UCDC Estimated Program Cost

* International students should consult student business services for more information.
* For specific info on financial aid, students should contact the UCSD Financial Aid Office.
* Costs will vary based on personal needs, spending habits, and living accommodations and may not be reflected in your actual expenses.

Subsidized Unpaid Interns Program (SUIP)

SUIP will provide UCDC students $1,000 if their internship is unpaid or make up the difference if it pays less than $1,000. In line with the mission of UCDC to make it possible for all UC students to participate in the program, the goal of this initiative is to provide pay equity among students, most of who give up campus jobs and face a number of opportunity costs to attend UCDC.

Financial Aid

Since you are considered a UCSD student during your time away, financial aid will apply to your quarter in DC. All accepted participants' names, along with the estimated budget, are submitted to the Financial Aid Office. Students can meet with the Financial Aid Office to discuss adjustment of their awards due to differences in living expenses.

Housing Cost 

All students who have been accepted to participate in the UC Washington Program (UCDC) must reside in and pay the housing fee. The UC Washington Center provides all the necessities for living in Washington, DC for a quarter including furnished room, fully-equipped kitchen, and other accommodations. For more information, please visit the UC Washington Center Residential Life page.

Tuition and Fees

For the academic year (Fall, Winter, or Spring) program, university tuition fees are the same as a regular quarter on campus. For the summer term, please make an appointment to meet with the UCDC Coordinator, Keith Tindall, to review your summer enrollment options.

Airfare

Students that fly to DC will have air travel costs which can vary widely and get more expensive the sooner it is to your departure. Be sure to purchase your tickets as early as possible! Also, expect to spend around $40-80 getting to the UCDC Center from the airport. Check out Travelocity, Hotwire, and Expedia for easy flight searching. 

Fees posted here are estimates based on currently approved amounts. Actual tuition, fees, and other charges are subject to change by the Regents of the University of California and could be affected by State funding reductions. Accordingly, final approved levels (and thus a student's final balance due) may differ from the amounts shown. 

Local Transportation

During the academic year quarters, the UC Washington Center provides a metro card for students to use to get around D.C.! Consider additional costs for special trips you may take while in DC (taxi, bus, etc). 

Personal Expenses

Washington DC has an endless supply of restaurants, bars, shows, and more! While some of these options are more expensive than others, there are many fun things to do on a budget. Keep an eye out for fun and inexpensive things to do around the city (festivals, talks, museum exhibits, etc). Also, carry your student ID with you so you can take advantage of student discounts offered by theaters, museums, and other DC organizations.

Scholarship Opportunities

Scholarships for Political Science Majors

There are multiple political science scholarships available each quarter funded by UCSD alumni and friends to help defray costs of attending UCDC. These awards are made based on financial need and overall academic performance. These scholarships are available on a rolling basis as long as donations remain available.

Science Policy Internship Program Fellowship (SPIP)

In cooperation with the University of California center in Washington D.C. (UCDC, www.ucdc.edu), the National Science Foundation, and the American Chemical Society, a Science Policy Internship Program (SPIP) has been established.  Students enrolled in science, engineering, and mathematics majors are encouraged to apply to SPIP to experience how scientists and engineers play in an important role in national policymaking, government regulation, and other activities at the interface of science and public policy. This fellowship award is $1,500 to help defray travel and housing costs during the quarter spent at UCDC as part of SPIP.

Undergraduate Scholarship for Academic Internship Participants in Arts and Humanities

Undergraduate students with majors or minors in the Arts & Humanities who have secured an unpaid academic internship through the UC San Diego Academic Internship Program or UCDC may apply.

UCDC Need-Based Scholarships
Students selected for the UCDC program will be considered for scholarship funding made available through the Teaching + Learning Commons. Funding is offered based upon demonstrated financial need.