University of California, Housing Bond

California Student Housing Bond Coalition

The statewide housing crisis impacts our public universities, college students and communities. California students need housing now.  

The Veterans and Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026 includes $350 million for student housing, split evenly between the University of California and the California State University systems. Under the proposal, UC would receive $175 million through the Higher Education Student Housing Grant Program.  

three students walking outside

About the bond

If approved by voters, this investment would help build thousands of new student housing beds, reduce housing costs for students and ease housing pressure for surrounding communities.  

Learn more about the bond

More student housing would:

  • Help more students learn without threat of housing instability.
  • Reduce housing competition for working families in public university and college communities.
  • Enable the bond to go farther with more housing built per dollar allocated.
students walking on campus

Include student housing in the bond

Student housing is a core part of California’s affordability challenge, especially in regions already burdened by housing scarcity. A $175M investment would: 

  • Allow UC and CSU to develop housing to be offered at rates 30% below market rates, ensuring affordability for our students.
  • Relieve pressure on some of the most intense housing markets in California.
  • Support thousands of good-paying construction jobs.
  • Make it possible for more students—especially first-generation and low-income students – to live, learn, and thrive in California.

Advocate for student housing

Grassroots advocacy works – this investment was made possible thanks to you. 

The Veterans and Affordable Housing Bond 2026 now includes $175 million for student housing at University of California campuses. 
 
This achievement reflects the collective efforts of the UC community. Advocates, alumni, students, faculty, staff, parents and supporters took action by contacting lawmakers and making the case for affordable student housing across California. 

Students in a lounge

Connect

 Questions? Contact us: uc.sgr@ucop.edu