No, this is not a re-print of an earlier report. The University of California (UC) system is again considering a significant tuition increase if the state does not increase higher education funding.
According to a document posted online ahead of next week’s UC Board of Regents meeting, the 10-campus system is contemplating a six-percent tuition hike in the fall unless they receive additional funds from the state, which is highly unlikely given the fact that California is again facing a massive budget deficit, not to mention the fact that the state has consistently relied on cuts to higher education spending as a way to close budgetary gaps and the fact that state revenues have fallen approximately $3 billion below expectations.
If the increase is approved, it will mean that UC students will now pay double the tuition rate of just five years ago.
The bad news doesn’t stop there. If Governor Brown’s proposed tax initiative is not passed this November, UC will consider yet another cut—this time in the double-digit range!—and/or drastic reductions to campus programs and staff, according to the document. Brown has indicated that if the initiative fails, both the UC and California State University systems stand to lose an additional $200 million—each—in funding.
We’ll keep you posted as details unfold.
California Southern University was founded in 1978 with the vision of providing affordable education of exceptional quality to non-traditional students who are often working adults. CalSouthern tuition is $250/credit for undergraduate-level courses, $350/credit for master’s-level courses and $395 for doctorate-level courses. These tuition rates are “locked in;” a student will never face a tuition increase as long as he or she remains enrolled.
Access, affordability to University is farther and farther out of reach. University of California Berkeley Chancellor Birgeneau, Provost Breslauer are leaving an indelible mark on access and affordability to Cal. Both are outspoken on why elite public Cal. should ‘charge Californians much more’ tuition. Number 1 ranked Harvard is now less costly (all in costs). UC Berkeley tuition is rising faster than costs at other universities. The ‘charge more’ tuition policy makes Cal. the most expensive public university!
Birgeneau ($450,000 salary) Breslauer ($306,000 salary) like to blame the politicians, since they stopped giving them every dollar expected. The ‘charge Californians more’ tuition skyrocketed fees by an average 14% per year from 2006 to 2011-12 academic years. If Birgeneau Breslauer had allowed fees to rise at the same rate of inflation over the past 10 years they would still be in reach of most middle income students. Disparities in higher education defeat the promise of equality of opportunity. An unacceptable legacy for students, parents, politicians!
Additional funding should sunset. The economic downturn is devastating California. Simply asking Californians for more money to fund inept Cal. leadership, old expensive higher education models and support burdensome salaries, bonuses, and pensions is not the answer.
UC Berkeley is to maximize access to the widest number of Californians at a reasonable cost: mission of diversity and equality of opportunity. Birgeneau’s Breslauer’s ‘charge Californians more’ tuition denies middle income Californians the transformative value of Cal’s higher education.
Opinions? UC Board of Regents marsha.kelman@ucop.edu Calif. State Senators, Assembly members.