graduation ceremony
Admissions & Records

Fees, Payments and Refunds

How Much Will Cabrillo Cost?

Students are charged enrollment tuition fees by the unit.

The more units you take, the more you will be charged. Your per unit charge is based on your residency. Your residency is determined by the length of time you have been in California or your visa status.

Per Unit Fees:

  • In State (California) residents are charged an enrollment fee of $46 per unit

  • Out-of-state Students are charged $46 plus an additional $358 per unit for total of $404 per unit, effective Summer '23

  • International Students are charged $46 plus an additional $358 per unit for total per unit fee of $404, and an additional $2 per unit for a capital outlay fee for a total of $406 per unit effective Summer '23

ProTip: Cabrillo helps make college affordable by providing Financial Aid enrollment fee waivers to qualifying students. Apply today!

When are my fees due?

  • Unless you are receiving Financial Aid, payment for tuition and student fees is due prior to the start of classes. For a class that has already started, payment is due immediately upon registration. Failure to pay may result in a delinquent account. If your account is delinquent you may not add more courses or drop existing courses.

  • If you are receiving Financial Aid, your fees will be charged to your account and then automatically paid for by your Financial Aid after the 3rd week of the term.

  • You are responsible for any fees not covered by your Financial Aid or 3rd Party Voucher.

1098-T Questions

E-mail Business Services at studentaccounts@cabrillo.edu


Estimated Cost of Attendance
Your School Budget

Financial Aid provides an estimate budget and please contact your financial aid advisor if you have any additional questions about possbile expenses, which are not paid by an outside funding agency; such as childcare, elder care, disability-related expenses, uninsured medical or dental expenses, or if you are required to purchase a computer or supplies for your program that exceed the standard budget allowance. You can request an adjustment to your school budget, if any of the above apply to you.

Mandatory Fees Descriptions

Includes Options to Appeal

Provides health and wellness resources for all students. This is a mandatory fee unless you are a student who depends upon prayer for healing in accordance with the teachings of a bonafide religious sect, denomination, or organization OR if you are a student attending under an approved apprenticeship program. Students must meet either of these criteria to appeal this fee. To appeal, submit the fee appeal form and attach a verification letter from a religious or apprenticeship leader.

$1 per unit; maximum $5 per semester (Fall and Spring only)

Supports lobbying efforts by students for their rights.*As of January 1, 2020, any student registered for classes will be charged a $2 student representation fee in compliance with AB1504. This is a mandatory fee. To appeal, submit the fee appeal form.

Cabrillo students recently held an election and voted to implement a mandatory transportation fee of $40 per student per semester for Fall and Spring ($39 for less than full time units). The fee provides each student with a bus pass valid seven days a week, for Santa Cruz Metro bus service throughout Santa Cruz County with transfers to Monterey-Salinas Transit. Students will simply show their Cabrillo ID card with a current semester sticker to ride the bus. Stickers will be available at the Welcome Center. Mandatory transportation fee $20.00 per student for the Summer semester.

The Student Activity Card provides you with benefits and additional discounts at Cabrillo and around the community! Be sure to check out the Cabrillo College Student Senate webpage for more information. The fees are managed by the Associated Students of Cabrillo College Student Senate (ASCC) to develop and support campus activities, educational programs, speakers, conferences, and cultural events. (Fall and Spring only, opt-in for Summer, via Welcome Center)

Cardholders also receive numerous on and off campus benefits including:

  • Free admission to all regular season Cabrillo athletic events.

  • Community-wide discounts such as restaurant discounts, local vendor discounts, and educational software software.

  • Student Discounts at museums locally, nationally, and abroad (per the guidelines of each museum)

Parking is enforced seven (7) days a week while classes are in session. Avoid parking tickets: purchase your parking permit at the Welcome Center in Aptos or the Watsonville Center before the term starts. For a refund return your physical parking permit to the Welcome Center in Aptos or the Watsonville Center by the deadline.

Some courses charge additional fees to cover class expenses such as clay, paint, etc. See the course description in the Schedule of Classes to see whether any additional fees apply.

Request to opt out by completing a Mandatory Fee Appeal

Enrollment Fees Are Set by the State of California

As a California Community College, Cabrillo does not control fee amounts; they are subject to change at any time. The State supports students by keeping enrollment fees as low as possible. However, these fees may go up during the semester and you may be charged retroactively.

Pro Tip: Make your voice heard on this and other legislative decisions that affect you: Register to Vote.