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Keeping a four-year UCLA degree within reach of California’s students.
UCLA was founded on the principle that a top-tier education should be available to talented people of all backgrounds. A century later, the value of the Bruin experience is almost unparalleled.
Yet while UCLA’s tuition remains low compared to that of many private universities, the cost of living continues to rise. This makes the total cost of a four-year college education ― which includes housing, food, books, supplies, health insurance, transportation and personal expenses ― an obstacle for many potential students.
About 1 in 3 UCLA undergraduates comes from a family with an average income of less than $30,000 per year. However, it is not only low-income students who need help — middle-class families also find it difficult to stay ahead of rising costs.
Loans are one way to help pay for a four-year degree, but the thought of borrowing to cover the cost of college can prevent promising students from accepting UCLA’s offer of enrollment. On the other hand, scholarships that take the place of loans in financial aid packages can open doors.
Without the burden of debt, Bruins feel free to take more challenging courses and commit to unpaid internships. They are also more likely to conduct research, participate in extracurricular activities, and pursue advanced degrees and careers that align with their passions. Furthermore, graduating without college loans sets Bruins up for success, as data shows that young workers’ wages are not keeping up with rising levels of student debt.*
That is why, in April 2023, we introduced the UCLA Affordability Initiative. This campuswide effort to engage philanthropists in funding new scholarships will ensure that exceptional students with the desire to make a difference can attend and thrive at UCLA, regardless of their financial circumstances.
UCLA graduates go on to become our innovators, leaders and change-makers of tomorrow, improving life for everyone. Your gift will create a meaningful impact on the lives of our students and their families, enrich the fabric of our campus and ensure a better future for California.
* https://www.cnbc.com/2021/11/02/the-gap-in-college-costs-and-earnings-for-young-workers-since-1980.html and https://youtu.be/ByarIf31lfI
The cost of living presents a roadblock for many students and families considering UCLA.
Nearly 1 in 2 California resident undergraduates at UCLA receives financial aid.
When donors fund new scholarships, their gifts alleviate the financial pressure students feel.
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