That’s no typo. For most in-state students, if their household income is $100K or less, their UC tuition payment is ZERO. In fact, 54 percent of UC’s California undergrads pay no tuition at all.

3. A debt-free path is possible.

Not only do a majority of California undergrads get help with tuition, but nearly two-thirds of the Class of 2025 graduated without any student loans, according to UC estimates.

If UC students do take out loans, they borrow far less than the national average. And special low-interest loans are available to both parents and students.

4. There’s financial help for middle-class families, too.

Costs are on the rise for just about everything, and middle-income families are feeling the pinch. Through its Middle-Class Scholarship program, California provides college dollars for families with annual incomes up to $250K.

5. Students are likely to get money. And more than they might realize.

Lots of college applicants don’t think they’ll qualify for aid. But UC has one of the best financial aid programs in the country, and many students are pleasantly surprised. Another surprise: Many financial aid applicants get more than they expected.

6. You can count on tuition staying flat.

There are no surprises with UC tuition. What students pay as a first-year undergraduate is likely to be the same amount they’ll pay as a senior, making it easier to plan and budget.

7. Financial aid goes beyond tuition.

For California students, the average undergrad financial aid award covers more than tuition, providing about $6,500 more in grants and scholarships to help with costs like food, housing and living expenses.

8. There’s money for undocumented Californians, too.

Everyone should have access to education. Undocumented Californians may be eligible for state and UC dollars through the California Dream Act.

9. Think billions.

Last year University of California students received $1.25 billion in scholarships and grants from UC; $1.4 billion from the state of California; and another $650 million from federal and private sources. That’s $3.3 billion in grant money that doesn’t ever need to be paid back.

10. UC is an investment with a high return.

UC graduates out-earn other California college grads. They also earn a whopping 84 percent more in lifetime earnings than their peers without a degree.

Don’t just take our word for it: Princeton Review and Money agree that the University of California offers the best educational value in the United States, and all nine campuses made the U.S. News & World Report list of top-performing schools for social mobility. UC also leads the Forbes Top Colleges list, which ranks schools not only in terms of academics but also return on investment for students. With all the economic, social and personal advantages that come with a UC degree, it’s an investment that’s hard to beat.

Learn more about financial aid at UC