Bill aims to improve Cal State graduation rates, but educators say it misses some challenges

Fewer than one out of five entering freshmen in the 23-campus California State University system graduate within four years. 

A bill introduced to California's legislature on Monday aims to boost that number. But administrators on CSU campuses already running similar programs caution that the new proposal may only go part of the way toward solving the problem.

Senator Steve Glazer's new bill would freeze tuition for Cal State students if they pledge to take a full load of classes for four years and maintain a minimum grade point average. Students in the voluntary program would also benefit from additional advising and would be entitled to priority registration for popular classes.

This legislation “will allow CSU students to break through the logjam that has left too many students with graduation roadblocks and high debt,” Glazer said.

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Glazer's proposal is similar to pilot programs already in place at four CSU campuses. One of those programs, CSU San Bernardino's Four-Year Pledge, began in 2012. Of several hundred students who applied four years ago for the program, only 37 are still enrolled and are on track to graduate this year.

The school's associate dean for undergraduate studies, William Vanderburgh, said that although he supports Glazer's proposal, it does not necessarily address the obstacles that have caused so many students to abandon the program.

“The financial barriers that our students run into are not usually about paying their tuition, it’s more like paying their living expenses,” said Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies William Vanderburgh.

So students would need even more financial aid and grants to pay for those things, he said. 

The bill does not set aside additional funds for Cal State campuses to run the four-year graduation programs, which might also present challenges for the programs to scale up.

About 207 students are enrolled in Cal State Fullerton’s Finish in Four Scholars Program. 

“If you do have additional roughly two to three counselors or advisors, professional advisors, you could grow up to 1,000 or more,” said Peter Nwosu, the campus’ Associate Vice President for Academic Programs.