Proposed Cal State University Fees Discourage Student Applicants

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- It's that time of the school year, when high school seniors and junior college students are applying to universities, but enrollment cuts and possible fee increases have many students worried.

"Now what am I going to do?" said Raul Reyes of Bakersfield College. "Am I going to keep going to school, or am I done after this?"

That's a question many local high school seniors and community college transfers may ask themselves now that California State University, the nation's largest four-year public university system, expects to cut enrollment by 10,000 students in the 2009-2010 fall quarter due to lack of funding and budget cuts.

"I think that is unfair but at the same time it could be fair because money is low now, and it's very difficult because I want to go to Cal State Bakersfield or something higher but I don't think I can now," said Leliz Abila, a senior at Foothill High School.

The universities are expected to give priority to community college transfers, which means high school graduates probably will bear the brunt of the downsizing. But there is hope for high school seniors applying to their local Cal State University.

"For our students going to Cal State Bakersfield, Cal State has assured us that if the students apply on time and are minimally qualified, they will accept them because this is their home campus," said Foothill High School counselor Joan Herman. "Should they choose to go to another Cal State, they don't have the same guarantee."

The 23 Cal State universities will give students within the campus' geographic area high priority. Students from outside the area will go on a waiting list and be ranked by grades and test scores.

"We're making sure if they choose an out-of-area college that they have a backup, safety school such as CSUB or Bakersfield College," said Herman.

In addition to enrollment cuts, the University of California and Cal State University systems project a 10 percent fee increase if the state's budget doesn't improve.

"We're seeing more and more students applying for local school like JC because it's least expensive or CSUB, where they can live at home and save that money," said Herman.

"It's got me a little bit worried," said Bakersfield College student Corris Macon. "Thinking maybe I'll do some online courses. If that's cheaper, staying here as long as I can, drag it out to save money but I'm kind of worried."

Cal State officials will meet with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger next week to discuss the budget issues and proposed fee hikes, which they say won't be voted on until spring.