Editorial: Out-of-state students are paying too much

The University of California often expresses concerns about creating a diverse student body. But a recent decision by the UC Board of Regents will affect an oft-forgotten portion of UCLA: out-of-state students.

Students were livid this week when it was announced that all student fees will be increasing for the 2009-2010 school year. Fees for California residents will go up 9.3 percent from their current yearly total ““ about another $770 per year. Well, except for out-of-state students: They will see nearly $3,000 added to their yearly price tag.

Resident taxes support the UC system. It makes sense that out-of-state students should have to pay more for student fees. But right now, it’s already three times as much as in-state students pay: According to the UCLA Registrar’s Office, in-state students paid $8,309 in fees this year. Nonresidents paid $29,917.

Unless your parents have contributed about $86,000 in state taxes over the course of their lives, nonresidents are still paying much, much more for a UCLA education than California natives.

And thanks to the Regents’ decision, fees will go up almost $3,000 for students not lucky enough to live in the Golden State.

UCLA should try to remain an accessible institution of higher education for everyone in this country, not just California residents. Many states lack the exceptional university system we pride ourselves on.

We can’t completely disregard the educational needs of our fellow Bruins. Out-of-state students matter, too, and the UC Regents shouldn’t use nonresidents’ wallets as a punching bag.

The economic crisis is not only affecting California; it would be a shame for students to have to leave UCLA because of the state’s fiscal abuse.

Unsigned editorials represent a majority opinion of the Daily Bruin Editorial Board.

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