Q: How much does it cost to go to UC Santa Cruz?
A: Estimated Undergraduate Budgets for 2009-10

	On Campus	Off Campus	Commuter
Fees**	$8,926	$8,926	$8,926
Food and Housing	$13,641	$10,176	$4,278
Books and Supplies	$1,392	$1,392	$1,392
Transportation	$867	$1,602	$1,947
Personal Expenses	$1,512	$1,626	$1,854
Totals	$26,338	$23,722	$18,397
Additional Non-Res. Fees	$648	$648	$648
Non-Resident Tuition	$21,423	$21,423	$21,423
Non-Resident Total	$48,409	$45,793	$40,468

Notes:
Undergraduate budgets are subject to change. For more information on costs and financial aid, visit the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office site.

Additional $1,205 (estimate) health insurance fee is charged if student is not already covered.

Other figures are based on budgets developed by the University of California Office of the President using survey results and a standardized methodology for all UC campuses.

For more information on costs and financial aid, visit the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office site.

Q: What types of financial aid are available?
A: The UC Santa Cruz Financial Aid and Scholarship Office works with students and their families to help make college affordable. The two types of aid available are gift aid (aid you don’t have to pay back) and self-help aid (low-interest loans and work-study jobs).

For more detailed information, please see the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office web site.

Q: What other financing options are available?
A: In addition to "need-based" financial aid programs, a variety of other financing options are available. Students may take advantage of part-time employment, private scholarships, and unsubsidized student loans. Parents may take out a federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) for up to the cost of education less any other financial aid received, or they may choose to borrow against their own assets. Parent loans require creditworthiness and have variable interest rates. For more information, please see the publication Some Facts about Financial Aid, published by the UCSC Financial Aid and Scholarship Office.

Q: How do I apply for financial aid?
A: To be considered for financial aid, UC Santa Cruz applicants need to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), due March 2. UC Santa Cruz applicants apply for university scholarships on the Application for Undergraduate Admission and Scholarships, due November 30 of the year before you plan to enroll.

Q: What if I don't qualify for financial aid?
A: Student Business Services, (831) 459-2519, offers a deferred payment plan that allows students to pay their fees each quarter in three monthly installments. You will receive information about this plan before you receive your first bill. In addition, you may make similar room-and-board payment arrangements with the Housing Office, (831) 459-2394.

Q: What if I have more questions?
A: The Financial Aid and Scholarship Office telephone number is (831) 459-2963. It plays prerecorded information 24 hours a day. Staff are also available at this number between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, or between 9:00 a.m. and 5 p.m. Tuesday. If you visit the UC Santa Cruz campus, please feel free to stop by the office at 201 Hahn Student Services Building between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, or between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Friday.