Student Voices {Support Public Higher Education}

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Erica's Voice

 

How have increased tuition fees impacted you and your family?:
I have decided to share my story in short form. Originally I did not want to, nor did I have the time. I have since changed my mind and found the time, as I see it is an important issue that will most defiantly affect me in the years to come. I am a currently a first year graduate counseling student paying out-of-state tuition. I choose to come to California to get my education for several different reasons. One of them being the cost, and how that fit into my budget. Ultimately I chose SFSU because of the programs accreditation and the affordability of the program. As it was the lowest tuition compared to the two other programs I was accepted into. As of right now I am starting to regret the decision I made, strictly on the fact of tuition. I love the program I am in, but am always struggling to get by. I have to work a part time job in order to get by, as student loans are not enough to live on for the semester. I have managed to get by cleaning houses in the area. A job I do not like and is physically exhausting, but if I want a roof over my head, while I go to school to try and make a better life for myself, I have to do it. Even though next year I will be qualified for in-state-tuition, I am still worried about how the California budget cuts will effect my education, in my ability to pay for it, as well as the availability of classes. I could have gone into much more detail and the ramifications it will have on me personally, but my time is limited and I have to study for my class this evening, which gets out at 10:45pm and then wake up at 5:00am for work.

 

What are you studying at SF State and what do you hope to do once you graduate?:
Once I graduate I hope to secure a job with the Veterans Administration, with the hopes of receiving ¿loan forgiveness¿. Otherwise try and get the highest paying job, to be able to afford the cost of living and be able to pay off my student loans. Then maybe after that I will be able to focus on my true professional goals.

 

Erica S., 25 Carson City

 

 

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