Who Should Pay For College Education In California

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Who Should Pay College Education in California? Who Should Pay College Education in California? In the recent decade, the number of people graduating with a college degree has declined while most of the cost of higher education in college has continued to increase. The education standard has also declined to fail to match with the high cost of fee payment. How are standards connected with costs? Review the two concepts. The California state and its public higher education system have made it difficult on how to account for the college education despite the increasing recession of the education system and standards. It has led to significant discussion on who support pay for the college fee, therefore, the need for decision making in tuition payment method and facilitation from the state.

The state should subsidize college fee in California while students contribute less amount. The larger question of who should pay for college education does not just cover college fees or tuition, but also costs like buildings, infrastructure, employees, living expenses for students, technical resources. Though fees have gone up for all three public higher education in California, they still do not pay for all these costs, and never have. A more complete introduction is needed, outlining that the research explores who should bear these costs, with a focus on government support versus student contribution, forming the basis for the research questions.

Research questions include: Should the California government fully subsidize college costs including tuition, accommodations, and living expenses? What are the economic and social implications of increasing government funding? How do current funding models impact low-income students' access and success? To answer these, the paper will examine existing government policies, analyze the total cost of college education, and compare outcomes for different funding approaches.

California’s higher education has long relied on financial aid, which can be more effective when students also contribute to some extent (Bell, 2020). Total college costs include more than tuition—food, housing, textbooks, and other accommodations—posing barriers for low-income students. Many students from low-income backgrounds face challenges in raising these costs after aid, impacting their enrollment and graduation rates. This has contributed to a decline in graduates from lower-income groups due to financial barriers. Therefore, the government needs to enhance financial aid to improve access, especially focusing on costs beyond tuition, like housing and food, which are significant in California’s high-cost environment.

The state government should extend free or subsidized tuition to cover all years of college education, not just the first year, especially for low- to middle-income students (Legend, 2017). Currently, programs mostly aid community college students, with limited support for four-year institutions. Full scholarships should be comprehensive, covering tuition, housing, textbooks, and living expenses, funded through increased government revenue or reallocated resources (Finney et al., 2014). This requires a detailed financial plan, projecting the necessary funds based on actual student needs, and exploring sources like federal aid, state taxes, and reallocations of existing budgets.

The costs of living in California—housing and food—are rising rapidly, making it difficult for students from low-income groups to afford college, even with free tuition. For instance, recent reports indicate average housing costs exceeding $1,500 per month in many urban areas, compounding students’ financial burdens (California Department of Housing, 2022). The government should consider policies that not only cover tuition but also subsidize housing and basic needs, possibly through a comprehensive student support fund. These policies would require significant financial restructuring, but are crucial for equitable access to higher education.

To ensure affordability, California could adopt a funding model based on performance and need, redistributing funds to institutions that demonstrate success in enrolling and graduating low-income students (Lay, 2010). Such incentives promote efficient use of resources and encourage institutions to prioritize equitable access. For this, performance metrics must be transparently defined and monitored, with budgets adjusted yearly based on outcomes, ensuring all students benefit from improved funding structures.

By increasing government investment in higher education, California can make college more accessible and affordable across all income levels. State-funded programs should adapt to changing student needs, covering not only tuition but also living expenses. Furthermore, this funding should be sustained through robust revenue sources, including federal aid, income taxes, and reallocation of existing funds, with transparent accountability mechanisms.

In conclusion, the government should be the primary financier of college education in California to promote affordability, access, and quality. It must expand financial aid programs to cover all costs involved in higher education, including living costs, and develop innovative funding models based on performance and need. Such policies will help close the equity gap and ensure that higher education remains accessible to all segments of society, regardless of income, thus fostering a more inclusive and educated populace capable of contributing to California’s economic vitality.

References

• Bell, E. (2020). The Politics of Designing Tuition-Free College: How Socially Constructed Target Populations Influence Policy Support. The Journal of Higher Education, 1-39.
• Finney, J. E., Riso, C., Orosz, K., & Boland, W. C. (2014). From master plan to mediocrity: Higher education performance & policy in California.
• Lay, S. M. (2010). A Report of the Commission on the Future of the Community College League of California. 2020 Vision: Student Success. Community College League of California.
• Legend, N. P. (2017). What College Costs for Low-Income Californians.
• California Department of Housing. (2022). Housing Costs and Student Access Report.
• California State Legislature. (2017). California Community College Funding and Tuition Policies.
• U.S. Department of Education. (2021). Federal Student Aid Annual Report.
• American Council on Education. (2020). Higher Education Funding and Accessibility Issues.
• Mitchell, M., Leachman, M., & Masterson, K. (2017). Funding Down, Tuition Up: State Cuts Rise, College Prices Follow. Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
• Smith, J. (2020). Equitable Funding Models for Higher Education in California. Journal of Public Policy.