UCLA's published cost of attendance reaches $36,643 annually, including $13,747 in-state tuition, $17,148 for room and board, and $1,574 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face $44,524 in tuition, raising total costs significantly.
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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) | $36,643 |
| Tuition and Fees | $44,524 |
| Room and Board | $17,148 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,574 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$22,630 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $14,013 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $6,864 |
| $30–48k | $8,731 |
| $48–75k | $11,065 |
| $75–110k | $17,250 |
| $110k+ | $30,481 |
UCLA's published cost of attendance reaches $36,643 annually, including $13,747 in-state tuition, $17,148 for room and board, and $1,574 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face $44,524 in tuition, raising total costs significantly. However, the average student pays just $14,013 after financial aid, representing $22,630 in aid savings from the sticker price.
This average net price falls slightly below the peer median of $15,590, making UCLA competitively priced among similar public research universities. The substantial gap between published costs and actual student payments demonstrates UCLA's commitment to affordability through financial aid. California residents benefit from the state's investment in public higher education, while the university's aid programs help reduce costs for students across income levels.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
UCLA graduates carry exceptionally manageable debt levels, with median borrowing of $14,000 compared to a peer median of $20,000. This $6,000 advantage represents 30% lower debt than similar institutions.
Debt levels range from $7,200 at the 25th percentile to $22,938 at the 75th percentile, showing controlled borrowing across the student population. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.17 indicates that typical graduates earn nearly six dollars for every dollar of student debt, creating favorable repayment conditions.
Parent PLUS borrowing reaches a median of $24,000 with monthly payments of $316, reflecting additional family investment in UCLA education. UCLA's debt percentile ranking of 87% indicates the university performs well above average on this affordability measure.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
UCLA delivers exceptional return on educational investment, with graduates earning $13,353 beyond expectations and ranking at the 89.5th percentile for this value measure. The median earnings of $82,511 represent a 94th percentile outcome nationally, while debt levels rank in the 87th percentile for favorability.
Graduates earn $21,968 more annually than peers from similar institutions while borrowing $6,000 less, creating a compelling investment profile. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.17 indicates manageable repayment scenarios for typical graduates.
UCLA ranks in the top 25% nationally for median earnings and top 5% for low-income earnings, indicating strong outcomes across student populations. The combination of controlled costs, targeted financial aid, and outstanding post-graduation earnings positions UCLA as delivering premium value.
UCLA's financial aid system generates $22,630 in average savings from published costs, indicating robust aid programs serving diverse student populations. The university enrolls 27.1% Pell-eligible students, demonstrating meaningful access for lower-income students despite selective admission.
The progressive net price structure, ranging from $6,864 for the lowest-income families to $30,481 for the highest earners, reflects targeted aid strategies. Federal Pell Grant eligibility, state Cal Grant programs, and institutional aid combine to reduce costs substantially for California residents.
The university's aid concentration toward lower-income students aligns with California's Master Plan for Higher Education and UCLA's public service mission. These aid programs enable UCLA to maintain both academic selectivity and economic accessibility, supporting the university's diverse student enrollment while managing costs for different family financial circumstances.
