More than half of California undergraduates at the University of California pay no tuition, according to university data. The institution highlights its financial aid program as one of the strongest in the country, aiming to make higher education accessible regardless of a student’s financial background.
“Nearly 70 percent of UC’s California undergrads get grants and scholarships. We’re not talking loans. This is money for school that doesn’t need to be paid back,” the university stated.
The university reports that over 54 percent of its in-state students have their tuition fully covered if their household income is $100,000 or less. For many students, this means attending UC without paying tuition out-of-pocket.
“Not only do a majority of California undergrads get help with tuition, but nearly two-thirds of the Class of 2025 graduated without any student loans, according to UC estimates,” the statement said. Students who do borrow typically take on less debt than the national average, and both parents and students can access special low-interest loan options.
Middle-income families are also eligible for support through California’s Middle-Class Scholarship program, which provides assistance for those with annual incomes up to $250,000.
The university encourages all applicants to apply for aid: “Lots of college applicants don’t think they’ll qualify for aid. But UC has one of the best financial aid programs in the country, and it’s a good bet you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Another surprise: Many financial aid applicants get more than they expected.”
UC guarantees stable tuition rates throughout an undergraduate’s time at the university: “There are no surprises with UC tuition. What you pay as a first-year undergraduate is likely to be the same amount you’ll pay as a senior, making it easier to plan and budget.”
Financial support extends beyond covering tuition costs; on average, undergraduates receive about $6,500 extra in grants and scholarships for living expenses such as food and housing.
Undocumented Californians may also qualify for state and UC funding through the California Dream Act: “Everyone should have access to education. If you’re an undocumented Californian, you may be eligible for state and UC dollars through the California Dream Act.”
In total last year, University of California students received approximately $3 billion in grant money from institutional, state, federal, and private sources—funds that do not require repayment.
Students are encouraged not to miss out on available resources by completing applications like FAFSA: “Don’t leave money on the table! Fill out the FAFSA to ensure you get as much aid as possible.”
The university positions itself as a strong investment: “UC graduates out-earn other California college grads. They they also earn a whopping 84 percent more in lifetime earnings than their peers without a degree.” The statement notes recognition from Princeton Review and Money magazine regarding educational value; all nine campuses appear on U.S. News & World Report’s list for social mobility performance. Forbes ranks UC highly based on academics and return on investment.
With these supports in place—including billions distributed annually—the University of California emphasizes its commitment to affordability while highlighting long-term benefits associated with earning a degree from its system.
