(SACRAMENTO, CA) – Today, Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento), chair of the Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 2 and Assemblymember Jose Medina (D-Riverside), chair of the Assembly Higher Education Committee introduced Assembly Bill (AB) 1711 which would cap nonresident enrollment at the University of California (UC).
"It’s disappointing the UC continues their trend to grow its nonresident population and displace many of California’s students and families," said Assemblymember McCarty. "This measure will refocus the UC’s commitment to ensure access for California’s students."
“As Chair of the Assembly Higher Education Committee, I believe it is of the utmost importance to support access for California students,” said Assemblymember Medina. “This bill will ensure that all UC campuses maintain an appropriate balance of nonresident students and will use funding from nonresident enrollments to increase access for California students.
“Out-of-state and international students enhance college campuses by bringing a diversity of experiences and perspectives,” said Medina. “However, enrollment of nonresident students cannot come at the expense of access for Californians. Unfortunately, despite a strong directive and additional funding from the Legislature, recently released data shows that UC continued to grow its nonresident population while serving fewer California students. It is clear that additional statutory guidance is necessary to ensure all qualified California students have a fair chance at a world class UC education.”
AB 1711 caps UC’s system wide undergraduate nonresident enrollment at the current level of 15.5%. In addition, this measure will require 50% of revenues from nonresident enrollment be used to support resident enrollment at all campuses. Last week UC released troubling numbers indicating that despite increased state funding, 1,600 fewer Californians had been admitted for the 2015 fall freshman class, but out of state and international students had grown by 4,700 students. AB 1711 will be eligible for hearings in spring.