UC Davis Tuition, Fees, Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid

Planning for college means understanding the full financial picture—not just tuition. At UC Davis, that includes housing, books, fees, and day-to-day living expenses. Whether you’re a California resident or an out-of-state applicant, we will walk you through everything you need to know for 2025-2026.

What Is the Estimated Cost of Attendance for UC Davis in the 2025-2026 Academic Year?

“I’m an incoming international student at UC Davis, and the financial aid website estimates my total cost of attendance at around $84,000 per year”

– Reddit

Here’s the estimated annual COA for undergraduate students entering in 2025-2026:

Graduate and Professional programs, like UC Davis School of Medicine, have their own COA.

What Are the Living Expenses Included in the Total Cost?

Here’s a breakdown of the key categories:

What Books and Supplies Costs Should Students Expect?

Books and supplies might not seem like a big deal until you’re actually buying them—but these costs add up fast, especially for science-heavy or lab-based majors. Here’s what those expenses typically include:

What Financial Aid Options are Available for UC Davis Students?

UC Davis offers a wide range of financial aid options to help students manage costs—from need-based grants to federal loans and scholarships. California residents have access to some of the most generous state programs in the country, while non-residents and international students can apply for merit-based aid, private scholarships, and federal loans (if eligible). Here’s a breakdown of key financial aid sources:

How Can Students Apply for UC Davis Financial Aid?

To begin, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (for eligible undocumented students). Both open on October 1 and must be submitted by the March 2 priority deadline each year. The UC Davis school code for FAFSA is 001313.

After submitting the FAFSA or Dream Act application, students should monitor their UC Davis MyAwards portal. This is where financial aid offers, documents, and updates will appear. If additional paperwork is needed—such as tax returns for income verification—you’ll get a notice directly through MyAwards.

Have Academic Questions?

Book your Personalized Consultation Today and Get Academic Guidance for you Child’s Success

Book now!

UC Davis also automatically considers students for campus-based grants and scholarships based on their application data, academic profile, and financial need. There’s no separate scholarship application for most awards, but some donor-funded scholarships may require short essays or additional forms, which will be listed in the portal if you’re eligible.

Work-study eligibility is also determined through FAFSA. If you qualify, you’ll be able to search and apply for part-time campus jobs once the award is posted. These positions help cover living expenses without adding to loan debt.

What Is the Process for Obtaining Student Loans for UC Davis?

Loans are typically part of your financial aid package and can be federal, institutional, or private. The university walks you through the process, but you’ll still need to take action to accept and receive the funds. Here’s how it works:

1. Start by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid at studentaid.gov. UC Davis’s school code is 001313.
2. Check your MyAwards portal.
3. Accept your loans. You can choose the full amount or a partial amount. If you don’t accept the loans, they won’t be disbursed.
4. First-time borrowers must complete loan entrance counseling at studentaid.gov. This short online session explains your rights, responsibilities, and how repayment works.
5. Sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN).
6. Wait for disbursement. Loans are usually disbursed in two equal payments—one in the fall, one in the winter/spring. Funds go directly to your UC Davis student account to cover tuition and fees. If there’s money left over, it’s refunded to you for housing or other expenses.
7. Review loan repayment tools. Many students explore options like income-driven repayment, public service loan forgiveness, or federal deferment if planning on grad school.

How Can Students Manage Their Tuition and Fees at UC Davis?

“You can ALWAYS do the deferred payment plan (DPP), essentially, they will split that $3.5k into 3s and you’d have to pay a third of it every month starting sep 15, oct 15, and november 15”

– Reddit

Managing tuition and fees at UC Davis doesn’t mean paying everything up front—it means knowing your options and avoiding late charges or holds that could impact your enrollment. Here’s how students can take control of their tuition and fees:

1. Use MyBill to track charges.
2. Set up a payment plan. UC Davis offers the Deferred Payment Plan (DPP), which splits your quarterly fees into three monthly payments. It’s interest-free but includes a $15 fee per quarter. Students can enroll online through MyBill before the quarterly deadline.
3. If you receive aid, it will automatically apply to your charges before classes begin. Any remaining funds are refunded directly to you—usually via Direct Deposit, which you can set up through your SISWeb account.
4. If your family is helping with tuition, you can give them authorized payer access so they can view and pay bills without needing your login. This avoids confusion and keeps things transparent.
5. Payments are due by the 15th day of each quarter. Missing deadlines results in a $110 late fee and may prevent you from registering for future classes. Set calendar alerts or sign up for email/text reminders through MyBill.
6. If you’re having trouble paying, don’t wait. Contact the Student Accounting office at studentaccounting.ucdavis.edu or visit them in Dutton Hall. They can help with short-term deferments or special arrangements.
7. UC Davis offers short-term emergency loans of up to $1,000 for students facing unexpected financial stress. Funds are usually disbursed within two business days and repaid later in the quarter.

