When you’re admitted to UCLA, you and your family might have a lot of questions about how you’ll cover the costs of tuition, housing and other necessities. UCLA is dedicated to helping each family create a strategy that works for them. Thanks to the numerous financial aid options available, a UCLA education can be surprisingly affordable.
Applying for Financial Aid
Domestic citizens and eligible noncitizen prospects should plan to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).Undocumented California residents should complete the California Dream Act Application (CADAA). Make sure to complete the 2025-26 aid application before the deadline of March 2, 2025. These applications should become available by December of each year, and they provide access to federal, state, and UCLA financial aid programs for all eligible students.
UCLA Financial Aid and Scholarships Basics
UCLA is committed to helping students finance their education. UCLA Financial Aid & Scholarships works closely with all students who need financial assistance. A financial aid award generally consists of a combination of scholarships and grant money, low-interest loans, and a work-study job offer during the academic year.
Here are a few resources to help you understand the process:
Four Types of Financial Aid
Paying for your education should be a partnership between the student, your family, the government, and UCLA. Here are the various ways you can cover your UCLA education.
1. Scholarships
UCLA offers financial support that may be awarded based on need, academic merit, your background, specific talents or professional interests.
Scholarship search and application guidance
2. Grants
Grants are a type of financial aid that recipients do have to repay. Sources include funding from the federal and state governments, as well as UCLA. Most are awarded based on need and require submission of the FAFSA or CA Dream Act by the priority deadline.
Explore grant programs available at UCLA.
3. Loans
In 2022, graduating seniors in the U.S. had an average student loan debt of over $29,400. But for UCLA seniors, the average was much lower — just over $16,400. And nearly all UCLA graduates — 98% of them — successfully manage loan repayment. Students have a variety of borrowing options available so you are encouraged to research your options carefully.
Federal student loans are not credit-based and have terms set by the Department of Education. Interest paid on student loans is tax-deductible. There are flexible payment options, and repayment can be delayed until after the student’s graduation on federal and private loans.
Parents have the option to take out a low-interest educational loan from the government and a private loan from a bank or other private lenders. The terms for federal parent loans are determined by the Department of Education. Federal parent loans are not based on credit scores but adverse credit can impact eligibility. Loan payments can be postponed until after the student graduates. Interest paid on parent loans is tax-deductible.
Learn about student and parent loan options
4. Part-Time Student Jobs
A part-time job can help pay for textbooks and day-to-day living expenses. Last year, over 9,500 UCLA undergraduates worked on campus part-time. Some students have the designation of being eligible for work-study awards, which can make it easier to find a position, on campus or off.
What Parents Can Do to Help Financially
Parents have access to a number of resources, including some that offer tax benefits.
Savings Accounts and Tax Benefits
Some families set up special college savings accounts, such as Coverdell Education Savings Accounts and 529 plans, which enable them to put away money for college tuition and related expenses.
Families can also withdraw money from their 401(k) or 403(b) retirement savings accounts. Withdrawals are penalty-free when the money is used to pay for education.
The government offers tax benefits and credits for higher education. For details, check your tax preparation software or ask your tax preparer.
Additional Ways to Save Money and Manage Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Reduce the time involved in earning a degree by taking more than the minimum courses required per term and/or attending summer school. Did you know that out-of-state students do not pay Nonresident Supplemental Tuition in the summer?
Explore all the different housing options available to you — on campus, off campus or commuting from home.
When selecting a meal plan for on-campus housing, consider your habits and ask yourself what you really need.
Where book expenses are concerned, the UCLA Store is committed to offering the best value for students. They have new books, used, digital, rentals and price matching. And at the end of each quarter, the UCLA Store buys books back for cash.
When it comes to transportation, many students ask if they need to have a car on campus. Most first-year students do not need a car, especially given parking limitations on campus. Many students utilize public transportation and ridesharing, which helps save money and the environment.
BruinPay Plan
When you enroll at UCLA, you’re eligible to apply for the BruinPay Plan. This plan allows students and families to pay each academic quarter’s tuition and fees in three installments throughout the term.
Where to Go for More Information
We are dedicated to helping make your UCLA education affordable. If you have questions about financial aid, please contact UCLA Financial Aid and Scholarships.
Frequently Asked Questions
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If you’re left with unanswered questions after reviewing the information on this page, check out the UC site’s “how it works” page.
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After you’re admitted to UCLA, Financial Aid and Scholarships will provide you with a Provisional Award Letter (PAL) that will inform you of your eligibility for grants, scholarships, loans and work programs. Your PAL is expected to be available at the end of April or early May due to FAFSA delays.
When you’re admitted, you’re asked to submit a Statement of Intent to Register (SIR). Once you submit it your award will be finalized. A financial aid notification (FAN) will be sent between July and August.
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Yes, your financial aid notification will offer assistance to cover your total Cost of Attendance. This will primarily consist of Federal Parent and/or Private Loans.
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You must be a California resident to be assessed in-state tuition. Visit the Registrar’s webpage for information on establishing California residency for tuition purposes.
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UCLA Financial Aid and Scholarships will adjust your financial aid award to incorporate your scholarships. Typically, scholarships are used to replace federal work study and/or need-based student loans. This helps reduce your student loan indebtedness at graduation.
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If you or your parent/guardian’s financial situation changes after you apply or at any time during the academic year, you may submit a projected year income appeal along with supporting documentation. See the “Special Circumstances” section of your PAL Guide for more details.
Read about financial aid appeals -
Unfortunately, UCLA isn’t able to negotiate our financial aid awards in response to offers from other universities. If the other school has information about your family’s financial situation that you didn’t share with us, or if you have reason to believe we made an error in our assessment of your award, please contact UCLA Financial Aid and Scholarships to discuss a possible re-evaluation.