Comprehensive Guide to the Cost of Attendance at UC Davis for 2026

For the 2026-2027 academic year, the estimated total cost of attendance at UC Davis for a California resident living on campus is approximately $41,500 to $43,500. Non-resident students should expect a total near $76,000 due to supplemental tuition. These figures include tuition, housing, food, books, and personal expenses.

Understanding the cost of attendance (COA) at the University of California, Davis, is more than just looking at a single sticker price. The COA is a comprehensive estimate used by the Financial Aid and Scholarships office to determine a student’s financial need and the maximum amount of aid they can receive. Because UC Davis is a premier public research institution, its pricing structure is governed by both university-wide policies and campus-specific fees.

To navigate these expenses effectively, students and families must distinguish between direct costs—those paid directly to the university—and indirect costs, which are out-of-pocket estimates for living and learning. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of these expenses for the 2026-2027 academic year, incorporating the latest adjustments from the UC Tuition Stability Plan and local economic trends in Davis, California.

The UC Tuition Stability Plan and 2026 Fee Structures

One of the most critical factors for students entering UC Davis in 2026 is the UC Tuition Stability Plan. Established by the UC Board of Regents, this plan ensures that tuition and certain system-wide fees remain flat for the duration of a student's undergraduate career, for up to six years.

Understanding the Cohort Model

Under this model, the "2026 Cohort" includes all new undergraduate students (freshmen and transfers) who first enroll in the 2026-2027 academic year. For these students, the base tuition and Student Services Fee are locked. This provides families with much-needed predictability in an era of fluctuating inflation. While the base tuition is stable, campus-based fees—which are voted on by the student body to fund specific services like the CoHo (Coffee House) or Unitrans bus system—may still see minor annual adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Base Tuition vs. Campus-Based Fees

Direct costs for a California resident generally fall into three categories:

1. System-wide Tuition: The core cost for instruction and academic support.
2. Student Services Fee: Funds campus life programs, career services, and student physical and mental health programs.
3. Campus-Based Fees: These vary by campus. At UC Davis, these include the Facilities and Campus Enhancements (FACE) fee, the Student Education and Environmental Resources (SEER) fee, and various initiative fees that support the ASUCD (Associated Students of UC Davis).

Residency Status and Supplemental Tuition

The distinction between a California resident and a non-resident is the single largest variable in the UC Davis cost of attendance.

California Resident Requirements

To qualify for resident tuition, a student must meet specific "Physical Presence" and "Intent to Remain" requirements. For most dependent students, this relies on their parents’ residency status. In 2026, resident tuition and fees total approximately $15,800 to $16,500 annually.

Non-Resident Supplemental Tuition (NRST)

Students who do not qualify as California residents—including out-of-state and international students—must pay Non-Resident Supplemental Tuition. For the 2026-2027 year, the NRST is approximately $34,200. When added to the base tuition and fees, a non-resident’s direct educational costs exceed $50,000 before housing or food are even considered.

AB 540 and Exemptions

Certain non-resident students, including those who attended high school in California for at least three years and graduated, may be eligible for an NRST waiver under California Assembly Bill 540. This allows qualifying students to pay the equivalent of in-state tuition.

Housing and Dining: On-Campus vs. Off-Campus

Davis is a unique college town where the housing market is exceptionally tight, often maintaining a vacancy rate below 1%. This impacts both the availability and the cost of living.

On-Campus Housing (Residence Halls and Apartments)

First-year students at UC Davis typically live in the Residence Halls (dorms) located in the Segundo, Tercero, or Cuarto areas. For 2026, the estimated cost for a room and a "7-Day Unlimited" meal plan is roughly $19,500 to $21,000.

Transfer students and upperclassmen often utilize university-affiliated apartments like "The Green at West Village." These facilities offer a middle ground between dorm life and independent living, though they usually require students to manage their own grocery budgets unless they opt for an Aggie Block meal plan.

Off-Campus Living Expenses

Moving off-campus can sometimes reduce costs, but it requires careful budgeting. A typical student living in a shared apartment in the city of Davis should budget approximately:

• Rent and Utilities: $12,000 – $14,000 (assuming shared occupancy).
• Food/Groceries: $5,000 – $6,000.
• Total Indirect Housing COA: Roughly $17,000 – $20,000.

While the "sticker price" for off-campus living might look similar to the dorms, students often save money by opting out of expensive meal plans and sharing bedrooms.

Indirect Costs: Books, Supplies, and Transportation

Beyond tuition and housing, students must account for the "hidden" costs of being a student. UC Davis provides standardized estimates for these categories.

