UCLA Scholarships: What Families Really Need to Know

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🎓 UCLA Scholarships: What Families Really Need to Know

UCLA is one of the most prestigious public universities in the country—but it’s also one of the trickiest when it comes to financial aid. If you’re expecting automatic merit scholarships or big in-state discounts, this page is your reality check. We’ll break down what UCLA actually offers, who qualifies, and how families like yours can still make it work.

💰 Cost of Attendance (2025–2026)

UCLA’s sticker price depends heavily on whether your kid is a California resident or not. Out-of-state families will see a much higher price tag—nearly double. And unlike some public colleges in other states, UCLA doesn’t offer out-of-state tuition waivers based on GPA or test scores.

Expense CA Resident Non-Resident
Tuition & Fees $15,720 $15,720 + $34,200 NRST = $49,920
Room & Board $18,294 $18,294
Books, Supplies, Personal, Travel $5,250 $5,250
Total Estimated Cost $39,264 $73,464

⚠️ No Tuition Waiver for Out-of-State Students: UCLA does not reduce tuition for out-of-state students based on academic performance. If you’re not a California resident, expect to pay the full non-resident rate.

📉 Net Price (What Families Actually Pay)
After financial aid, the average net price is around $17,152/year for in-state students. 52% of undergrads receive grant aid—often covering a major portion of tuition. Out-of-state students tend to receive less aid and pay significantly more unless eligible for need-based programs.

📊 Automatic Scholarships

Unlike many other large public universities, UCLA does not award automatic scholarships based on GPA or test scores. Even in-state students with perfect grades don’t receive guaranteed aid from the school itself.

Instead, UCLA focuses heavily on need-based aid through the FAFSA and California’s state grant programs (like the Cal Grant). The only way to qualify for most UCLA funding is to:

  • Submit the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application by March 2
  • Have demonstrated financial need (based on income and family size)
  • Be a California resident (for most state-based awards)

Out-of-state families shouldn’t expect automatic help from UCLA. If your kid is from another state, you’ll need to look at private scholarships, national programs, or outside merit aid from other universities.

📝 Does UCLA superscore? Yes—for SAT admission decisions, UCLA will consider your highest section scores across test dates. But since the school doesn’t offer GPA/test-based scholarships, this doesn’t affect UCLA’s aid directly. It may still help with outside scholarships.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Does UCLA offer automatic merit scholarships?
No. UCLA does not award automatic scholarships based on GPA, ACT, or SAT scores. Most of its aid goes to students with financial need—especially California residents.
Do California students get an in-state tuition break automatically?
Yes. If your student is a legal California resident, they’ll automatically be charged the lower in-state tuition rate—no application required.
What about out-of-state students with strong grades?
Unfortunately, even high-achieving out-of-state students won’t get automatic scholarships or tuition discounts from UCLA. You’ll need to look at private or national scholarships to reduce your costs.
Does UCLA superscore the SAT or ACT?
Yes—for SAT admissions decisions only. UCLA will take the highest section scores across test dates. But since they don’t award scholarships based on test scores, superscoring doesn’t impact aid.

🏆 Competitive Scholarships

Most scholarships at UCLA aren’t flashy or automatic. They’re need-based, departmental, or donor-funded—and often require essays, applications, or recommendations. Some are only available once your kid is already a student.

Scholarship Name Award Amount Application Required? Who Wins?
Regents Scholarship Up to $2,000/year + priority housing No (considered automatically) Top 1–2% of the admitted freshman class, often with high financial need
UCLA Achievement Scholarship $500–$10,000/year No (considered automatically) CA residents with financial need and strong academics
UCLA Alumni Scholarships $4,000–$20,000 (multi-year) Yes (with essay & interview) Well-rounded applicants who show leadership and community impact
College Honors Scholarships Varies Yes (Honors program applicants) Top applicants accepted into College Honors, often research-focused

📝 How does UCLA choose who gets scholarships? Some awards (like Regents or Achievement) are decided automatically when your kid applies for admission. Others—like the Alumni Scholarship—require a separate application, essay, and sometimes an interview. These aren’t about just having good grades. UCLA looks at leadership, life story, financial need, and how your kid might contribute to the campus community.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How does my kid get considered for the Regents or Achievement Scholarship?
Just apply to UCLA by the regular deadline. There’s no separate form. These are awarded automatically to a small number of students with top academics, strong personal stories, and often financial need. Your kid won’t know they’re being considered—it just shows up in their admission offer if they’re chosen.
What is the Alumni Scholarship and who gets it?
The Alumni Scholarship is one of the few that requires a separate application. It’s open to admitted students who show leadership, service, and potential to make an impact. It includes a written essay and sometimes an interview. Winners are usually well-rounded—not just academically strong.
Do first-generation or underrepresented students have a better shot?
Yes. UCLA strongly values diversity and personal background. Many scholarships take into account whether your kid is a first-generation college student, has faced barriers, or comes from an underrepresented community. Be honest and specific in their application story.
Will these scholarships cover the full cost?
Not usually. Most competitive scholarships at UCLA are between $2,000–$10,000/year. That can help—but won’t make a huge dent for out-of-state families. Many in-state students use these in combination with Cal Grants and Pell Grants to reduce total costs.

