California State University Faces $375M Funding Cut, Threatening Student Services

LONG BEACH, Calif. — California State University (CSU) leaders warned Wednesday that a proposed $375 million state funding cut would have “catastrophic” consequences for the nation’s largest four-year public university system, jeopardizing its ability to serve low-income and underserved students.

The 7.95% reduction, part of Gov. Gavin Newsom‘s budget proposal, equates to losing 20% of CSU’s full-time faculty and would eliminate funding for student support, mental health services, employee pay, and infrastructure, officials told the Board of Trustees. “Cuts have consequences, and with a proposed cut of this magnitude, those consequences will be stark, painful, heartbreaking,” said CSU Chancellor Mildred García.

The CSU system, which includes 23 campuses and enrolls over 450,000 students, graduates 125,000 annually. Nearly half of its students are Latino, 20% are white, 15.7% are Asian, and 4% are Black. About 46% are low-income, and 30% are first-generation college students. The proposed cuts threaten CSU’s role as a social and economic mobility engine, García said.

Trustee Jack McGrory criticized the cuts, stating, “You can’t have us be the economic engine of the state and destroy the system at the same time with these budget cuts.” The reduction is part of broader state budget cuts affecting all agencies, according to H.D. Palmer, a spokesman for the California Department of Finance. He emphasized that CSU and the University of California are not being singled out and have discretion in how they implement the cuts.

Campuses are already feeling the strain. Cal State Long Beach projects a $15 million deficit, while Cal State L.A. faces a $32.4 million shortfall this year, which could grow by another $19.7 million if the proposed cuts take effect. Course offerings have been reduced, and the use of lecturers has declined by up to 70%, making it harder for students to graduate on time.

Sonoma State University announced it will disband 11 athletic teams and eliminate 23 degree programs, including physics, economics, and theater. President Emily F. Cutrer called the changes a necessary “reset” for the campus, which has seen enrollment drop from 9,100 in 2015 to 5,800 today due to factors like the pandemic and wildfires.

The state has also deferred $252 million in funding promised under a 2022 agreement with CSU and UC to increase enrollment and graduation rates. Trustees expressed concern that continued budget deficits and wildfire recovery costs could jeopardize future funding.

CSU leaders plan to launch a public advocacy campaign to oppose the cuts. “This is the biggest crisis that I’ve experienced since I’ve been on the board,” said Trustee Douglas Faigin, who has served for 12 years.