Cost & Affordability

Summer 2025 UCDC Estimated Budget

Cost Breakdowns & Details

• UCI Tuition & Fees: Courses are optional during the summer UCDC program, and as a result tuition is not included in the budget. If a student elects to enroll in courses, the cost of participation goes up to account for tuition, fees, and books or supplies.
• Living: Per-term cost for grocery, snacks, and phone. This figure is an estimate, and will vary based on personal needs and spending habits.
• Housing: Per-term cost for housing at the UC Washington Center including $350 summer housing charge, paid through UCI Housing. Rate subject to change pending approval of 2025-2026 Academic Year budgets.
• Personal: Per-term cost for personal expenses plus an allowance for professional clothing.
• Transportation: Includes cost of booking own round-trip airfare, plus a ground transportation allowance which factors in Metro passes and sightseeing travel to locations outside of D.C.
• Healthcare: Per term cost of system average UC SHIP estimate (subject to change after UC SHIP finalizes their premiums for the year).

Affordability

There are numerous avenues to afford the unique opportunity offered through the UCDC program, including scholarships offered to students who meet specific criteria. Some students do obtain paid internships, but it is important to note that most internships are unpaid and those that are paid are much less common and considerably more competitive. We do not advise students to focus only on paid internships to make the program more affordable. Instead, here are several options that may assist individuals in affording the experience:

• Financial Aid and Funding Assistance
  If a student elects to enroll in optional courses, they may qualify for financial aid. However, students should know that by taking courses, the overall cost of the program will go up. See the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships for more information.
• Personal Fundraising
  Some students have successfully crowdfunded from family and friends through various websites and personal fundraising letters.
• Part-time Jobs in D.C.
  Obtaining a part-time job in Washington D.C. while interning is not uncommon. It is a great way to earn extra cash to pay for travel opportunities, food, and other incidentals that may occur.
• Start Saving!
  The recruiting process for UCDC begins early Fall Quarter. Students are accepted into the program in early to mid-November and don’t leave for D.C. until mid-June – that gives students 7 months to start saving. If you’re serious and committed to the program, we encourage you to plan your finances accordingly.