In addition to tuition and campus fees that students normally pay each term, students participating in California Ecology and Conservation will pay an additional fee that covers the cost of food, lodging, and research equipment. Out-of-pocket expenses (such as required camping gear) are also included in the total estimated budget.
The program cost components are explained below, with example cost tables demonstrating how the total estimated budget for the program will be calculated.
The UC Education Abroad Program will inform you of the exact cost of your participation after you have been accepted into the program. Your total estimated budget will be factored into the financial aid package from your home campus.
Scholarship opportunities may be available to help defray course expenses.
Costs for summer classes are different than for the regular academic year, as summer tuition is charged by the unit and non-resident supplemental tuition does not apply.
Total estimated budget

Cost explanations
program fees
Program fees cover the following:
- Room and meals — reserve accommodations and food
- Course-specific expenses — transportation between reserves, field gear, support staff
- Education Abroad Program fees — administration of financial aid and registration, grade reporting, etc.
UC fees
UC fees include the following:
- Tuition
- Student services fees — amount varies by campus
- Mandatory travel insurance
out-of-pocket expenses
Out-of-pocket expenses include the following:
- Transportation to and from the starting point of the course
- Equipment required for the course as described in the packing list, including tent, sleeping bag, hiking boots, etc. The amount listed represents the estimated cost of buying midgrade versions of each item. Actual cost will depend on equipment the student already has and the price of purchased items.
non-resident supplemental tuition
Applies to students who are not California residents, except during summer terms.
Example cost tables
These amounts do not include the cost of UC’s Student Health Insurance Program (SHIP). Note that program fees are currently $3,800.
For residents, Fall and Spring 2019-20
campus | program fees | UC fees | out-of-pocket expenses | total estimated budget, residents |
Berkeley | $3,800.00 | $7,140.75 | $2,171.00 | $13,111.75 |
Davis | $3,800.00 | $4,926.27 | $2,171.00 | $10,897.27 |
Irvine | $3,800.00 | $4,535.19 | $2,171.00 | $10,506.19 |
Los Angeles | $3,800.00 | $4,508.77 | $2,171.00 | $10,479.77 |
Merced | $3,800.00 | $6,591.18 | $2,171.00 | $12,562.18 |
Riverside | $3,800.00 | $4,712.08 | $2,171.00 | $10,683.08 |
San Diego | $3,800.00 | $4,502.96 | $2,171.00 | $10,473.96 |
Santa Barbara | $3,800.00 | $4,306.63 | $2,171.00 | $10,277.63 |
Santa Cruz | $3,800.00 | $4,469.90 | $2,171.00 | $10,440.90 |
For non-residents, Fall and Spring 2019-20
campus | program | UC fees | out-of- | non-resident | total |
Berkeley | $3,800.00 | $7,140.75 | $2,171.00 | $14,877.00 | $27,988.75 |
Davis | $3,800.00 | $4,926.27 | $2,171.00 | $9,918.00 | $20,815.27 |
Irvine | $3,800.00 | $4,535.19 | $2,171.00 | $9,918.00 | $20,424.19 |
Los Angeles | $3,800.00 | $4,508.77 | $2,171.00 | $9,918.00 | $20,397.77 |
Merced | $3,800.00 | $6,591.18 | $2,171.00 | $14,877.00 | $27,439.18 |
Riverside | $3,800.00 | $4,712.08 | $2,171.00 | $9,918.00 | $20,601.08 |
San Diego | $3,800.00 | $4,502.96 | $2,171.00 | $9,918.00 | $20,391.96 |
Santa Barbara | $3,800.00 | $4,306.63 | $2,171.00 | $9,918.00 | $20,195.63 |
Santa Cruz | $3,800.00 | $4,469.90 | $2,171.00 | $9,918.00 | $20,358.90 |
For both residents and non-residents, Summer 2019
Non-residents are not required to pay supplemental tuition during the summer term.
campus | program fees | UC fees | out-of-pocket | total estimated budget |
Berkeley | $3,800.00 | $5,395.50 | $2,171.00 | $11,366.50 |
Davis | $3,800.00 | $5,711.66 | $2,171.00 | $11,682.66 |
Irvine | $3,800.00 | $5,576.50 | $2,171.00 | $11,547.50 |
Los Angeles | $3,800.00 | $5,395.50 | $2,171.00 | $11,366.50 |
Merced | $3,800.00 | $5,395.50 | $2,171.00 | $11,366.50 |
Riverside | $3,800.00 | $5,609.29 | $2,171.00 | $11,580.29 |
San Diego | $3,800.00 | $5,606.10 | $2,171.00 | $11,577.10 |
Santa Barbara | $3,800.00 | $5,402.63 | $2,171.00 | $11,373.63 |
Santa Cruz | $3,800.00 | $5,508.70 | $2,171.00 | $11,479.70 |