UC-AFT Opposes Tuition Increases

UC-AFT has taken a position against raising tuition, and we stand in solidarity with students and faculty protesting the proposed increases.  President Napolitano’s plan will not stabilize tuition, but it will drive students further into debt. 

Direct state funding for UC has decreased by roughly 1/3 since 2001. During this time, tuition has tripled, class sizes have increased, out of state enrollments have increased, and we've experienced furloughs and consolidations in libraries and other academic programs.  Meanwhile, administrative growth outpaced faculty hiring by about four times. 

As tuition increased, the state significantly increased funding for UC through Cal Grant allocations and contributions to the Middle Class Scholarship fund, which has shielded many low and middle-income families from the additional costs. Yet, average student debt at UC is climbing.

The high fee-high aid model is a main driver of student debt, and it displaces direct state funding for the instructional mission.  It also allows UC to conceal the actual cost of instruction for undergraduates, while shifting resources to the administration.

A rational tuition plan for UC will consider both direct state funding and state subsidies for financial aid.  It will require full transparency from UC on how much it costs to educate its students, and on how state funds and tuition dollars are distributed throughout the system.  Tuition increases cannot be justified without full transparency on these matters.