De Anza College students will find their wallets a little lighter come summer. Starting in July, tuition will increase from $24 to $31 per quarter unit.
The increase is a result of the passing of ABX1 32 by the California Legislature in September, 2011. The bill increased tuition for all 112 community colleges in the state. Students going to schools using the semester system will see their fees increased from $36 to $46 per unit.
Dean of admissions and registration Kathleen Moberg said De Anza will not directly benefit because the increased tuition will go directly to the state. But she said the tuition hike could negatively affect enrollment.
“In the past, fee increases have discouraged some students from attending, particularly those that do not qualify for the BOG fee waiver,” Moberg said.
Eligibility criteria for BOG fee waivers may tighten if the Legislature adopts recommendations recently presented to them by the Student Success Task Force.
Director of financial aid Cindy Castillo said students who don’t qualify for the BOG fee waiver should apply for federal aid, but noted that foreign and undocumented students would not be eligible.
Students said they were frustrated with the news, with some saying they will increase their work hours to afford the new fees.
“I will look for more work,” said Chris Martinez, who is undecided on his major. “There is no other way to continue my education,”
Other students said in order to avoid extra work cutting into their study time, they would find other means to afford their tuition.
“I will borrow money from a bank,” said chemistry major Ryan Wong.
Immi Sivia, a business administration major, said students should fight for lower fees.
“Probably we have to get more students to talk to the college administration and take action of going on Sacramento this year, urging to make fees affordable,” Sivia said. “My parents pay tuition for me. I have chosen De Anza because its fees were lower than in other colleges. I cannot work, since I have to focus on my studying.”
According to Gov. Jerry Brown’s website, the increase would raise about $110 million in additional revenues, which would partially offset the governor’s proposal to reduce general fund support for community colleges by $400 million.
