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) | $38,614 |
| Tuition and Fees | $49,403 |
| Room and Board | $18,369 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,641 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$26,066 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $12,548 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $5,579 |
| $30–48k | $6,682 |
| $48–75k | $9,811 |
| $75–110k | $14,142 |
| $110k+ | $29,682 |
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. UCLA's net price positioning reflects both state funding support and institutional aid strategies designed to make attendance accessible despite the university's high-quality programs and selective admission standards.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt-to-earnings data not available.
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. The combination of relatively low borrowing with strong earnings outcomes creates sustainable financial situations for most graduates, supporting long-term economic mobility rather than creating debt burdens that constrain post-graduation opportunities.
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. Students can expect their UCLA investment to generate significant returns through enhanced career opportunities, higher lifetime earnings, and manageable debt service requirements that support rather than constrain their post-graduation financial flexibility.
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.
UCLA ranks at the 85.2nd percentile for affordability, achieving strong performance through controlled costs and manageable debt levels. The average net price of $14,013 falls below the peer median of $15,590, making UCLA competitively positioned among similar public research universities. Median student debt of $14,000 significantly outperforms the peer median of $20,000, representing 30% lower borrowing than comparable institutions. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.17 creates highly favorable repayment scenarios, with graduates earning nearly six dollars for every dollar of student debt. Net prices range from $6,864 for the lowest-income families to $30,481 for highest earners, demonstrating progressive aid targeting that concentrates support toward students with greatest financial need while managing costs across income levels.
Parent PLUS median debt reaches $24,000 with monthly payments of $316, reflecting additional family investment in UCLA education. These payment levels represent manageable obligations for families choosing this financing option. For personalized college cost planning based on your family's specific financial situation, use the Financial GPS tool at collegeazimuth.com/financial-gps to receive individualized net price estimates and loan payment projections tailored to your circumstances and income level.
