As high school graduates in Boyle Heights and East Los Angeles prepare for their college careers, the looming concern over the costs associated with higher education is a common theme among students. Many students, like Yaretzy Montes, are making decisions based on financial considerations rather than solely on their dream schools. Montes, a graduate of Felicitas and Gonzalo Mendez Senior High School, opted for Cal State Los Angeles over Cal Poly San Luis Obispo due to limited financial aid from the latter.
The financial burden of attending college is a significant factor for many students in the area. According to a CalMatters analysis, student fees and tuition at UC schools have nearly quadrupled over the past 50 years, while jumping six-fold at Cal State campuses. Despite these rising costs, nearly 60% of UC and Cal State undergraduates pay no tuition or fees thanks to an annual state financial aid program. Diego Emmanuel Valerio, a recent graduate of Garfield High School, had initially planned on attending San Jose State but ultimately decided on Santa Monica College due to financial constraints.
For students like Abigail Camacho, who graduated from Collegiate Charter High School, the financial aspect of college is a significant concern. Camacho, who is attending Cal State Northridge with a focus on radiology and neurosonography, understands the financial strain that college can put on her low-income family. She has taken on a job to support herself and help her parents financially while pursuing her education.
Brandon Chavez, another recent graduate from Mendez High, received a $48,000 Watkins scholarship that offers him some financial peace of mind as he embarks on his college journey at UC Santa Barbara. While distance from home is a concern for Chavez, he is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead in his studies of political science.
The stories of these students highlight the financial challenges that many young individuals face as they pursue higher education in Southern California. Despite these obstacles, their determination and resilience shine through as they navigate the complexities of college costs and strive to achieve their academic and career goals. The support of their families, schools, and scholarship programs plays a crucial role in alleviating some of the financial burdens, allowing these students to focus on their education and future prospects.
