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As tuition fees are set to increase significantly at UC and CSU campuses next fall, students are cutting back to part-time status, enrolling in less-costly community colleges or quitting school altogether, according to theLA Times.
A review of student dropout rates at UC schools was prompted after officials heard that students were dropping out of school or interrupting their studies because of fee hikes. The study found that on average, 2% to 3% of UC students interrupted their studies and 5% did not return for the following year after summer break.
UC Regents are quick to point out there is "no correlation" between increasing costs and student drop out rates, yet the study was conducted during a time of no fee hikes and did not capture the reasons students left.
Cal State officials are singing the same tune, stating that they've found "no indication so far that higher costs have caused growing numbers of students to drop out."
Yet, students interviewed in both school systems are reporting they are faced with tough decisions about how, where and if they can continue their college education in light of fee increases. Both UC and CSU programs plan to further study the effects of fee hikes on drop out rates. Here's to hoping the results are in before more fee hikes are approved.