“I was considering a master’s program through Cal Poly,” Monreal said. “But with the tuition increase, I might just consider getting a master’s degree anywhere else.”
For students like Monreal, who already manage student loans to take on college tuition costs, the 6% yearly tuition increases will have a profound impact on their education choices.
As an older sister to several high school-age siblings, Monreal said that she would encourage them to take into consideration these tuition increases when applying to colleges.
“I have younger siblings, and I think I would encourage them not to go to four-year college,” she said. “As a first-year, I would recommend any junior college so they can get some units under their belt at first, if the cost is increasing so much.”
Gabriela’s story gathered by California Student Journalism Corps member Arabel Meyer