đ UCLA Scholarships & Financial Aid (2025â2026)
â Back to the Public University Scholarships hub ⢠See California state aid
- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay (after aid)
- Merit & need-based scholarships (whatâs real vs. hype)
- Departmental, donor, and hidden-gem awards that can stack
- Honors benefits and smart aid-stacking strategies
đ Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~9% (Fall 2024)
- Middle 50% GPA (weighted): Not officially published
- Testing: Test-free (UC does not use SAT/ACT for admission or scholarships)
- Honors: UCLA College Honors
Figures verified for 2025â2026; UCLA is test-free (different from test-optional).
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state â
UCLA at a Glance
UCLA is a top public research university with competitive admissions and strong need-based support for California families. Blue & Gold, Cal Grants, and campus grants can bring the real price down significantly for eligible students.
Merit awards are selective. The Regents Scholarship is a prestigious $5,000 per year merit award (total $20,000 over four years)âit is not a built-in full-tuition scholarship. High-achieving students may also be considered for Alumni and departmental awards.
FAQ
Is UCLA test-optional? No. The UC system is test-free; SAT/ACT are not used for admissions or scholarships.
Does Regents cover full tuition? No. Regents at UCLA provides $5,000 annually (total $20,000 over four years). Other grants may still cover tuition based on need.
Is there a universal full-ride? No campus-wide full-ride merit award; need-based aid can meet more cost for eligible students.
Average net price? UCLA does not publish a single campus-wide average; use the Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
UCLA Undergraduate Admission: https://admission.ucla.edu/
UCLA Financial Aid & Scholarships (overview): https://financialaid.ucla.edu/
UCLA Scholarships (types & how to apply): https://financialaid.ucla.edu/types-of-aid/scholarships
UCLA Regents Scholarship (details/benefits): https://financialaid.ucla.edu/types-of-aid/scholarships/regents-scholarship
UCLA Alumni Scholarships: https://alumni.ucla.edu/scholarships/
UCLA College Honors: https://www.honors.ucla.edu/
UC Blue & Gold Opportunity Plan: https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/tuition-financial-aid/types-of-aid/blue-and-gold-opportunity-plan.html
UC system â Test-free policy: https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/admission-requirements/freshman-requirements/exam-requirement/
California Student Aid Commission â Cal Grant: https://www.csac.ca.gov/cal-grants
đ° Cost of Attendance at UCLA (2025â2026)
These figures show UCLAâs standard full-time undergraduate budget for students living on campus. Actual totals may vary by housing type and meal plan. California residents pay in-state rates; nonresidents add the required Nonresident Supplemental Tuition (NRST).
| Category | California Resident | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $15,700 |
$53,302
includes $37,602 Nonresident Supplemental Tuition (NRST) |
| Housing & Meals (on campus) | $18,960 | $18,960 |
| Total Estimated COA | â $34,660 | â $72,262 |
Note: Additional typical allowances used in financial-aid budgets include books & supplies ($1,680), transportation ($857), and personal expenses ($2,361). Health insurance and certain program/course fees may add costs depending on your situation.
COA Mini-FAQ
Can grants cover full tuition? For eligible California residents, Cal Grant plus UC aid can meet more of the cost; coverage is not guaranteed.
Is there WUE or an OOS discount? NoâUCLA isnât in WUE and does not offer automatic nonresident waivers.
Do costs vary by major? Systemwide tuition is the same; some programs add modest course/lab fees.
Where do I estimate my net price? Use UCLAâs Net Price Calculator and submit FAFSA/CADAA by March 2 for best consideration.
UCLA Undergraduate Estimated Costs / Cost of Attendance: https://financialaid.ucla.edu/undergraduate/estimated-costs
UC Tuition & Fees (systemwide; NRST details): https://www.ucop.edu/operating-budget/fees-and-tuition/
UCLA Registrar â Tuition & Fees: https://registrar.ucla.edu/fees-residence/tuition-fees
UCLA Housing â Rates & Dining: https://housing.ucla.edu/rates/
UCLA Net Price Calculator: https://sa.ucla.edu/fao/npc
AB 540 (CA Nonresident Tuition Exemption): https://www.csac.ca.gov/post/california-nonresident-tuition-exemption
Automatic Scholarships
Unlike many other large public universities, UCLA does not award automatic scholarships based on GPA or test scores. There are no published âmeritâ tiers or auto-discounts for in-state or out-of-state students, no matter how strong the academic profile.
