Supporting UCLA’s continued growth and advancement through conservative financial management

Some California residents assume that University of California campuses are primarily funded by the state. That has not been true for many years.

A major financial strength for UCLA is a diverse source of revenues that has become increasingly important over the past several years following the significant decrease in state funding in 2008. UCLA has realized growth in most revenue categories, including federal contracts and grants, medical professional fees and private gifts, as well as fees from out-of-state students.

UCLA’s fiscal management and operational efficiencies have helped the campus maintain positive net income. Assuming inflationary-like adjustments in state support, modest and predictable tuition increases and sustained current levels of enrollment by out-of-state students, UCLA anticipates maintaining positive financial results through realizing new revenues, carefully managing expenses and capturing additional efficiencies.

The largest percentage of UCLA revenues comes from the UCLA Health System (about 50 percent). Auxiliary enterprises such as student housing, food service and parking supply another large portion (25 percent). Research funding — primarily federal — contributes about 14 percent, while private giving contributes 4 percent. Total operating and nonoperating revenues amount to almost $6.8 billion annually.

Figures on this page reflect preliminary, unaudited data as of October 2016. The Annual Financial Report for 2015–16 is in preparation and will be published in late fall.

Student tuition and the scholarship allowance

The pie chart above shows the net budget impact of student tuition and fee payments. The table below provides more detailed information. A portion of the student fees received by UCLA is set aside for scholarship assistance. In this way, tuition payments — especially from international and out-of-state students, who pay a considerable supplemental tuition — help to subsidize California students. The scholarship allowance is one of many ways UCLA acts to preserve access and affordability.