Estimating Your Bill

All students should prepare for each academic year by projecting their quarterly costs and using their award offer to project their aid.

Money Matters is an excellent tool for estimating how your costs and aid will come together. When estimating Federal Stafford and PLUS Loans, be sure to account for loan fees.  

REGISTRATION LEADS TO A BILL
The bill is a function of registration. Students have the opportunity to register and bills are available based on the following schedule:

Quarter	Registration Begins*	eBills Online*
Autumn	Mid-May (or Orientation for new students)	Late August
Winter	Mid-October	Mid-November
Spring	Early February	Early March
Summer	Mid-April	Early June

 * Approximate timing

eBills are available online approximately one month before the due date that is on or around the first day of classes for the term.

PLAN FOR EXPENSES
Estimating the bill obviously allows students (and parents) to project quarterly bills and anticipate any payment obligations. Meeting your payment obligations on time eliminates late charges, registration service blocks, and collection fees.

You will also have expenses that will not be billed by the university. For instance, students spend, on average, $425 per quarter on books and supplies. Additionally, any personal budget you create should include transportation to and from home, off-campus rent and utilities, clothing, entertainment, and other personal expenses.

Always remember that your personal expenses may be different the the UC budgeted cost that determines your financial aid.

Students attending part-time or on co-op should review the availability of their aid.

Knowing how your financial aid can be used will allow you to better prepare for anticipated out-of-pocket costs.