10 tips on financial aid at the University of California. For starters: More than half of students pay no tuition.

Here are 10 more facts about the cost of a UC education that may surprise you: 

1. The majority of UC’s California undergrads get financial aid.

Nearly 70 percent of UC’s California undergrads get grants and scholarships. We’re not talking loans. This is money for school that doesn’t need to be paid back.

2. UC tuition is fully covered for more than half of California students.

That’s no typo. For most in-state students, if your household income is $100K or less, your UC tuition payment is ZERO. In fact, more than 54 percent of UC’s California undergrads pay no tuition at all.

3. A debt-free path is possible.

Not only do a majority of California undergrads get help with tuition, but nearly two-thirds of the Class of 2025 graduated without any student loans, according to UC estimates.

If you do take out loans, know that UC students borrow far less than the national average. And special low-interest loans are available to both parents and students.

4. There’s financial help for middle-class families too.

Costs are on the rise for just about everything, and middle-income families are feeling the pinch. Through its Middle-Class Scholarship program, California provides college dollars for families with annual incomes up to $250K.

5. You’re likely to get money. And more than you realize.

Lots of college applicants don’t think they’ll qualify for aid. But UC has one of the best financial aid programs in the country, and it’s a good bet you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Another surprise: Many financial aid applicants get more than they expected.

6. You can count on tuition staying flat.

There are no surprises with UC tuition. What you pay as a first-year undergraduate is likely to be the same amount you’ll pay as a senior, making it easier to plan and budget.

7. Financial aid goes beyond tuition.

For California students, the average undergrad financial aid award covers more than tuition, providing about $6,500 more in grants and scholarships to help with costs like food, housing and living expenses.

8. There’s money for undocumented Californians, too.

Everyone should have access to education. If you’re an undocumented Californian, you may be eligible for state and UC dollars through the California Dream Act.

9. Think billions.

Last year University of California students received $1 billion in scholarships and grants from UC; $1 billion from the state of California; and another $1 billion from federal and private sources. That’s $3 billion in grant money that doesn’t ever need to be paid back.

Don’t leave money on the table! Fill out the FAFSA to ensure you get as much aid as possible.

9. UC is an investment with a high return.

UC graduates out-earn other California college grads. They they also earn a whopping 84 percent more in lifetime earnings than their peers without a degree.

Don’t just take our word for it: Princeton Review and Money agree that the University of California offers the best educational value in the United States, and all nine campuses made the U.S. News & World Report list of top-performing schools for social mobility. UC also leads the Forbes Top Colleges list, which ranks schools not only in terms of academics but also return on investment for students. With all the economic, social and personal advantages that come with a UC degree, it’s an investment that’s hard to beat.