California’s public university system is facing a massive financial challenge, and students are bearing the brunt of it. The California State University (CSU) system is grappling with a staggering $2.3 billion shortfall, leading campuses across the state to raise mandatory student fees.

Over the past decade, student fees have increased dramatically, with some campuses seeing rises of over 50% when adjusted for inflation. Fresno State, for example, experienced a 56% surge in fees, climbing from $1,131 in 2016-17 to $1,774 in 2025-26. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo now charges the highest campus fees in the system, reaching approximately $7,000 in inflation-adjusted terms.

The fee increases aren’t just numbers on a page - they represent real financial pressure for students. While campus administrators argue these fees fund essential services like athletics, food pantries, and student support programs, many students are questioning the transparency and necessity of these increases.

Student leaders are particularly critical. Camalah Saleh, a student government president, highlighted concerns about allocating significant portions of fee increases to athletics, arguing that academic needs should take priority. “Without academics, there is no university,” she emphasized.

Despite the rising costs, CSU officials maintain that their system remains more affordable compared to public universities in other states. They point out that about 79% of students receive need-based aid, and 65% of undergraduates graduate debt-free.

However, the financial burden is real. Some students, like Jade Alberti from Cal Poly, worry that escalating fees could make college increasingly inaccessible. “College is expensive enough,” she noted, sharing stories of friends who’ve been forced to leave due to financial constraints.

As the CSU system navigates its budgetary challenges, students continue to advocate for more transparent fee structures and a greater focus on academic priorities. The ongoing debate underscores the delicate balance between maintaining quality education and keeping higher education financially viable for California’s diverse student population.