Your Financial Aid cost of attendance (or "budget") is an estimate of the expenses you will have as a student while attending the University of California, Santa Barbara. Some of the figures used in the cost of attendance are averages from the Cost of Attendance Survey administered by the University of California, Office of the President. Other figures are exact (such as tuition and fees).

The cost of attendance

  • Is the maximum amount of Financial Aid that any student may receive in their award letter. 
  • Is based off the full 9-month academic year, and must be prorated for any periods of non-attendance.

Note: These figures may not be final - actual tuition, fees, and charges are subject to change by the Regents of the University of California or, as authorized, by the President of the University of California. Accordingly, final approved levels and charges may differ from the amounts shown on these pages.  

Teacher Education Program (TEP)

Please refer to the Teacher Education Program (TEP) website for additional information regarding the estimated costs associated with obtaining the CA teaching credential after completing the program.

Visit the Teacher Education Program Financial Assistance Page

Education Abroad Program (EAP)

Please refer to the Education Abroad Program (EAP) website for additional information regarding estimated study abroad expenses and specific program costs.

Visit the EAP Costs Page

Parenting Students

For Parenting Students, our office will add an allowance to your Cost of Attendance based on the estimated actual expenses incurred for dependent care, based on the number and age of such dependents. Please reach out to our office directly for more details regarding this process.

Visit our Parenting Students Page

Students with Disabilities

*Our office will also add an allowance to your Cost of Attendance based on expenses associated with a student’s disability, including special services, personal assistance, transportation, equipment, and supplies that are reasonably incurred and not provided for by other agencies. Please reach out to our office directly for more details regarding this process. For more information regarding services and resources available to disabled students, please visit the Disabled Students Program (DSP) website:

Visit the Disabled Students Program (DSP) Website

Housing Resources

You can also view local housing cost information from the U.S Department of Housing Urban Development (HUD) and on the UCSB Community Housing website. Keep in mind local averages are not used to determine student cost budgets.

Visit the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Visit the UCSB Community Housing Website