Chancellor Timothy P. White seeks proper state funding in the best interests of California’s future
Press Release – San Diego, Calif. (April 20, 2018) – The California State University (CSU) will not increase tuition for the 2018-19 academic year. Chancellor Timothy P. White has determined that it is in California’s best interest for the state to provide sufficient funding for the university’s most pressing needs that support student access, achievement and degree completion across the 23-campus system.
“In light of California’s strong economy, California’s students and their families should not be saddled with additional financial burden to attain public higher education,” said White. “We will continue to make the case to lawmakers, who represent all Californians, that an educated citizenry should be at the top of the state’s highest priorities.”
Bolstered by university-wide efforts to support student achievement and success, the CSU is fulfilling its mission better than ever before – the system is retaining, graduating and enrolling students at record levels. Last year, nearly 100,000 CSU graduates earned a high-quality bachelor’s degree. Additionally 20,000 graduate degrees were earned and the CSU prepares half of the state’s teachers. Maintaining that trajectory – which enables California’s future – without sufficient additional funding is not possible.
“All of us must continue to advocate for adequate state funding that preserves quality education and improves access for qualified students,” said San Diego State University President Sally Roush.
This past November, the CSU budget request sought an increase of $263 million to fund the university’s most pressing needs, including the highly successful Graduation Initiative 2025, enrollment growth, obligatory increases for employee compensation, healthcare and retirement costs, facility operations and infrastructure requirements. In January, Governor Brown’s budget proposal included an increase of only $92.1 million for the CSU, which is $171 million less than the university needs.
In light of the budget proposal that does not sufficiently fund the operation of the university, CSU had discussed consideration of a potential tuition increase. That proposal will not be considered further this year.
Key to California’s success is sufficiently funding the CSU. Chancellor White, campus presidents and other university leaders have engaged policymakers about prioritizing CSU and public higher education in the 2018-19 state budget.
“The CSU has been a gateway to opportunity for generations of Californians, in large part because it has always prioritized access and affordability. I’m pleased with the CSU’s decision not to pursue a tuition increase for the coming year. I pledge to continue our work in the legislature to lower barriers and reduce the cost of quality higher education for all students,” said Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins.
“This is good news for California students and for the California economy, which is hungering for a diverse and educated workforce. CSU students, faculty, staff and leaders have made a strong case for additional funding—and they are being heard. The Assembly is committed to increased funding for higher education, and will carry this commitment into the budget discussions,” said Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, an ex officio member of the CSU Trustees.
