Between work, life and upcoming midterms, students juggle several responsibilities while pursuing their degrees. With tuition rates that will be rising next year and inflation driving up the cost of living, Cal State LA students face the added pressure of finding affordable housing.
Cal State LA students face a distinct challenge, as Angelenos pay a high price to reside in their city. Data released by software company PayScale, shows the cost of living in Los Angeles is 51% higher than the national average, along with housing costs that are 140% higher. Necessary household utilities were no exception, with a rate that is 11% greater than average.
For sophomore student Mary Cruz Duncan, renting off-campus isn’t a viable option given the high price of apartments.
“I’d prefer my own place to rent,” Duncan said. “But it’s a lot of money, and I have to pay out of pocket, so it’s a lot for me to handle in general.”
With affordable housing in scarce supply, students are forced to make long commutes to and from campus. Theater student Metzli Garcia understands how strenuous long drives can be.
“I do come from a low-income family so I don’t think living on my own was ever an option,” Garcia said. “I live in Pomona, so with traffic, it’s like an hour away. It’s very annoying.”
The California State University (CSU) Board of Trustees recently approved an annual 6% tuition increase that goes into effect the 2024-25 semester, a decision that prompted protests and dissent from many students. The price of college admission has risen significantly over time.
The price of attendance at public four-year colleges rose by 32% over the past 20 years – a progression that has grown two and half times faster than the median household income, according to the Bipartisan Policy Center .
The CSU’s report that financial aid will also increase by about one-third of the new revenue generated by the tuition hike. The Cal State LA financial aid webpage also states that over half of the student body rely on some form of financial aid, with 87% of students receiving either grants, loans or scholarships.
Disparities between aid and expenses can pose a problem for both current and future students.
“A lot of my costs are covered by financial aid,” said fourth-year student Ceimi Zelaya. “I’d like to apply for grad school here potentially, and if costs go up, then probably costs for grad school will go up, and that’s going to make me take a bit of a longer pause between applying and transferring.”
Students can apply for financial aid to help contribute towards housing or tuition costs while enrolled. Applications can be filed online through the FAFSA website and will open at the end of this year in December.
