Southern New Hampshire University Tuition and Fees

By Jennifer Calonia

Founded in 1919, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) was the second university to join the University of California (UC) System. Its 419-acre main campus, which sits between the cities of Santa Monica and Beverly Hills, offers a range of degree programs — from undergraduate majors and minors to masters, doctoral, and professional programs.

Keep reading for a closer look at UCLA tuition costs for both in-state and out-of-state students, housing expenses, top majors, and more.

Total Cost of Attendance

UCLA is an acclaimed research institution known for its academic programs, medical center, and athletics. Below is the estimated 2024-2025 UCLA cost of attendance for a full-time undergraduate student, which is considerably lower than that of its local rival, the University of Southern California.

Financial Aid

A majority of UCLA’s undergraduate student population (60%) receives some form of student aid, and of that group, 49% receive grant or scholarship financial aid. For the 2022-2023 academic year, the most current data available from the National Center for Education Statistics, 27% of low-income families received need-based federal Pell Grant awards.

Explore financial aid options: California Student Loan & Scholarship Information Guide

Generally, financial aid is monetary assistance awarded to students based on personal need and merit. Students that qualify for financial aid can use it to pay for college costs like tuition, books, and living expenses.

The federal government is the largest provider of student financial aid. However, aid can also be given by state governments, colleges and universities, private companies, and nonprofits. The different types include:

•  Scholarships: These can be awarded by schools and other organizations based on students’ academic excellence, athletic achievement, community involvement, job experience, field of study, and financial need.

•  Grants: Generally based on financial need, these can come from federal, state, private, and non-profit organizations.

•  Work-study: This federal program provides qualifying students with part-time employment to earn money for expenses while in school.

•  Federal student loans: This is money borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education. It comes with fixed interest rates that are typically lower than those on private loans.

Colleges, universities, and state agencies use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial aid eligibility. The FAFSA can be completed online, but note that state and federal and school deadlines may differ.

You can find other financial aid opportunities at sources such as:

•  U.S. Department of Education – Learn more about the grants that are bestowed by the federal government

•  College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS) – A global college scholarship application used by select institutions to award financial aid

•  Scholarship Search Tool

Recommended: The Differences Between Grants, Scholarships, and Loans

Private Student Loans

In addition to grant and scholarship aid, a small percentage of Bruins (3%) borrow private student loans to cover University of California, Los Angeles cost of attendance.

Private loans are funded by private organizations such as banks, online lenders, credit unions, some schools, and state-based or state-affiliated organizations. While federal student loans have interest rates that are regulated by Congress, private lenders follow a different set of regulations so their qualifications and interest rates can vary widely.

What’s more, private loans have variable or fixed interest rates that may be higher than federal loan interest rates, which are always fixed. Private lenders may (but don’t always) require you to make payments on your loans while you are still in school, compared to federal student loans, which you don’t have to start paying back until after you graduate, leave school, or change your enrollment status to less than half-time.

Private loans don’t have a specific application window and can be applied for on an as-needed basis. However, if you think you may need to take out a private loan, it’s a good idea to submit your FAFSA first to see what federal aid you may qualify for, because it generally has better rates and terms.

If you’ve missed the FAFSA deadline or you’re struggling to pay for school throughout the year, private loans can potentially help you make your payments. Just keep in mind that you will need enough lead time for your loan to process and for your lender to send money to your school.

Recommended: A Complete Guide to Private Student Loans

Projected 4-Year-Degree Price

Based on the 2024-25 cost of attendance estimates over a four-year program, undergraduate California residents can expect to spend $167,960. For out-of-state students, the cost soars to $304,760 for a bachelor’s degree.

By comparison, the national average cost of attendance for the 2023-24 academic year for a four-year in-state public college averages $115,360 in total for all four years, and $186,920 in total for out-of-state public college for all four years. Private institutions are higher at an average cost of $241,680 for all four years.

This student loan and scholarship information may be valuable as you research schools and costs.

Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

For the 2024-25 academic year, in-state students paid $15,203 in University of California, Los Angeles tuition and fees, plus the cost of books and supplies. Out-of-state students paid $49,403 for the same year. By comparison, the national average for tuition and fees for an in-state undergraduate student attending a public institution was $11,610 per year; $30,780 per year for an out-of-state student.

Graduate Tuition and Fees

California residents who are pursuing a postgraduate program at UCLA paid $14,476 toward 2024-25 tuition and fees. For out-of-state graduate students, UCLA tuition and fees were $29,578. This is in line with the estimated $44,640 to $71,140 for a master’s degree, according to Education Data’s estimates.

There are many options for graduate loans that can help with these costs.

Cost per Credit Hour

UCLA tuition is charged as a flat annual rate, and not on a per-credit-hour basis during its regular term. However, based on 2024-25 in-state undergraduate tuition and fees at $15,203, and assuming full enrollment of 15 credit hours, students can expect to spend approximately $1,014 per credit hour.

Campus Housing Expenses

UCLA’s on-campus housing options include four building types, from classic residence halls to suites. Each housing option offers double and triple occupancy units, and a variety of communal amenities.

Bruins can also consider living off-campus in a nearby neighborhood. The average rent for a 938 sq.ft. apartment in Westwood is $3,763. With a roommate to help split the cost of rent, off-campus housing could potentially be more affordable. However, keep in mind that renting involves a full year lease, instead of just the active school term.