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University of California might raise tuition as part of ‘stability’ plan
A proposal aims to extend the system's “Tuition Stability Plan,” which went into effect in 2022.
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UC Irvine
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FLICKR
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The University of California’s Board of Regents on Wednesday is slated to vote on a proposal that could hike tuition rates for incoming students beginning in fall 2027.
The UC system is facing state budget cuts and major uncertainty over federal funding as it continues to navigate ongoing conflicts with the Trump administration.
In a recent message to students, faculty and staff, UC President James Milliken said the system is grappling with “one of the gravest threats in [its] 157-year history,” highlighting fears about potential cuts to the $17 billion in federal funding it receives each year — including $1.7 billion in financial aid for students.
What's in the proposal?
The proposal aims to extend UC’s “Tuition Stability Plan,” which went into effect in 2022. Under that plan, annual tuition increases are capped at 5% and tuition is frozen for each incoming class for six years.
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The proposal on deck contains key differences, including reducing the rate of undergraduate tuition set aside for financial aid, from 45% to 40%, along with a 1% increase to help pay for new or improved campus facilities.
The University of California Student Association (UCSA), which represents 230,000 undergraduates across nine campuses, opposes the tuition hikes, arguing that many students are already struggling to make ends meet.
“We understand that the university is in a really challenging fiscal period . . . [and] will likely renew the proposal,” said Vincent Rasso, the group’s director of government relations.
If the board adopts the plan, he added, members should, at a minimum, oppose reducing the rate of tuition dollars that support student aid. And instead of using tuition to pay for capital improvements, UCSA asks that a portion of that 1% hike be used to fund retention programs and students' basic needs.
The board's meeting is slated to start at 1:30 p.m. and available to stream online.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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