Financial Woes and Enrollment Cuts for Cal State
Sonoma State University
Superdk17 / Wikimedia Commons
This picture is particularly ugly because to date freshman applications for the fall of 2010 have increased 32% over last year, and community college transfer applications have increased 127%. CSU is asking the state to restore some of the funding cuts and to cover operating cost increases, but given the dismal condition of California's economy the success of these funding requests is certainly in doubt.
What does all of this mean for prospective students applying to public colleges and universities in California? For one, students planning to attend community college and then complete a four-year degree at a state university should recognize the difficulties they might face during the transfer process. Also, four-year graduation rates are already quite low for the California State University system, and those numbers certainly won't improve under the current cutbacks. University budget crises typically mean fewer courses to choose from, long course wait lists, larger class sizes, and less financial aid. All these factors make it harder to earn a degree in four years. Also, the decreased enrollment in the Cal State system is going to put a lot more pressure on California's community college system.
One suggestion in the face of this mess--don't rule out private colleges and universities. Graduation times are often much shorter, and financial aid can be significant. I'd recommend applying to a mix of public and private institutions, and then wait to see what the financial picture really looks like.
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Comments
Allen:
You are right, California Colleges have cut funding, so keeping your options open regarding public and private colleges does give you more options as well as a great funding package for those who qualify.
However, for students who are interested in attending a state college, there are a few things you can do.
Call and speak to an Admissions Rep and find out what classes you can get out of the way at a local community college, or at a private college that the college will accept.
One of the things that are being considered more heavily for admissions to state colleges in California is how much college you already have done.
Those who have more credit are considered more favorably. Find out for your degree what type classes you should take and what GPA you need to maintain to be considered for the transfer acceptance program.
Additionally I’d find out what the soonest is that you can apply as the process can take longer with the funding shortage.
Keep your name in front of the Admissions Advisor, and let them know how you are doing in your classes.
This can be very helpful.
To your educational success,
Sophie