Editorial: Economic diversity in jeopardy if fees increase

Student fees have increased dramatically in the last two years,
but a new report shows the University of California has more
low-income students than any other top university in the
country.

Considering the fee increases and general state budget crisis,
it is reassuring that the UC still has so many low-income students.
Here at UCLA, 35 percent of all students had income levels that
qualified them for federal Pell Grants. These numbers probably
reflect the fact that the UC decided to cover the current round of
fee increases for students with a family income under $60,000.

Still, the positive numbers belie the seriousness of the
state’s funding problems.

For decades, the UC cost basically nothing and was attractive
for students of all economic backgrounds. During the 1990s, the
state Legislature regularly “bought-out” fee increases,
saving both the UC and students from paying increased costs.

But if fees increase any more, it seems unlikely that the state
will be able to cover the costs. Even federal programs like Pell
Grants will fall short. If that happens, access to the university
will decline, and its diversity will be threatened.