Legacy Online School reminds students that managing tuition isn’t just about having the funds—it’s about timing and using every resource UC Davis offers.

What Is the Tuition Stability Plan at UC Davis?

The Tuition Stability Plan at UC Davis gives students and families a predictable way to plan for the cost of a UC education. Instead of facing tuition hikes each year, undergraduates who enter the university in the same academic year are guaranteed the same base tuition rate for up to six years. This applies across all UC campuses and is designed to reduce uncertainty and make long-term financial planning easier. Here’s how it works:

This plan doesn’t mean tuition won’t increase—it means that your tuition won’t increase once you’ve enrolled. If UC decides to raise tuition in future years, it will only apply to new entering cohorts. Everyone else keeps their original rate locked in.

How Can Students Budget for the Total Cost of Attendance?

Start by reviewing UC Davis’s official cost estimates, but then adjust them based on your situation. Are you living on campus or off campus? Will you be working part-time or borrowing loans to cover living expenses?

Break your expenses into monthly categories and use a tool like Excel, Google Sheets, or a budgeting app. Include everything—rent, groceries, internet, transportation, phone bills, textbooks, medical insurance, even small things like coffee runs and laundry. Most students underestimate how quickly the extras add up.

UC Davis offers a student budget planner through the Financial Aid Office, and the Aggie Compass Basic Needs Center provides food resources, emergency grants, and cost-saving tips for students managing tight budgets. You can also meet with a financial wellness advisor through Student Health and Counseling Services to go over spending habits and set goals.

What Resources Are Available for Understanding Fees at UC Davis?

Key resources include:

• UC Davis Cost of Attendance page
• MyAwards portal for aid status and messages
• Student Accounting for fee breakdowns and due dates
• Aggie One Stop for in-person help and online tutorials

You can also call or email Financial Aid and Scholarships if anything is unclear.

What Should Students Know About the UC Davis Tuition and Financial Aid Process?

Here’s what matters most. First, tuition at UC Davis is locked in for up to six years thanks to the UC Tuition Stability Plan. That means the systemwide base tuition you pay as a freshman won’t increase while you finish your degree. It gives you the chance to budget with real numbers—and avoid surprise hikes later on.

Second, financial aid starts with the FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application. Both open October 1 and close March 2 for priority funding. You don’t need to be admitted yet to apply, and waiting until spring is one of the most common mistakes new students make. Your application determines whether you qualify for Cal Grants, Pell Grants, UC Davis need-based grants, work-study, and federal loans.

Once your aid is posted, you’ll manage everything through the MyAwards portal. This is where you accept or decline aid, upload documents, and track changes. It’s updated in real time—so checking it weekly during aid season is a smart habit.

It’s also important to remember that tuition is only part of the total cost. Aid packages are based on the full cost of attendance—including housing, food, books, personal expenses, and transportation. UC Davis offers budgeting tools and financial wellness advisors to help students handle the full picture.

What Are the Key Deadlines for Financial Aid Applications?

Here are the key dates students need to know:

How Can Students Appeal for More Financial Aid if Needed?

Financial aid packages don’t always reflect your real-life circumstances. If your family’s situation changes—due to job loss, medical bills, or any financial hardship—you can appeal for more aid at UC Davis. The school understands that FAFSA data doesn’t tell the whole story and provides a formal process to request a reconsideration. Here’s how the financial aid appeal process works:

You don’t need a perfect reason—just a real one, backed by documentation. Some students also appeal if they didn’t originally qualify for need-based aid but now face unexpected financial pressure due to relocation or caregiving responsibilities.

What Common Mistakes Should be Avoided in the Financial Aid Process?

The financial aid process at UC Davis is clear—but small mistakes can delay your disbursement or even block access to grants. Here’s what students should watch out for:

• Missing the deadline. Miss it, and you risk losing access to Cal Grants, UC Grants, and Work-Study—even if you’re eligible
• Submitting the wrong tax year
• Forgetting to list UC Davis on the FAFSA. If you don’t include UC Davis’s school code (001313), your aid won’t be sent to the university—even if everything else is accurate
• Skipping the MyAwards portal
• Not submitting required documents on time
• Many families think they make too much to qualify for aid—but grants and scholarships often depend on more than income. Always apply, even if you’re unsure
• Ignoring loan requirements
• Not asking for help when confused. The UC Davis Financial Aid Office is there to support you. They offer walk-in advising, Zoom appointments, and email responses. Silence leads to missed aid—questions lead to solutions

Alyssa Mendoza, AP Coordinator and College Prep Specialist

Sources: UC Davis, Reddit