What is happening? Why should you act NOW?

The district has proposed to increase non-resident tuition fees at SJCC by $68 per unit, from $290 per unit to $358 per unit, which is a drastic increase of $1632 per year for full time students taking 12 units. This proposal will be discussed as an action item at the District Board Meeting on Tuesday 14th, 2023 and the decision will be finalized by the deadline March 2nd. If this proposal gets approved at the meeting, the proposed non-resident tuition rates will be effective starting Fall 2023 semester.

Who will be affected?

This will be adversely impacting 615 students at SJCC paying out of state tuition (8% of our student population) which includes:

• San Jose City College and Evergreen Valley College out-of-state students
• Non-resident students 
• Undocumented students not eligible for residency status
• International students (F1 visa)
• Other types of visa holders that are not qualified to be residents (J1/HB2/others)
• Out-of-state student-athletes 

Why is it a concern for students?

This extreme increase in tuition fees will create economic hardships and financial burdens, which can even leave some students no choice, but to discontinue pursuing their education at SJCC.

• All international students are limited to only 20 hours of on-campus work earning minimum wage.
• Non residents are not eligible for any financial aid/FAFSA to offset tuition fees.
• Many international students are fleeing political/economic crisis in their home countries; they do not come from wealthy privileged families.
• International students are legally required to be enrolled in 12 units to maintain their visa status; inability to pay for full tuition results in termination of I-20 and increases risk of being deported back to home country (which is an unsafe territory for many).
• Many undocumented who do not meet the requirements to qualify for in-state tuition will face huge financial burden.