WHEREAS, Prior to the 1970s, California’s public colleges, and universities were largely tuition-free under the Master Plan for Higher Education, but then-Governor Ronald Reagan significantly reduced state funding for higher education during his tenure, introducing tuition for the first time at the UC and CSU campuses and cutting support for community colleges, a policy shift that has contributed to decades of rising costs and financial barriers for students [6] [7];
WHEREAS, The California Community College system serves as the primary gateway to higher education for millions of students, particularly those from low-income, first-generation, and historically underrepresented communities and eliminating tuition would remove a significant financial barrier to access; and the rising costs of higher education, even within community colleges, have led to increased student debt, food and housing insecurity, and financial stress that negatively impacts student success and completion rates [1] [2];
WHEREAS, Nations with higher Human Development Index (HDI) ranking than the United States of America, such as Germany, Norway, and Finland, consistently invest in tuition-free public higher education, contributing to greater economic mobility, workforce productivity, and social equity [8] [9]; and
WHEREAS, Numerous studies have shown that tuition-free college programs increase enrollment, persistence, and graduation rates, which in turn strengthen California’s workforce, economy, and overall competitiveness in a rapidly evolving job market and states that have implemented tuition-free community college programs, such as Tennessee and New York, have demonstrated positive outcomes, including higher enrollment, reduced dropout rates, and increased upward mobility for students; [2] [3] [4]; Now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges strongly support making public community colleges tuition-free for all students across the California Community College system, ensuring equitable access to higher education regardless of financial status;
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges urge the California Legislature and governor to prioritize funding for tuition-free community college initiatives, recognizing higher education as a public good and essential investment in the state’s future;
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges advocate both for fully tuition-free community college and partial changes which get closer to this goal such as the expansion of financial aid and wraparound support services and transportation, housing, and textbook assistance, to ensure that students not only enroll but successfully complete their education; and
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges collaborate with student organizations, faculty, and community stakeholders to raise awareness and mobilize support for tuition-free public college policies, ensuring that student voices remain central in the fight for affordable and accessible education.
Citations:
[1] https://www.cccco.edu/about-us/key-facts?utm_source
[3]https://ticas.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/TICAS_SSCCC-CA-report_7.11.24.pdf
[4] https://hechingerreport.org/proof-points-decade-free-community-college/
[5]https://seiufacultyforward.org/free-tuition-community-college-grows-nationwide/
[7] https://apnews.com/article/f5cf0b997c2776071af5adc4dca0fdaa
[8] https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/hdi-by-country?utm