Nearly all UCLA undergraduate funding is need-based. To qualify for most aid, you must:
- Submit the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application by March 2
- Have demonstrated financial need (income, assets, and family size are considered)
- Be a California resident for state and university grant eligibility
Out-of-state families should not expect automatic aid. Youâll need to pursue private scholarships, national programs, or competitive merit aid at other universities to help with costs.
đ Does UCLA superscore?
Yes, UCLA will superscore the SAT for admissions decisions only. This means your highest section scores across test dates are consideredâbut because scholarships are not based on GPA or test scores, this wonât increase your institutional aid.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does UCLA offer automatic merit scholarships?
- No. There are no automatic merit scholarships for GPA, ACT, or SAT. All undergraduate aid is primarily need-based.
- Do California students get in-state tuition automatically?
- Yes. Admitted students who are legal California residents receive the lower in-state tuition rate without a separate application.
- Can out-of-state students get auto aid from UCLA?
- No. Even high-achieving out-of-state students wonât receive automatic scholarships or discounts from UCLA. Seek external or national scholarships instead.
- Does superscoring the SAT impact scholarships?
- No. Superscoring affects admissions onlyânot aid or scholarshipsâat UCLA.
đ Competitive Scholarships
Most scholarships at UCLA arenât flashy or automatic. Theyâre need-based, departmental, or donor-fundedâand often require essays, applications, or recommendations. Some are only available once your student is already enrolled.
| Scholarship Name | Award Amount | Eligibility | Application Required? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regents Scholarship | $2,000/year (up to $8,000 total) + housing priority | Top 1â2% of admitted freshmen; U.S. citizens, CA Dream Act, or eligible residents | No (automatic with UC application) | Yes (maintain 3.0 GPA & full-time enrollment) | Academically exceptional students, leadership or service, strong essays | Nov 30 |
| UCLA Achievement Scholarship | $500â$10,000/year (need-based; renewable) | CA residents, high academic achievement, strong financial need (per FAFSA/CADAA) | No (automatic with UC application) | Yes (maintain standards & re-file FAFSA/CADAA) | Top-ranked admits with financial need, typically in-state | Nov 30 (UC app); March 2 (for need verification) |
| UCLA Alumni Scholarships | $4,000â$20,000 (multi-year possible) | Admitted freshmen and transfers; holistic review of academics, service, and leadership | Yes (separate app, essay/interview required) | Yes (must meet unit and GPA requirements, plus community service) | Well-rounded applicants with strong leadership/service, not just high GPA | March (after admission) |
| College Honors Scholarships | Varies (typically $500â$3,000) | Top students admitted to College Honors; must apply to honors program | Yes (Honors program app &/or department process) | Varies | Honors admits and high-performing continuing students; research/leadership focus | AprilâJune (varies by college) |
đ How does UCLA choose who gets scholarships? Some (like Regents or Achievement) are determined automatically from the UC appâno extra steps needed. Alumni Scholarships and most department/honors awards require a separate application, essays, and sometimes an interview. Selection always looks beyond academics: leadership, service, life story, and your possible campus contributions count most.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How does my kid get considered for the Regents or Achievement Scholarship?
- Just submit the full UC application by November 30. No separate form is needed. Only a small group of top students with academics, essays, service, and need will be chosenâand the offer appears with admission, if selected.
- What is the Alumni Scholarship and who gets it?
- This is one of UCLA’s few awards requiring a supplemental application, essays, and usually an interview. It is aimed at admitted Bruins showing leadership, service, and campus potentialâoften more about well-rounded impact than grades.
- Do first-generation or underrepresented students have a better shot?
- Yes. Many scholarships value diversity, background, and overcoming challenges. First-generation and underrepresented students are encouraged to share their story and achievements honestly in their essays.
- Will these scholarships cover the full cost?
- Not usually. Most competitive scholarships are in the $2,000â$10,000/year range. For in-state families, these can bridge a meaningful gap alongside Cal or Pell Grants; for out-of-state, the impact is often more modest.