The Equitable Access Program

UC Davis is a leader in the "Equitable Access" model for textbooks. For a flat fee (approximately $169 per quarter in 2026), students receive all required digital textbooks and course materials. Students have the option to opt out of this program if they prefer to source used books or rentals independently, but for most STEM and heavy-reading majors, the program offers significant savings.

Transportation and the "Bicycle Capital"

UC Davis is famously the bicycle capital of the United States. Most students do not bring cars to campus, which saves on gas and insurance. However, students should budget for:

• Bicycle Purchase and Maintenance: $300–$600 initially, plus annual upkeep.
• Unitrans: The student-run bus system is "fare-free" for undergraduates (covered by campus fees).
• Travel Home: $500–$2,000 depending on whether the student is local or traveling across the country.

Health Insurance: The UC SHIP Requirement

All UC Davis students are required to have health insurance. To meet this requirement, the university automatically enrolls every student in the UC Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP).

In 2026, the cost of UC SHIP is approximately $3,400 to $3,600 per year. If a student is already covered by a parent’s or spouse’s insurance plan that meets the university’s minimum coverage criteria, they can submit a waiver to remove this charge from their bill. The waiver must be filed annually.

2026-2027 Estimated Cost of Attendance Table

The following table provides a comparative look at the estimated costs for an undergraduate student at UC Davis for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Note: Figures are estimates based on 2026 projections and may vary by specific student circumstances or program of study.

Financial Aid and Reducing the Net Price

It is important to remember that very few students pay the full "sticker price" of UC Davis. The Net Price—what you actually pay after grants and scholarships—is often much lower.

The Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan

For California residents whose families earn less than $80,000 annually and who qualify for financial aid, the UC Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan ensures that system-wide tuition and fees are fully covered by gift aid. This significantly reduces the COA, leaving the family responsible primarily for housing and personal expenses.

FAFSA and the California Dream Act

To access any financial aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA). For the 2026-2027 cycle, these applications typically open in late 2025. Missing the "Priority Filing" deadline (usually March 2) can result in a significantly lower aid package.

Middle Class Scholarship (MCS)

California residents with family incomes up to $217,000 (adjusted for 2026 inflation) may qualify for the Middle Class Scholarship. This program can cover up to 40% of the mandatory system-wide tuition and fees, providing relief to those who do not qualify for low-income grants but still struggle with the high cost of California living.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the "Equitable Access" fee on my bill?

Equitable Access is a program that provides all undergraduate students with digital access to their required textbooks for a flat rate per quarter. In 2026, this fee is approximately $169 per quarter. It is designed to ensure every student has their materials on the first day of class regardless of financial status. Students can opt out via the UC Davis Bookstore website before the billing deadline each quarter.

Can I lower my cost of attendance if I live off-campus?

Yes, technically. While the university uses a standard "Off-Campus" COA for financial aid calculations, your actual spending is within your control. Many students save money by living in North or West Davis, commuting by bike, and sharing a room. However, your total financial aid eligibility (the maximum amount of grants/loans you can get) may decrease slightly if the university’s estimated off-campus living costs are lower than the on-campus dorm rates.

Is the UC SHIP health insurance mandatory?

Yes, health insurance is a mandatory condition of enrollment at all University of California campuses. However, you can waive the UC SHIP fee if you have a comparable plan. You must submit a waiver application through the UC Davis Student Health and Counseling Services portal by the fall deadline to avoid being charged.

Does the cost of attendance include summer sessions?

No, the standard COA covers the fall, winter, and spring quarters only. If you plan to take classes during Summer Sessions I or II, you will need to apply for summer financial aid separately. Summer tuition is generally charged on a per-unit basis, and there are additional campus fees specifically for the summer terms.

How does the 2026 UC Tuition Stability Plan affect transfer students?

Transfer students are treated as a new cohort. If you transfer to UC Davis in Fall 2026, your tuition will be locked at the 2026-2027 rate for the remainder of your undergraduate career (up to six years, though most transfers finish in two or three). This protects you from tuition hikes that might occur in 2027 or 2028.

Practical Recommendations for 2026 Applicants

To manage the cost of attendance at UC Davis effectively, students should take the following steps:

1. Use the Net Price Calculator: Before applying, use the UC Davis Net Price Calculator to get a personalized estimate of your aid package. The "sticker price" is rarely the final cost.
2. Apply Early for Housing: Because the Davis rental market is so competitive, missing housing deadlines can lead to much higher costs for last-minute, less-optimal living arrangements.
3. Evaluate the SHIP Waiver: Check your current insurance policy in August. If you are covered under a parent’s plan that has providers in the Davis/Sacramento area, waiving UC SHIP can save you over $3,500 annually.
4. Consider a Campus Job: UC Davis is a major employer in the region. Many student positions in the dining commons, Unitrans, or campus labs offer flexible hours and can help cover personal expenses without significantly impacting study time.