The new loan program would cost an estimated $9.2 million to start. The state would be responsible for about seven million of that. The UC and CSU would pick up the rest. After that Loan repayments would sustain the program.
University of California President Janet Napolitano says the loans would mean qualified students would not be cut-off from the opportunity to improve their lives.
“The University of California is a huge engine in California of social mobility”, says Napolitano. “You hear story after story of students whose lives were changed and their families lives were changed because they had the opportunity to go to the university.”
California enacted the Dream Act in 2011. That law allows undocumented high school students to pay in-state tuition. Supporters say if the new bill passes many of those students wouldn’t have to take multiple jobs, or burden their struggling families for financial assistance.
According to bill supporters, undocumented University of California students face a financial aid gap of up to $6,000. CSU students face a gap of about half that amount.
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