The following statement can be attributed to California State University Chancellor Joseph I. Castro:
“The 2021-22 state budget is a bold and visionary investment in the California State University that further elevates the university's ability to meet the current and future needs of California.
“The budget affirms the CSU's consequential role in transforming the lives of residents of the Golden State. The recurring investment unwinds last year's COVID-induced budget reduction, acknowledges the significant strides the CSU has made in improving student achievement and advancing educational equity under Graduation Initiative 2025, and bolsters efforts to support our students' basic needs and well-being.
“One-time funding will address long-standing infrastructure needs at specific campuses and throughout the university, improving the safety of and modernizing facilities to enhance the student learning and discovery experience.
“Additionally, the budget provides a transformational investment at Humboldt State University that will accelerate the campus's contemplated transition to a polytechnic university to become an even greater resource for our state.
“There are also several other budgetary decisions that will greatly benefit CSU students. The budget will fund the expansion of eligibility for Cal Grants and increase financial aid through the Middle Class Scholarship program, which are much-needed strategies to ensure the overall of cost of education remains affordable.
“While not specific only to the CSU, the state budget provides additional funding for the three public higher-education segments to build new or expand upon existing campus facilities, as well as develop more affordable housing for students.
“The direct investment in the CSU and access to additional funding will undoubtedly advance our efforts to ensure that all California students are able to earn a high-quality college degree in a timely manner without being saddled with debt. We deeply appreciate the governor and the legislature for coming together on what is indeed a historic state budget."
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About the California State University
The California State University is the largest system of four-year higher education in the country, with 23 campuses, 56,000 faculty and staff and 486,000 students. Half of the CSU's students transfer from California community colleges. Created in 1960, the mission of the CSU is to provide high-quality, affordable education to meet the ever-changing needs of California. With its commitment to quality, opportunity and student success, the CSU is renowned for superb teaching, innovative research and for producing job-ready graduates. Each year, the CSU awards nearly 129,000 degrees. One in every 20 Americans holding a college degree is a graduate of the CSU and our alumni are 3.9 million strong. Connect with and learn more about the CSU in the CSU NewsCenter.