📘 Honors at UCLA: What It Is and Why It Matters

UCLA calls its honors program College Honors. It’s not a separate college—it’s a special academic track your kid can join if they’re high-achieving and motivated. It gives them priority registration, smaller classes, and a chance to work closely with professors on research.

Your kid won’t be placed in it automatically. They either have to be invited after applying to UCLA, or apply separately once they’re admitted. This program is for students who want to challenge themselves and take advantage of everything UCLA offers academically.

Most students accepted into College Honors have:

  • GPA around 3.8 or higher (unweighted)
  • Rigorous coursework in high school (APs, IB, or honors classes)
  • A strong personal story or interest in research

Being in College Honors comes with perks—like special housing and access to extra scholarship opportunities. For some families, this can make a big, competitive school feel a little more personal and supportive.

🛏️ Honors Housing & Scholarships
Students accepted into College Honors can live in dedicated honors dorms—quieter, smaller, and often closer to campus resources. They also become eligible for honors-specific scholarships that most students can’t apply for. These aren’t guaranteed, but being in the program opens up more doors.

Scholarship Name Amount Eligibility Stackable?
College Honors Scholarships $500–$2,500/year Only for students in College Honors Yes
AHGRA (Alumni Honors Global Research Award) Up to $3,000 (one-time) College Honors students doing global research or study abroad Yes
Honors Summer Research Fellowships Varies Must be in College Honors and pursuing research with faculty Yes

❓ Honors College: Frequently Asked Questions

Does my kid have to apply separately for the Honors College?
Sometimes. A small number of high-achieving students are invited after they apply to UCLA, but others can self-nominate. If your kid doesn’t get invited automatically, it’s still worth applying once they’re admitted.
What’s the benefit of being in the Honors College?
Honors students get early course registration, smaller classes, and priority access to research and scholarships. It also comes with dedicated housing that can make UCLA feel less overwhelming for new students.
Does the Honors College cost extra?
No. There’s no additional tuition or fee to be part of College Honors. In fact, it may help your kid access extra scholarships or fellowships they wouldn’t qualify for otherwise.
Can my kid live in Honors housing?
Yes. Honors students are eligible for special residence halls that are usually quieter and closer to academic buildings. It’s not guaranteed, but they’ll get priority in the housing assignment process.

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships at UCLA

These scholarships don’t usually show up on the main financial aid page—but they’re real. If your kid is in the arts, band, certain majors, or is the first in your family to attend college, these awards might apply.

Scholarship Name Amount Who Should Apply Separate App?
UCLA First-Generation Scholarship $1,000–$5,000 First-gen college students with financial need Yes
UCLA Marching Band Awards $500–$1,200 Students who audition and participate in the UCLA Bruin Marching Band Yes (audition)
School of the Arts & Architecture Scholarships Varies Art, music, design, or architecture majors Yes
Departmental Scholarships (Various Majors) $500–$3,000 STEM, social sciences, humanities, and pre-health majors Yes
Valedictorian Recognition (Campus Awards) Honorary + possible small stipend Valedictorians from accredited high schools Varies

❓ Hidden Gems: Frequently Asked Questions

How do we find these smaller scholarships?
Many are listed on departmental websites or buried in UCLA’s scholarship portal. Once your kid picks a major, encourage them to ask their department advisor about major-specific awards. Honors, arts, and first-gen programs also send out targeted scholarship emails during the year.
Do we need to fill out a separate application?
Often, yes. Some scholarships (like the marching band or departmental ones) require your kid to submit an audition, essay, or faculty recommendation. Be sure to check the requirements on each individual scholarship page once they’re a student.
Can my kid get these even if they already have other aid?
Sometimes. It depends on how the scholarship is funded and how it stacks with your kid’s other financial aid. It’s always worth applying—even a $500 scholarship can help cover books or housing costs.

📊 Comparing Offers from Multiple Colleges?
Use our free College Offer Comparison Sheet to keep track of tuition, housing, scholarships, and hidden costs across schools.

📝 What To Do Next

  • Apply to UCLA through the UC Application starting October 1 (deadline is Nov 30)
  • Submit your FAFSA or CA Dream Act application as early as possible
  • Complete any additional scholarship applications (like Alumni or Regents)
  • If invited, consider applying for the College Honors Program
  • Check departmental pages for niche scholarships in your kid’s intended major
  • Encourage your kid to audition if they’re involved in band, music, or the arts

🧰 Parent Tools

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