đ Honors at UCLA: What It Is and Why It Matters
UCLAâs College Honors Program is for high-achieving students ready for advanced seminars, priority registration, close faculty connections, and special research support. Itâs not automaticâstudents are invited or apply after admission, and eligibility is based on GPA, coursework, and potential for academic impact.
College Honors students get exclusive access to campus housing, priority class selection, and special scholarship opportunities described below. These awards, funded by donors and the university, are only open to students in the honors program and are highly competitive.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| College Honors Open Scholarships | $500â$5,000 | Enrolled in College Honors; any major, strong academics, community or research engagement | Yes (annual app/short essay) | No (apply each year) | Top College Honors students with strong records or special projects | April 10 (typical) |
| Rose Gilbert Honors Scholarship | $2,000â$5,000 | College Honors; academic merit, personal statement; some awards for humanities and English majors | Yes (application, essay) | No (one-year) | Up to 7 recipients with top merit and thoughtful essays | April 10 |
| Joan Palevsky Honors Scholarship | $2,500 | College Honors; junior or senior standing preferred, strong faculty reference | Yes | No | Two awards yearly; academic excellence and recommendation | April 10 |
| Honors Research Stipend | $1,000â$2,500 (+$500 for best proposal) | Honors students conducting thesis or supervised research; faculty mentorship and proposal required | Yes (detailed project brief) | No | About 20 per year, chosen for innovative research plans | April 10 |
| Senior Achievement Awards | $500â$1,500 | College Honors seniors; academic distinction or leadership/service | No | No | Top GPAs or impact; faculty nominations sometimes needed | AprilâMay |
| Major-Specific Honors Scholarships | $2,000â$4,000 | In College Honors, designated major (e.g., History, Political Science, Philosophy, Foreign Languages); need & merit factor in | Yes (department/college nomination or essay) | No (apply each year or rotating cycle) | Department-nominated juniors, seniors, or those working on honors theses | AprilâMay |
Most honors awards require a dedicated College Honors application (MarchâApril); others rely on departmental nomination or project proposals. Research stipends often require a short faculty letter and proposal summary. Many are stackable, but recipients are expected to remain active in the program and maintain GPA requirements throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Honors Scholarship Questions
- How do you apply for these honors scholarships?
- All College Honors students are emailed about the annual application window in March. Youâll complete a profile, write an honors essay, and (for some awards) include a project proposal or faculty recommendation.
- Is it possible to win more than one?
- Yes, but awards are distributed to maximize impactârarely does one student win multiple in the same year. Research stipends often come on top of another open scholarship.
- Are there honors-specific scholarships for transfer students?
- Yes. College Honors admits who transferred from another institution can apply for all the scholarships aboveâplus special senior awards reserved for high-achieving transfer graduates.
- Does being in honors help with grad school or fellowships?
- Yes! Honors status, scholarship wins, and research projects are all âsignalersâ for competitive grad schools and prestigious national fellowships during senior year.
đŻ What UCLA Is Known For
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is a public R1 Research University and one of the most prestigious public institutions in the world. Combining academic rigor with creative energy, UCLA leads in medicine, business, law, and the artsâand consistently ranks among the Top 20 universities globally for research, reputation, and innovation.
Ranked the #6 medical school for research and #10 for primary care (U.S. News 2025), UCLAâs David Geffen School of Medicine is internationally recognized for medical innovation, biomedical discovery, and community-based healthcare. Itâs among the most competitive programs in the country, with partnerships across the UCLA Health system.
- Samueli School of Engineering â Ranked the #8 public engineering school (U.S. News 2025) with elite programs in computer, electrical, and biomedical engineering.
- Anderson School of Management â Consistently ranked among the Top 15 business schools nationally, known for entrepreneurship, finance, and technology management.
- School of Theater, Film & Television (TFT) â Ranked in the Top 10 film schools worldwide (The Hollywood Reporter 2025), producing award-winning directors, writers, and producers.
- School of Law â Ranked #13 nationally (U.S. News 2025) with highly regarded programs in constitutional law, entertainment law, and public interest advocacy.
- College of Letters & Science â Home to Top 10-ranked departments in psychology, sociology, political science, and history, as well as top-tier humanities programs.
- School of Education & Information Studies â Ranked #1 among public education schools in California and #7 nationally, with leadership in urban education and equity research.