Hey everyone! I'm a California high school junior interested in applying to UCSD. I'm trying to understand the in-state tuition costs. Can someone please break down how much in-state students pay at UCSD, and if there's anything special I need to do to make sure I'm eligible for in-state tuition? Thanks in advance!
Hi there! UC San Diego is a great choice for California residents, offering quality education at a more affordable price for in-state students. As an in-state student, you'll be eligible for lower tuition costs compared to out-of-state students. For the 2024-2025 academic year, the estimated in-state cost of attendance at UCSD is about $32,000, which includes tuition and fees, housing and meals, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses. The tuition and fees part of the cost of attendance is just over $18,500.
To be eligible for in-state tuition, you'll need to meet certain residency requirements. Generally, you or your parent(s)/guardian(s) must have been living in California for at least one year prior to the residence determination date (which is usually the first day of classes). There are additional factors and criteria to be considered a California resident for tuition purposes, including physical presence in the state, intent to remain in California, financial independence (for students who are not dependents), and more.
To apply for in-state residency, you'll need to submit a Statement of Legal Residence (SLR) to UCSD's Office of the Registrar as part of the admissions process. The SLR is used to determine your residency status, so be sure to submit it accurately and in a timely manner.
Keep in mind that there are various financial aid options available for UCSD students as well. Make sure to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (for eligible undocumented students) by the deadline, usually March 2, to maximize your financial aid opportunities. In addition to federal and state aid, you can also look into UCSD-specific scholarships and grants, which may further reduce your overall cost of attendance.
Good luck with your college planning, and I hope you consider applying to UCSD!
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