Accountability System - Goal 2: Accessibility and Affordability
Is California higher education affordable and accessible to all Californians?
Affordability has always been a priority for higher education in California. Higher education researchers and
advocates for equitable educational opportunity are legitimately concerned that budget constraints and the
resulting increases in tuition and fees over time created an "affordability gap", and that this gap prevents
low- and middle-income families from accessing higher education. There are many questions with regard to
affordability and access that must be answered:
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Is there dependable and adequate student financial assistance available for students with demonstrated financial need?
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Does California higher education meet the needs and aspirations of its changing population?
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Are issues of race/ethnicity/gender equity in admissions, persistence and completion being adequately addressed?
The cost of tuition and fees in California's higher education system is still comparably affordable to other states
in the nation, but the cost of living is driving up overall cost of attendance, which is pricing many lower and
middle-income families out of a higher education or causing them to take on exorbitant debt during their education.
Any comments, questions, or suggestions are welcome; send to
Research_Staff@cpec.ca.gov or fill out the
Comments form.
Percent of racial representation in systems of higher education compared
to racial representation in the state
Supporting Data
Average indebtedness of graduates at two- and four-year segments
(% change in fees, % change in income)
Supporting Data
Percent of income, by quintile, needed to pay for college, before
and after financial aid
Additional Related Data
Other Related Publications
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