As Eastside students begin college, concerns over higher education costs loom large

This story was originally published by Boyle Heights Beat on Aug. 20, 2024.

Yaretzy Montes didn’t necessarily have a “dream school” she was working toward after high school graduation. She made her decision based on what school made financial sense, and this fall, she’ll be attending Cal State Los Angeles.

“I don’t want to take out loans or be in debt,” said Montes.

Montes initially had her eye on Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, but limited financial aid from the school did not make that possible.

A graduate of Felicitas and Gonzalo Mendez Senior High School, Montes is interested in majoring in English or something related to history.

As Boyle Heights and East L.A. students prepare for their college careers, they worry about how they will afford the costs associated with higher education. Some also worry about being away from home, and feel a level of guilt about the sacrifices their families have had to make for them to attend school.

Diego Emmanuel Valerio is surrounded by family at Garfield High’s graduation.

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Courtesy of Diego Emmanuel Valerio

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Many of the students interviewed by Boyle Heights Beat are attending public state schools in California. Data also show that a large majority of students in California attend public, instead of private colleges.

A CalMatters analysis found that — over the past 50 years — student fees and tuition at UC schools have nearly quadrupled, while jumping six-fold at Cal State campuses. This, as Cal State trustees last year voted to raise student tuition by 6% each year for five consecutive years. Still, thanks to an annual state financial aid program, nearly 60% of UC and Cal State undergrads pay no tuition or fees, according to CalMatters.

Diego Emmanuel Valerio, who graduated from Garfield High School, initially planned on attending San Jose State. Now, he’ll be attending Santa Monica College. Money played a role in that decision, he said.

One of his fears was running out of money while being away from home, he said.

‘’I come from a low-income family. So growing up, it’s always been about the money. Obviously college isn’t cheap, and my parents have had to make a lot of sacrifices,” Valerio said.

Valerio, who was involved in mariachi at Garfield, wants to study music. He’s not sure yet where he wants to transfer.

“I just want to focus on finishing the two years,” Valerio said.

Abigail (Abby) Camacho, who graduated from Collegiate Charter High School, can relate. She said money played a big role in where she planned to go to college “because of how difficult it is for me financially as a low-income student.”

Abigail Camacho graduated from Collegiate Charter High in June 2024.

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Reana Peña

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Boyle Heights Beat

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Camacho is attending Cal State Northridge and plans to focus on radiology and minor in neurosonography. She wants to pursue a job in medicine.

“It’s really important for me to know what I’m going to be paying for and knowing how to manage that,” said Camacho. “[My parents] want to support me, but they don’t make enough. So that’s why I’ve been supporting myself with a job and trying to help them out financially because I know college can be really expensive.’’

Brandon Chavez, who graduated from Mendez High, said his only worry about college is the distance. The college center at his school helped the college application process go smoothly, he said. Plus, he was awarded a $48,000 Watkins scholarship that offers him some financial peace of mind.

“Even though I may not be too far, I’m still not going to be close to home,” said Chavez, who is attending UC Santa Barbara.

Chavez plans to study political science and potentially minor in business or English.

‘’I don’t really fear anything. I’m just excited. I’m just eager to see what the future has for me,” said Chavez.