In-state University of California students got a financial reprieve Thursday, with the system opting to forgo a vote on a proposed tuition hike in favor of pushing the state for more funding.
"Raising tuition is always a last resort and one we take very seriously," UC President Janet Napolitano said. "We will continue to advocate with our students, who are doing a tremendous job of educating legislators about the necessity of adequately funding the university to ensure UC remains a world-class institution and engine of economic growth for our state."
The Board of Regents had been expected to consider a 2.7 percent boost in base tuition. While that vote will no longer happen, the regents could revisit the issue "depending on the outcome of budget negotiations in Sacramento."
UC officials said they will look to secure an additional $140 million in state funding above what was already proposed for the coming year in the governor's budget proposal.
The announcement echoed a decision announced last week by California State University Chancellor Timothy White, who said the CSU would also focus on lobbying the state for additional funds rather than pursuing a tuition hike.
"In light of California's strong economy, California's students and their families should not be saddled with additional financial burden to attain public higher education," White said. "We will continue to make the case to lawmakers, who represent all Californians, that an educated citizenry should be at the top of the state's highest priorities."
In January, the UC Board of Regents approved a 3.5 percent increase in non-resident supplemental tuition, taking it from $28,014 in 2017-18 to $28,992 for 2018-19, a $978 increase. Board members said at the time that the increase could be eliminated if adequate state funding is secured.
