Financial Aid & Tuition

Tuition & Financial Assistance

How much is the tuition?
Tuition at all COSMOS sites for 2008 is $2,310 for California residents. This comprehensive fee covers room and meals in the residence halls as well as transportation costs and expenses for field trips. Non-California residents pay the full tuition cost of $6,500 as required by the state legislature. There is a $30 non-refundable application fee.

What does the tuition cover?
Tuition covers room and meals in the university residence halls, all course and lab materials, and all academic field trips. Nearly everything you will need while you are at COSMOS is covered. Students can bring spending money for the weekend field trips or to shop at the campus bookstore.

Does COSMOS offer financial assistance?
Yes. For students who cannot afford the tuition, need-based financial assistance is offered. Note that the actual program cost per student is over $6,500, so each student is already subsidized by the State of California in the amount of $4,000 (non-California residents excluded). Fee waivers are available for California residents demonstrating financial need. No qualified student will be denied admission for lack of financial resources. Last summer, approximately 33% of the students who attended the program received full financial aid. The financial aid form can be found on the COSMOS application website.

Who is eligible for financial assistance?
Families who can demonstrate and verify financial need and based on income. As part of the financial assistance application, families will be asked to include a copy of the current year's income tax forms or other appropriate income documentation.

If my family doesn't qualify for free or reduced lunch at my school would I qualify for COSMOS Financial Assistance?
Possibly. Our financial assistance funding comes from private corporations and foundations, which allows us greater flexibility compared to state standards. The two most important factors we consider when reviewing financial aid applications: the size of the family and the household's income. For example, a family of four (two parents and two children) with an income of less than $65,000 would likely receive full financial assistance. Full and partial assistance is available.

Transportation to and from the UCSD campus is the responsibility of the student and will not be covered through financial assitance.