Campus News
UC Santa Cruz’s new records fee model supports student access and success
Starting Fall 2025, UC Santa Cruz will charge a one-time fee that gives students free lifetime access to official academic records, including transcripts and enrollment verifications.
Starting fall 2025, UC Santa Cruz will implement a one-time Records Management Fee, offering students unlimited, free, lifetime access to official academic documents, including transcripts, enrollment verifications, and certificates of completion. Instead of paying per document, students will pay a one-time fee when they first enroll. This change will eliminate unexpected costs and simplify access throughout students’ academic careers and beyond.
The decision follows careful review by campus leadership and consultation with student-facing offices to ensure the model supports equity and access. The approach is consistent with other University of California campuses and aims to reduce financial and administrative barriers for students, particularly those navigating job and graduate school applications, or other transitions that require official documents.
One-time fee levels (effective Fall 2025):
- Undergraduate Students: $200
- Graduate/Professional Students: $100
- Summer-Only/Visiting Students: $50
These fees will be charged to new students starting in the fall of 2025. Current students, returning students, and alumni will not be charged, but will still benefit from the expanded services, which will take effect on July 1, 2025.
What’s covered under the one-time Records Management Fee:
Students will receive unlimited access at no additional cost to:
- Official transcripts (paper and electronic)
- Enrollment and degree verifications
- Certificates of completion
- One ceremonial diploma
- Free USPS mailing (domestic or international) or in-person pickup
These services will be available free of charge to all current students, alumni, and new enrollees beginning July 1, 2025. Only specialized or expedited services, such as express mailing, notarization, or replacement diplomas, will incur separate fees, which will be charged at cost.
How this will benefit students:
- Eliminates per-document fees: Transcripts and other documents that used to cost $25 or more will now be free and unlimited.
- Built into financial aid: For undergraduates, this fee is included in the student’s entering Cost of Attendance budget, meaning that financial aid will cover the records management fee for eligible students.
- Enhances convenience and equity: The change ensures all current and former students can access their official records at no charge, reducing stress during critical life transitions and eliminating late or surprise fees after graduation.
- Supports better service: Stable, up-front funding will allow the Registrar’s Office to maintain high-quality services and avoid billing students after they leave the university.
For more information about the proposed Records Management Fee, visit Student Records Management Fee or contact the UCSC Office of the Registrar at registrar@ucsc.edu.