Student Fees
This page provides guidance and resources for the financial administration and reporting of UC San Diego student fees.
The Budget & Financial Analysis (B&FA) department provides financial oversight, guidance, and administrative support for student fees at UC San Diego. Working in partnership with campus departments and University stakeholders, B&FA helps ensure that student fee funds are budgeted, managed, and reported in accordance with University of California policies and campus guidelines.
Student fees fund a variety of programs, services, and initiatives that support the student experience and the University's educational mission. Each fee category may have specific requirements related to its use, approval process, and financial reporting. B&FA supports these activities by providing budget and financial analysis, coordinating annual reporting requirements, and assisting campus partners with the administration of student fee funds.
This webpage serves as a central resource for information on the student fee categories supported by B&FA, including fee-specific policies, reporting requirements, and related resources.
Student Fee Levels
Student fee level information is available at the following links:
UCOP Annual Fees Reporting
The University of California requires annual student fee reporting from all UC campuses. Budget & Financial Analysis (B&FA) department coordinates UC San Diego's annual student fee reporting submissions to the University of California Office of the President (UCOP) in collaboration with campus partners.
The following resources provide information on UC San Diego's annual reporting requirements and related UCOP guidance:
Additional information on UCOP student fee policies and reporting requirements is available below:
- UCOP Budget & Finance Policies & Resources
- UCOP Description of Charges Reference Guide
- UCOP Other Fee Information
- UCOP Student Services Fees Report
Course Materials and Services Fees (CMSF)
Initial Considerations
Before submitting a Course Materials and Services Fee (CMSF) proposal, departments are encouraged to consult with their departmental and divisional leadership to determine whether alternative funding sources are available.
Proposal Deadlines
The CMSF review cycle typically accepts proposals during the fall quarter for implementation in the following academic year (e.g., proposals submitted in Fall 2025 for Academic Year 2026–27). Due to the implementation of Triton Student System (TSS), proposals for Academic Year 2026–27 will be accepted during Winter Quarter 2026.
- CMSF Proposal Deadline for Spring Quarter 2026 Implementation: Friday, November 7, 2025
- CMSF Proposal Deadline for Academic Year 2026–27 Implementation: Monday, March 9, 2026
Beginning March 10, 2026, the CMSF review cycle will return to its annual schedule, with proposals accepted in late Fall 2026 for implementation in Academic Year 2027–28.
Interim Guidelines
Please review the Interim CMSF Guidelines before creating a CMSF proposal.
CMSF Proposal Submissions
Please use the Course Materials and Services Fee Kuali Build (KB) Proposal Form for all CMSF submissions (effective February 18, 2026).
Questions?
For questions regarding CMSF proposals or the review process, please contact FeesCBO@ucsd.edu
Related CMSF Documents & Policies
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PPM 120-9 Policy Please also refer to the Interim CMSF Guidelines as a supplementary document
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UCOP DA 2559 - Delegation of Authority to Set Miscellaneous Fees
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UCOP Guidelines for Implementing Course Materials and Services Fees
Following CMSF approval, departments are responsible for:
- Coordinating with the Office of the Registrar to add approved CMSF charges (new fees or fee adjustments) to the Schedule of Classes before applicable publishing deadlines. Refer to the Schedule of Classes Publication Schedule for additional information.
- Updating course fee information in the General Catalog. Information on the General Catalog process is available through Academic Senate's Catalog Copy resources.
CMSF Proposal Review Process
The CMSF proposal review process includes multiple campus review and approval steps. The workflow diagram below provides an overview of the CMSF proposal review process.
