Students were out in force Wednesday against a 5 percent tuition hike that was approved by the California State University's governing board 11-8 in favor of the increase, the first tuition increase in six years for the system's 23 campuses, including Sacramento State.
The new plan put into effect an increase of $270 in annual in-state tuition, from $5472 to $5742. Accordingly, increases are also proposed to be implemented for non-residential tuition, graduate, doctoral and teacher-credential programs. Said increase is projected to generate $77.5 million for the 2017-18 school year, reported NBC San Diego. However, more than 60% of students, as well as those in the graduate and teacher credential programs covered by grants and waivers, will not be affected by the increase.
California State University Chancellor Timothy P. White said that he does not bring the news forward with an ounce of joy; however, he adds that he does bring it with necessity. However, the proposal voted on included an amendment, which states that CSU would repeal the hike if adequate funding would be granted.
Pending the state governor's budget that is set in June, it is lobbied by administrators, faculty and students leaders for state lawmakers to provide adequate funding. State funding covers almost half of the state university's operating costs, the rest is covered by tuition and fees from its 475,000 students.
The need to increase comes in light of the institutions' need to hire 400 more faculties and add 3,000 most sought after course sections, as well as, expanding academic and student support services.
Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva who opposed the increase along with seven fellow legislators urged the CSU trustees to vote against the increase. She believes that funding higher education should not be done on the backs of students and their families.
The voting was done because news of receiving its expected final budget from the state in July stated that CSU would receive $157.2 million. However, the amount would fall short by $168 million from what the CSU had requested. Failing to secure additional funding might lead to reducing programs and services.
