Get used to emptying your wallets, folks, because California may see further Cal State University tuition hikes starting this spring.
After a 5 percent tuition increase for the CSU fall 2010 term, the last thing students want to hear is another 5 percent increase for the spring 2011 term and a possible 10 percent increase for the 2011-12 academic year.
The major reason for the potential upcoming increase in tuition may be due to the discontinuation of President Obama’s federal stimulus program next year, marking the end of federal stimulus funds aiding California schools.
The possible tuition hikes for the 2011-12 academic year are expected to compensate for a state budget deficit expected after the termination of federal stimulus funds. Calif. State Universities have lost a total of $625 million in the past three years.
The money lost has directly affected student resources and services on CSU campuses statewide. The only way, according to the state, to restore these resources and services is by raising tuition costs by the hundreds.
The Daily 49er recently reported on federal aid for CSUs, including a one-time $106 million in additional federal funding. However, the keyword “one-time” was entirely overlooked.
The recently granted additional funds will benefit schools now, but with 339,873 full time students being anticipated by CSUs, it’s feared that the one-time $106 million fund won’t assist students enrolled in school for four years or more. Tuition must continue to increase as stimulus funds decrease to assure that CSU students will still be offered numerous courses and accessible resources.
It’s predicted that the total tuition for full-time undergraduate students would be $4,884 in 2011-12.
Obama’s stimulus package expresses his objective to save up to 2.3 million jobs. One of the elements mentioned in his package to help achieve his goal is to deduct more than $2,000 in college tuition taxes. Why is it then that Californians have only had to pay more for a college education?
A scarce number of jobs are being conserved and absolutely no money is being saved in regards to colleges in California under Obama’s stimulus package. Instead, students are being forced to choose between attending college and finding a job.
So, what would be better? Perhaps if the Obama administration provided us the one-time $106 million in four-year installments instead, the average amount it takes for a full-time student to graduate. Although this doesn’t ensure the same resources students were fortunate to have four years ago, it at least guarantees a — although slight — stable increase in funding for the additional amount of students who are accepted into CSUs for the upcoming academic years.
We’re not political experts, but it’s obvious to many that Obama’s stimulus package is doing California absolutely no good. We appreciate the effort, Mr. President, but better luck next time.
The state cannot rely on federal funding. We must move California forward by balancing the state’s budget and honoring California’s promise to higher education.
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