A standardized set of budgets is used as the basis for determining the cost of attendance at UCLA. The figures shown below for university fees, document fee, health insurance and non-resident fee are fixed amounts. All other components are averages gathered from the Cost of Attendance Survey administered by the University of California, Office of the President (UCOP). The survey is conducted every three years and results are updated annually based on inflation for non-surveyed years. We recommend that all students prepare a budget to help them manage their expenses and spend their financial aid wisely.
The budgets vary depending on the student’s living arrangements while in school; from living with parents or relatives, to living on-campus (residence halls), to living off-campus (apartment, sororities, fraternities). A cost of attendance budget is initially assigned depending on the housing option selected on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (DREAM) until the housing status is confirmed by the student and the Financial Aid and Scholarships office.
The cost of attendance is used to determine the maximum amount of financial aid. UCLA can allow certain expenses as the basis for increasing the student’s budget. To review the list of expenses that can be used to increase your budget, please click on the “Changes that affect your cost of education” tab on the "Appeals" option.
Decisions on residence status for tuition purposes are made by the UCLA Campus Residence Deputy. For more information regarding Residence for Tuition Purposes, please visit the Registrar’s Office website.