November 15, 2010
Important Information on 2010-2011 and
2011-2012 Tuition (State University Fee)
and Affordability
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The CSU makes every effort to keep student costs to a minimum. Tuition (State University Fee) listed in published schedules or student accounts may need to be increased when public funding is inadequate. Therefore, CSU must reserve the right, even after initial tuition payments are made, to increase or modify any listed tuition, without notice, until the date when instruction for a particular semester or quarter has begun. All CSU listed tuition should be regarded as estimates that are subject to change upon approval by The Board of Trustees.
The recently approved 2010-11 state budget restored $199 million to the California State University system and allocated an additional $60.6 million specifically for enrollment growth; however, this partial restoration still leaves the level of state support for CSU at 2005-06 levels. In order to support additional students, provide adequate courses and services, and to give students and families more time for financial planning, the CSU Board of Trustees voted on November 10, 2010 to increase tuition (State University Fee) in a two-step process:
- There will be a mid-year tuition increase of five percent that will be effective for winter/spring 2011.
- The Board also approved a ten percent tuition increase for the 2011-2012 academic year. The CSU will ask the governor and the legislature to “buy out” the tuition increase by providing adequate funding in the 2011-12 state budget for CSU, which would allow the university to rescind the tuition increase.
At Dominguez Hills, we have been working to create ways to sustain the outstanding educational experience you expect from us in a time when state funding remains substantially reduced. Every area of the university has been closely examined to determine how we can be more efficient and reduce expenses, while maintaining quality and access to our great university. Raising tuition is never an easy decision, but we want to provide students and their families with as much notice and information as possible about tuition increases at this campus for next year.
Tuition for Winter/Spring 2011 Semesters. Tuition for the winter/spring 2011 semesters will increase by $105 to $2,220 for a full-time undergraduate student, by $129 to $2,736 for a full-time graduate student (or for part time, by $60 to $1,287 for undergraduates and by $75 to $1,587 for graduate students), and $123 to $2,577 for full-time teacher credential student (or for part time, by $69 to $1,494 for teacher credential students).
Tuition for 2011-2012 Academic Year. Students and families should also plan for the approved 10% tuition increase that will go into effect fall 2011. Full-time tuition will increase by $444 per academic year for undergraduate students, $516 for credential program participants and $546 for graduate students for fall 2011. If the state “buys out” the tuition increase in the 2011-12 state budget for the CSU, the university will rescind the tuition increase.
Financial Aid. About half of undergraduate students who receive financial aid, State University grants, Cal Grants or tuition waivers will not pay the tuition increase. In fact, about 37% of CSUDH enrolled students receive grants that cover their entire tuition and fees. To take advantage of financial support that is available, it is very important that you file for financial aid. If you have not yet done so, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Additionally, if you are interested in working on campus, College Work Study awards are also available.
California State University tuition is still highly affordable and CSU remains one of the best values in American higher education. We remain far below the national average for public universities yet allow you the high quality you expect and deserve in your education.
The entire CSU Dominguez Hills community remains steadfastly committed to your success. If you would like to talk to a Financial Aid Officer please call (310) 243-3691. We look forward to assisting you in any way possible to pursue your degree.