Program Cost
What is the program cost for the CSS M.S. Program?
For the 2026-2027 academic year, students who complete the program of study with the required 55 units can expect to pay the anticipated cost of $58,096.50 in program tuition. In addition to this fee, there are campus-based fees and health insurance fees. Students must have health insurance, either through the UC Student Health Insurance Program or, with approved waiver, through an external policy.
The table below includes relevant estimated costs for the 2026-2027 school year.
| Fees | Anticipated Cost |
|---|---|
| Annual Program Fee (per unit fee: $1,056) |
$58,080.00 |
| Campus Fees | $2,756.00 |
| Health Insurance | $7,188.00 |
| TOTAL | $68,040.50 |
Prospective students may also use the Estimated Basic Cost of Attendance Sheet for the CSS M.S Program provided by the UC San Diego Financial Aid & Scholarships Office for an estimate that includes living expenses and indirect costs.
Note: Please note that some or all instruction for all or part of the Academic Year may be delivered remotely. Tuition and fees have been set regardless of the method of instruction and will not be refunded in the event instruction occurs remotely for any part of the Academic Year. Figures for tuition and fees represent currently approved or proposed amounts and may not be final. Actual tuition and fees are subject to change by the University of California as determined to be necessary or appropriate. Final approved tuition and fee levels may differ from the amounts presented.
*Health insurance is required as a condition of enrollment. Students are automatically enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) however, students already covered by an insurance plan may qualify for a health fee waiver. Please see the Student Health Insurance Plan page for more information, including waiver criteria, submission process and deadline.
How can I finance my degree?
The CSS M.S. program offers 2-3 limited fellowships each year, at the time of admission. Applications are reviewed at the time of submissions.
Students enrolled in the CSS M.S. program are eligible to apply for Federal Direct Loans. More information about financial options available to students is provided by the Graduate Division. Students may also consider applying for third-party funding through external scholarships. CSS maintains a list of external scholarships for prospective students to use as a reference.
The CSS M.S. programi is not a supported program. Though students in the program are not precluded from serving as teaching assistants, the intensity of the program and the availability of teaching assistantships for CSS M.S. students make it unlikely that most students will serve in this capacity.
Student-athletes and veterans are likely to receive financial aid benefits and have their tuition covered by their corresponding scholarship.
If you are or will be utilizing veterans’ educational benefits to fund your degree, contact the School Certifying Official (SCO) for information regarding whether the overall program fee is covered or includes fees that are not covered.
Questions? Contact css-advising-g@ucsd.edu