University of California
10/02/2025 | News release | Distributed by Public on 10/02/2025 18:43
10 tips on financial aid at the University of California. For starters: More than half of students pay no tuition.
If you want to apply to the University of California, don't let worries about cost get in your way. UC has one of the strongest financial aid programs in the nation, with more than half of California undergraduates getting enough financial aid to cover all their tuition.
Here are 10 more facts about the cost of a UC education that may surprise you:
1. The majority of UC's California undergrads get financial aid.
Nearly 70 percent of UC's California undergrads get grants and scholarships. We're not talking loans. This is money for school that doesn't need to be paid back.
2. UC tuition is fully covered for more than half of California students.
67%
of UC undergrads get grants and scholarships
That's no typo. For most in-state students, if your household income is $100K or less, your UC tuition payment is ZERO. In fact, more than 54 percent of UC's California undergrads pay no tuition at all.
3. A debt-free path is possible.
Not only do a majority of California undergrads get help with tuition, but nearly two-thirds of the Class of 2025 graduated without any student loans, according to UC estimates.
54%
of CA undergrads pay no UC tuition
If you do take out loans, know that UC students borrow far less than the national average. And special low-interest loans are available to both parents and students.
4. There's financial help for middle-class families too.
Costs are on the rise for just about everything, and middle-income families are feeling the pinch. Through its Middle-Class Scholarship program, California provides college dollars for families with annual incomes up to $250K.
64%
of UC's Class of 2025 finished with zero student loans
5. You're likely to get money. And more than you realize.
Lots of college applicants don't think they'll qualify for aid. But UC has one of the best financial aid programs in the country, and it's a good bet you'll be pleasantly surprised. Another surprise: Many financial aid applicants get more than they expected.
$22,000
Average UC grant and scholarship award for CA students
UC financial aid calculator
UC's systemwide Financial Aid Calculator provides a simple way to estimate the amount of grants and scholarships you could receive before you fill out the online Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as the FAFSA. It'll give you a quick picture of what your total UC costs are likely to be.
Get an estimate
6. You can count on tuition staying flat.
There are no surprises with UC tuition. What you pay as a first-year undergraduate is likely to be the same amount you'll pay as a senior, making it easier to plan and budget.
7. Financial aid goes beyond tuition.
For California students, the average undergrad financial aid award covers more than tuition, providing about $6,500 more in grants and scholarships to help with costs like food, housing and living expenses.
8. There's money for undocumented Californians, too.
Everyone should have access to education. If you're an undocumented Californian, you may be eligible for state and UC dollars through the California Dream Act.
9. Think billions.
Last year University of California students received $1 billion in scholarships and grants from UC; $1 billion from the state of California; and another $1 billion from federal and private sources. That's $3 billion in grant money that doesn't ever need to be paid back.
Don't leave money on the table! Fill out the FAFSA to ensure you get as much aid as possible.
9. UC is an investment with a high return.
UC graduates out-earn other California college grads. They they also earn a whopping 84 percent more in lifetime earnings than their peers without a degree.
Don't just take our word for it: Princeton Review and Money agree that the University of California offers the best educational value in the United States, and all nine campuses made the U.S. News & World Report list of top-performing schools for social mobility. UC also leads the Forbes Top Colleges list, which ranks schools not only in terms of academics but also return on investment for students. With all the economic, social and personal advantages that come with a UC degree, it's an investment that's hard to beat.
How to apply for financial aid
Fill out the online Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as the FAFSA. Fill it out early to be sure you'll know what your financial aid package looks like when you receive your college admission offers.
You don't have to be admitted to UC to fill out the FAFSA, and it will be part of the financial aid process anywhere you apply.
Undocumented students and those with a U Visa, Temporary Protected Status or DACA, should apply for financial aid through the California Dream Act Application (CADAA).
Mixed-status families
For the 2026-27 school year, students from mixed-status families can complete the FAFSA or CADAA but should consider various factors before determining which application works best for their family situation. Get more information.
More financial aid resources
UC financial aid
Videos on UC admissions and financial aid
UC admissions
University of California published this content on October 02, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on October 03, 2025 at 00:43 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]