Comparing the Cost of UCEAP Study Abroad to UC Campus Costs

In many cases, a student’s overall cost of attendance can be reduced by studying abroad with UCEAP based on a variety of factors. Let’s go into more detail.

Understanding a student’s annual cost of attendance

To compare the cost of a UC study abroad program to the cost of a student’s home UC campus, it’s important to understand the student’s annual cost of attendance. The annual cost of attendance is the total cost to attend UC for a year (fall, winter, spring for quarter campuses, or fall, spring for a semester campus), inclusive of tuition, books, transportation, housing, etc.  

Note: If you're curious to learn more about the cost of attending UC, you can review year-over-year UC student budget data according to the University of California Office of the President Enrollment Services for more information. 

Every student’s annual cost of attendance is different and unique to each student. A student’s choice of living arrangement, amount of gift aid, and many other factors play into what a student pays to further their education at UC. 

Comparing Quarter and Semester Campus Costs to Study Abroad

If a student attends one of the UCs that has a quarter-term system and takes a spring semester abroad, the total annual cost of attendance is often reduced because the student does not pay for two quarters (winter and spring). The student also earns a semester’s worth of academic credit.  

  • Students who attend a UC quarter campus may see an increase in their annual cost of attendance if they attend a fall semester abroad and return to participate in a winter and spring quarter at UC. A reduced cost of living where they study abroad can sometimes balance out their annual cost of attendance. 
  • Students who attend a UC semester campus have a one-to-one cost of attendance comparison. These students may also see a reduction or increase in their annual cost of attendance based on the overall program cost and the cost of living where they study abroad. 

If a student chooses to study abroad for a year, they may see a reduction or increase in their annual cost of attendance based on the overall program cost and the cost of living where they study abroad.