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	Vol.7, No 34, October 27, 1999
	College tuition lowered  By Jose Corado Daily Forty-Niner   The cost of higher education for California students is less than the national average, a report released earlier this month found. The annual report, released by The College Board, which designs and administers the Scholastic Aptitude Test, said nationally tuition rose 3.4 percent at four-year public colleges and universities, to an average of $3,356 for the 1999-2000 academic year.  The study reported that fees increased less than 5 percent in all categories of institutions ---- the lowest rate of increase for the past four years. California has defied the national tuition trend that began in 1980 where both public and private four-year college tuitions, on average, have increased more than 110 percent each year after adjusting for inflation, the report said.  But, this year, all three of California's public higher education systems, including community colleges, California State University and University of California campuses, have lowered their fees for state residents. "[The cost of] public education in California has been below the national pattern," said Ken Swisher, media relations manager at the CSU Chancellor's Office. "For four consecutive years it did not increase and in the last two years it decreased." Swisher said the last tuition increase in the CSU system happened in 1993.  From fall 1994 to spring 1998 tuition fees stayed level and in the last two years they have dropped. The CSU statewide fee is currently at $1,428 per year, $260 lower than Cal State Long Beach, which is $1,688. Swisher said that it was a state decision to lower the fees. The state gives the CSU campuses compensation for not hiking the fees, he said. "Public education should be accessible to all people," Swisher said. "Making it economically possible is an accessible way." "I think it's good what the state is doing. It's a public policy issue for them to support education," said Lisa Gee, a graphic design major. "It's an investment for the state because you have better-educated people."  In another related study, the College Board reported that a record $64 billion was available last year in student financial aid.  Gee feels that because she has financial aid, education is attainable for her.		Happiness found in L.B.   College tuition lowered   Fine Arts buildings to be made over   Overseas scholarship awarded to CSULB student   Crime Log Death is part of war   Gun dealers senselessly targeted Fright Fest   Apollo Four Forty worth import price   Legendary band reunites for new release   Reality film features strong performances   Bizarre comedy film a hit Home schedule ends with defeat   Hockey team clubs its way to existence Fall 99 ISSUES DAILY 49ER HOMEPAGE
Forty-Niner Publications, Department of Journalism, California State University, Long Beach ©1999 All rights reserved.