The cost of attending a four year institution has skyrocketed in the recent years. For students seeking higher level education to better themselves, a four year institution is no longer an option due to financial situations.

On October 28th of this year, it was reported by the 12-member university committee  for the California State University System that the schools can no longer be supported by just state funding. They proposed to raise tuition for students in order to gain funding for the growing enrollment rate,  increase the speed it takes to earn a four-year degree, and purchase technology and facility upgrades. Currently the state funding for the CSU system cannot cover these much needed cost.

The annual rates for an undergrad are currently about $5,472. This cost is already high for many students, but with an increase this will not allow many qualified students to be able to attend a CSU institution. A student can meet all the requirements that the university has, but can be denied because of limited space and government support. For those students that do make it into the CSU system, they are burdened with a heavy workload trying to complete their degree in 4 years or less; many while working full time jobs. This will lead to a decrease in enrollment and an increase in student drop outs.

As California State University Monterey Bay students, we are proud products of the CSU System and we believe that everyone should be provided the same chance to obtain a higher level education. CSU Monterey Bay is home to many first generation students and low income students who are here to make a better life for themselves. With a proposed tuition increase, this will block out many of these students due to financial reasons.

Otters for Affordable education along with California State Student Association is asking our local senators and assemblymen in Monterey County to fight for the CSU System and request for $101 million dollars of state funding to go towards the CSU System.