By Aya Mikbel, Abbie Phillips, Noah Lyons, Olivia Keeler and Arable Meyer
With the September decision by the trustees of California State University to raise tuition rates at its 23 campuses, the California Student Journalism Corps asked fellow students how this increase would impact them.
Students at four California State University campuses were asked:
"The California State University board of trustees voted this past month to increase tuition by 6% each year for the next five years to help fill a budget gap of $1.5 billion. For reference, this means that in 2024, the annual increase of $342 will result in full-time undergraduate students paying tuition of $6,084, with annual tuition reaching $7,682 by the 2028-29 school year. We are asking students if this higher tuition would have changed your plans to attend (school name here), and why or why not?"
Below are some of their responses:
Sumriena Naseer
Senior, studying health science at California State University, Sacramento
"I think this would have affected my decision to come here, unless financial aid were to cover my tuition," Naseer said. "If not, I would have probably gone to a community college. I commute from Stockton and already pay for my gas — it would be too much."
Continued Naseer, "My sister is a freshman and is here for the next three years. My other sister might come here too. It doesn't really affect me, but it definitely affects them."
Sumriena's story gathered by California Student Journalism Corps member Aya Mikbel
Ariana Fernandez
Senior studying exercise science at California State University, Sacramento
"I personally was really upset when I found out," Fernandez said. "I don't understand how you can expect students to pay for tuition when some students are given barely any financial aid. On top of that, students are paying for housing which is so expensive and the minimum wage is $15.50. It's ridiculous."
Added Fernandez, "I think it's good that instructors are getting a raise, but it sucks that students are paying for it."
She also is unsure what this means for her plans for an advanced degree. "I graduate next semester. This won't affect me for my undergrad, but I wanted to attend a CSU for my master's degree which might change."
Ariana's story gathered by California Student Journalism Corps member Aya Mikbel
"The tuition increase might have changed my mind," White said. "It's a lot more money to increase it by," and he believes that cost may deter some students from attending Cal Poly.
White also believes the money is not being spent properly. "Cal Poly could have moved money around some and could be wiser about it. I think they need to put more money into salaries. It kind of seems like they're spending more money on buildings," he said.
Ryan's story gathered by California Student Journalism Corps member Abbie Phillips
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