UC Davis tuition: How much should I save?

Hi! I'm a junior thinking about applying to UC Davis. I'm starting to save up money for college. Can anyone give me an idea of how much I should aim to save to help cover tuition costs? Are there any methods to lower the overall cost?

It's a great idea to start saving for college early! As for UC Davis tuition costs, they vary depending on whether you are an in-state or out-of-state student. For the 2021-2022 academic year, in-state tuition and fees were approximately $16,757, while out-of-state students paid around $50,957 in tuition and fees. Additionally, you will need to factor in other costs, the total sticker price of UC Davis is approximately $44,796 for in-state students and $78,996 for out-of-state students. Keep in mind that tuition costs may change over time, so it's important to monitor the costs as you move closer to the college application process.

To lower the overall cost of attending, consider the following options:

1. Financial Aid: Submit your FAFSA to help determine your eligibility for grants, loans, and work-study opportunities based on your financial needs.

2. Scholarships: Research and apply for various scholarships from UC Davis, as well as local, state, and national scholarships.

3. Cost-effective housing options: If possible, consider living off-campus or with roommates to save on housing costs.

4. Work-study and part-time jobs: Work-study through federal financial aid or finding a part-time job can help cover some costs.

5. Utilize Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) credits earned in high school to waive some college courses, reducing the number of credit hours you need to pay for.

Even though it's difficult to predict exactly how much you should save, aiming to save as much as possible while keeping in mind the tuition costs and pursuing ways to cut down expenses, will set you up for better financial success.