Funding Priority: Avoid Cuts & Continue the Compact

2025-26 Budget Priorities

The CSU proposes a $9.2 billion operating budget for 2025-26. This budget requests an increase of $593 million over 2024-25.

A 7.95% budget cut, amounting to -$397 million, coupled with a $252.3 million deferral of compact funding would significantly underfund the CSU’s essential priorities and baseline commitments for 2025-26. The impact on students would be particularly severe, as these cuts would jeopardize vital services that support their academic success and overall well-being.

The CSU faces $163.6 million in baseline commitments for the upcoming fiscal year, including necessary increases in financial aid, healthcare premiums, liability and property insurance, utilities and maintenance of new facilities. These are not discretionary costs.

Moreover, the reduction in funding would severely constrain the university’s ability to support programs crucial to student access, equity and retention. These include initiatives under the Graduation Initiative, basic needs and mental health services, as well as financial aid enhancements, all of which directly contribute to student success. The compounding effect of these financial pressures would hinder the CSU’s ability to provide an affordable, high-quality education to all students and would undermine the very mission of the university.