More than half of undergraduate students at the University of California (UC) pay no tuition, according to information released by the university. The UC system highlights its robust financial aid program as a way to make higher education accessible to California residents from a range of income levels.
According to UC, nearly 70 percent of in-state undergraduates receive grants and scholarships that do not need to be repaid. “For most in-state students, if your household income is $100K or less, your UC tuition payment is ZERO. In fact, 54 percent of UC’s California undergrads pay no tuition at all.”
The university also reports that almost two-thirds of the Class of 2025 graduated without any student loan debt. For those who do borrow, UC states that their students take on less debt than the national average and can access low-interest loans for both parents and students.
Financial support extends beyond low-income families. The Middle-Class Scholarship program provides aid for families with annual incomes up to $250,000.
UC says many applicants underestimate their eligibility for financial assistance but are often awarded more than expected. Tuition rates remain stable throughout a student’s undergraduate years, allowing for easier financial planning.
Financial aid packages cover more than just tuition; on average, California 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 university funds through the California Dream Act.
In total, UC students received $3.3 billion in grants and scholarships last year from institutional, state, federal, and private sources—funds that do not require repayment. The university encourages all applicants to submit a FAFSA form to maximize their aid opportunities.
UC emphasizes the value of its degrees: “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 university cites recognition from Princeton Review and Money magazine for educational value and notes all nine campuses’ inclusion on U.S. News & World Report’s list for social mobility as well as high placement on Forbes’ return-on-investment rankings.
