This is the opinion of the writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of La Voz News.

Compared to four-year universities, community college is often more affordable. However, even these institutions struggle to fully support students’ financial stability.

Most students choose community colleges to save money compared to four-year universities, but these institutions are not affordable today.

The 2025 Real College California Basic Needs Survey of 77,000 community college students found that almost two in three students struggled with basic needs insecurity, 46% reported food insecurity, 58% housing insecurity and 20% experienced homelessness.

Even though the survey asked a relatively small number of California’s 2.2 million community college students, it shows how many students economically struggle.

International students pay higher tuition fees and can only work 20 hours a week, so they will have an even harder time affording community college. For example, in-state De Anza students pay $31 per unit while international and nonresident students pay a total of $280 a unit, nine times the in-state tuition.

Students can’t focus on classes while worrying about their next meal or housing. Given that California has the fourth largest economy in the world, feeding and housing students should be a drop in the bucket.

Colleges provide student resources such as food pantries and affordable housing, but bandage programs will not solve the cost of living crisis at community colleges.

The Foothill-De Anza Community College District owns 94 multiple-occupancy student apartments that go for $950 to 1,200 a month. If a student cannot secure a spot, they will have to contend with an average rent approaching $4,000 a month.

High rent forces students to divert a lot of time and money away from their education even if they split rent with a fellow student.

Compared to four-year universities, community college is still cheaper. But it’s still a long way from being affordable.