How will the 32 percent U.C. tuition increase affect you?
As I post this question, the UC regents are meeting to vote on a proposed 32 percent hike in the cost of a University of California education. UC President Mark Yudof had recommended increasing annual tuition to $10,302 next year to help close a $535 million budget gap. Responding to more than $1 billion in state funding cuts since last year, the UC recently let go almost 2,000 employees, cut faculty pay through furloughs and reduced the number of courses offered to students. The new fees are expected to generate more than half a billion dollars, and allow the UC to restore some of the most painful cuts.
Students and parents (not to mention faculty and staff) are understandably dismayed. Angry protests took place at several UC campuses around the state, and supporters joined in at California State University campuses, which also face severe reductions. The impact of the state’s fiscal crisis on its lauded college and university system is leading some Californians to question whether its quality and accessibility can be sustained.
Are you a student, or parent of a student? How will the 32 percent tuition increase affect you or your family?