Why is California Tuition So Expensive? (Long Beach, Fresno: environment, work, universities)

[stilldirrty]

A few weeks ago I got an offer from California State University Long Beach to attend there in the fall of 09'
Right know I am going to a two-year college and my Gpa is 3.9 with some honors. (IF I went to a four-year college, I doubt I would apply)

I'm From Arizona and I was looking at tuition costs for UC Long Beach. It was about $ 8,967.50 and I take it's for the whole year. Of course I wouldn't be able to apply for resident status as I haven't lived there. I always liked places like Huntington Beach, and Costa Mesa and I have a support system there.

I would probably stay there for a year to gain resident status, as out-of-state tuition is Very sky-high in cost.



I would be on a very minimal scholarship so basically I'll still pay regular fees, if I did became resident My question is.

Why are Public California Universities so very expensive?
or perhaps I'm not looking at the right sources, not sure.

btw I'm a business major.

[Sassberto]

Originally Posted by stilldirrty

Why are Public California Universities so very expensive?
or perhaps I'm not looking at the right sources, not sure.

If you're a resident they are among the cheapest in the country, especially given their reputation and caliber. UC Berkley, UCLA are comparable to the Ivy leagues.

As a non-resident, you get smacked with high tuition, because it's a state program for state residents!

FYI, there is no such thing as UC Long Beach. It's CSU Long Beach.

[stilldirrty]

that was an abbreviation to University of California/Typo

So, really. In-state residency isn't that expensive in California? What 4-year public instuitions have good tuition rates? (If I where to acquire in-state residency after one year)

[Sassberto]

Originally Posted by stilldirrty

that was an abbreviation to University of California/Typo

Again : there is no such place.

The school is called the California State University at Long Beach, commonly abbreviated as CSULB.

There are two systems in California: UC, and CSU system. UC is the more prestigious, rigorous, larger, destination universities. CSU is the commuter colleges (although many are becoming destinations in their own right). They are completely separate systems with their own administration.

you can find all the information you need about tuition for in-state residents on any CSU's web site. Compared to other states with large educational systems (i.e. New York), it is substantially less expensive. Remember: California taxpayers pay for that school system!

[stilldirrty]

Yes I know that Taxpayers pay for the school system, That's standard for any state I would say. That's why I want to live there for a year and get in-state residency.

Good point SassBerto . I have heard that New York's College's are much more cheaper, even the one's in the city of NYC are not too expensive. With the national average, so I've read.

Though my question is L.A metropolitan region is very big like NY. Yet Southern California tuition rates are a lot more expensive for some reason. Much More. There has to be more factors then that. I think.

[Sassberto]

Originally Posted by stilldirrty

Though my question is L.A metropolitan region is very big like NY. Yet Southern California tuition rates are a lot more expensive for some reason. Much More. There has to be more factors then that. I think.

CUNY and SUNY schools look like high schools compared to CSU and UC. The campus and facilities are worlds apart. Ever seen the inside of Hunter College?

[bobmulk]

Hmm, apparently, you're not familiar with the way tuitions work. What's the tuition for out of staters in Arizona? California's tuition is nothing compared to Oregon. It's ludicrous here.

[FresnoFacts]

Originally Posted by stilldirrty

Yes I know that Taxpayers pay for the school system, That's standard for any state I would say. That's why I want to live there for a year and get in-state residency.

Good point SassBerto . I have heard that New York's College's are much more cheaper, even the one's in the city of NYC are not too expensive. With the national average, so I've read.

Though my question is L.A metropolitan region is very big like NY. Yet Southern California tuition rates are a lot more expensive for some reason. Much More. There has to be more factors then that. I think.

California's are still low compared to others.

Arizona State University as of last year charged an out-of-state resident $15,846 per year tuition.

Northern Arizona University was charging $13,487 per year for out-of-state students.
Arizona's colleges struggling to enforce new tuition statute | www.azstarnet.com ®

Looks like California doesn't charge enough.

Actually though I think California's fees are a little low to be financially attractive to get the best students from around the world.

[FresnoFacts]

Originally Posted by stilldirrty

So, really. In-state residency isn't that expensive in California? What 4-year public instuitions have good tuition rates? (If I where to acquire in-state residency after one year)

To answer this question, California residents pay very reduced fees. The actual dollar amount varies from campus to campus as each university may have its own special fees for facilities or programs.

To give you basic info, a California resident attending a California State University system campus as a full-time undergraduate will pay $3,048 per year in CSU fees and anywhere from roughly $500 to $1000 in additional annual fees charged by the individual campus.

The 23 California State University campuses are shown here
CSU | Campus Map

Then there is the 10 campus University of California system. More research oriented than the CSU system, the University of California's will cost more. The UC system charges a full-time undergraduate about $6,700 per year. The additional fees imposed by individual campuses vary but will add about $500 to $1000 annually.

The 10 UC campus are shown on the map here
University of California - Campuses - The University of California campuses provide environments that foster world-class educational and research opportunities, generating a wide range of public benefits and services.

[truckzter]

And to add to FresnoFacts' post, Cal Poly is one of the cheapest CSUs in the state. It also has an excellent business program -- quite impacted, though. And cost of living in San Luis Obispo is pretty high.