Aug
7
California University System Shows Strain of Budget Cuts
August 7, 2009 | 2 Comments
For many years, the California public university system has been at the top-tier of public universities. With first-rate programs and tuitions that were lower than public colleges, even for out-of-state residents, the system has attracted the best and the brightest from around the world. That may be changing.
Budget cuts are forcing reductions in class offerings throughout the system at the same time that tuition and fees are rising. The cost of tuition and board for an out-of-state student is now on par with the most expensive private universities: over $49,000.
The reason is simple: the system will be receiving 17 percent less from the state of California this year than just 2 years ago.
Students are experiencing first-hand the impact of those cuts. Course offerings will be reduced by 10% in the coming fall term and the size of the average class will grow to about 60 students, which is 20% higher than it was just three years ago.
Some programs are being cut completely. UC Davis will stop offering a program that trained veterinarians to become professors. Some students find classes they need for their major are full and no alternative is available. Smaller cuts are being made across the board, such as reduced library hours. Faculty and staff are being required to take unpaid furlough days.
The LA Times web site has a lengthy story about the situation.
Comments
2 Comments so far
I’m afraid this is likely to get worse before it gets better.
[...] The City College of San Francisco is offering to sell sponsorships of cancelled classes for $6,000. These are classes that had been offered in the past but were cut due to dramatic cuts by the state of California. (See California University System Shows Strain of Budget Cuts) [...]