University of California-Irvine's published cost of attendance reaches $36,121 per year, including $14,237 in-state tuition, $18,423 for room and board, and $1,550 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $12,840 after financial aid, representing $23,281 in aid savings.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $36,121 |
| Tuition and Fees | $45,014 |
| Room and Board | $18,423 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,550 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$23,281 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $12,840 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $6,485 |
| $30–48k | $8,044 |
| $48–75k | $11,769 |
| $75–110k | $16,809 |
| $110k+ | $29,595 |
University of California-Irvine's published cost of attendance reaches $36,121 per year, including $14,237 in-state tuition, $18,423 for room and board, and $1,550 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $12,840 after financial aid, representing $23,281 in aid savings. This substantial discount reflects UC Irvine's commitment to affordability through need-based aid programs.
The average net price of $12,840 falls $2,750 below the peer median of $15,590, positioning UC Irvine as more affordable than typical institutions with similar academic profiles. Net costs vary significantly by family income, ranging from $6,485 for lowest-income families to $29,595 for highest-income families. This $23,110 spread demonstrates progressive aid targeting, with the greatest support directed toward students with the highest financial need.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
UC Irvine graduates maintain exceptionally manageable debt levels compared to national benchmarks and peer institutions. Median debt reaches $15,000, ranking at the 85th percentile nationally and falling $5,000 below the peer median of $20,000.
Debt ranges from $7,500 at the 25th percentile to $23,200 at the 75th percentile, indicating that most students graduate with modest borrowing. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.19 is highly favorable, meaning debt represents less than 20% of first-year post-graduation income.
This ratio suggests strong repayment capacity for typical graduates. Parent PLUS loans show a median of $22,127 with monthly payments of $291, though these figures reflect only families who utilize this borrowing option.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
UC Irvine delivers exceptional return on educational investment through the combination of controlled costs and strong earnings outcomes. Graduates earn $16,437 beyond expectations, ranking at the 92.3rd percentile nationally for earnings relative to similar student populations.
With median debt of $15,000 and median earnings of $80,735, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.19 indicates highly manageable repayment obligations. Net price averaging $12,840 positions UC Irvine as more affordable than peer institutions while delivering superior outcomes.
The university's return index ranks at the 92.6th percentile, reflecting excellent value creation for students. Earnings of $20,192 above the peer median combined with debt levels $5,000 below peer median create compelling investment characteristics.
UC Irvine enrolls 37.3% Pell-eligible students, well above the national average and indicating substantial aid targeting toward lower-income families. The $23,281 average aid savings reduces the educational burden significantly for most students.
Net prices by income tier show effective aid concentration, with families earning under $75,000 paying substantially less than the published cost of attendance. The university's aid programs appear particularly effective for middle-income families, with those earning $48,000-$75,000 paying just $11,769 annually.
This aid profile supports UC Irvine's Mobility Engine designation by making high-quality education accessible to diverse economic backgrounds. The combination of strong aid programs and reasonable published costs creates affordability for students across income levels, though highest-income families face near-full costs approaching $30,000 annually.
