Cal State's decision to raise student tuition will amount to about 5%, or about $270 for in-state students. Tuition for out-of-state students as well as graduate and teacher credential programs also will go up.

These increases will generate $77.5 million in crucial net revenue, officials said. The more than 60% of Cal State students whose tuition is fully covered by grants and waivers will not be affected.

Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, who serves on the California State University Board of Trustees, voted against the tuition increase and says the consequences will be tough on students.

“State support needs to continue to rise to make up for the cuts necessitated by the Great Recession, and programmatic efficiencies have to be examined within the system. However, I believe we can work together to arrive at a stable and appropriate funding level without overburdening students – especially those who are unable to pay their rent or maintain a consistent source of food,” Rendon said in a statement.

“This fee increase, even factoring in enhanced financial aid, will be an enormous burden to roughly 170,000 CSU students,” Rendon said.

Cal State’s decision follows the University of California regents’ 16-4 vote earlier this year to end a tuition freeze and approve a 2.5%, or $282, increase next school year. (INT)

Story Date: April 1, 2017