuition and fees for California residents with family income under $80,000. Start by filing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and the Cal Grant GPA Verification Form.

Question 9

When is FAFSA due for UCLA?

Accepted Answer

The FAFSA opens October 1 each year. For the best chance at UCLA financial aid, submit by March 2 (California's Cal Grant deadline). UCLA's priority filing deadline is also March 2. You can still file after this date, but some aid may no longer be available.

Question 10

Is UCLA cheaper than USC?

Accepted Answer

For California residents, yes — significantly. UCLA's total tuition and fees are $16,430 vs. USC's approximately $68,237 per year. That's a savings of over $50,000 per year. For out-of-state students, the gap narrows but UCLA remains cheaper. See our UCLA vs USC comparison for the full breakdown.

Question 11

How do I estimate my UCLA costs?

Accepted Answer

Use our free Cost Calculator on the homepage. Select your residency status, housing preference, meal plan, and adjust other costs to get a personalized annual estimate. You can also share your estimate with family by clicking the Share button.

Question 12

Does UCLA offer in-state tuition for out-of-state students?

Accepted Answer

Not automatically. Out-of-state domestic students can establish California residency after living in the state for one year for purposes other than education. If approved, NRST is waived starting the following year. International students cannot establish residency for tuition purposes.

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