Issue Briefs: Student Fees
Historical Context
Cornerstones
In 1996 the CSU undertook a systemwide planning process to define its future. The collaborative process and the report of 10 core principles are both known as Cornerstones. Principles 7 and 8 deal with structuring the financing of the CSU and encompass student fees. Principles 8 states that students should shoulder part of the burden of financing their educations, from which they derive substantial personal benefits. Principle 8 also states that students should expect to pay varying fees according to whether their education is specialized and/or postgraduate. Principle 8 also states that financial aid should prevent increased student fees from being a barrier to higher education for academically qualified but needy students.