The University of California (UC) is highlighting its financial aid program, which it says is among the strongest in the country. According to UC, more than half of its California undergraduates receive enough financial aid to cover all their tuition costs.
Nearly 70 percent of California undergraduates at UC receive grants and scholarships that do not need to be repaid. The university reports that for most in-state students with household incomes of $100,000 or less, tuition payments are zero. In total, more than 54 percent of California undergraduates at UC pay no tuition.
The university also notes that nearly two-thirds of the Class of 2025 graduated without any student loans, based on UC estimates. For those who do borrow, UC states that students take out less debt compared to the national average and can access special low-interest loans for both parents and students.
Financial assistance extends to middle-class families as well. Through the Middle-Class Scholarship program, California offers support for families with annual incomes up to $250,000.
UC encourages prospective applicants not to assume they will not qualify 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.”
Tuition rates are stable throughout a student’s undergraduate years at UC. “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.”
Beyond covering tuition, financial aid awards for California students provide an average of about $6,500 extra in grants and scholarships for other expenses such as food and housing.
Undocumented Californians may also be eligible for state and university 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 $1 billion in scholarships and grants from UC itself; another $1 billion from the state; and an additional $1 billion from federal and private sources—a combined $3 billion in grant money that does not need repayment.
UC describes itself as an investment with strong returns: graduates reportedly earn 84 percent more over their lifetimes than peers without a degree. The university cites rankings from Princeton Review, Money magazine, U.S. News & World Report, and Forbes recognizing its value and social mobility outcomes.
“Don’t just take our word for it: Princeton Review and Money agree that the University of California offers the best educational value in the United States, and all nine campuses made the U.S. News & World Report list of top-performing schools for social mobility. UC also leads the Forbes Top Colleges list, which ranks schools not only in terms of academics but also return on investment for students,” according to UC.
