New proposal could lead to free college admissions

Democrats in the California Assembly presented a proposal that could change the lives of thousands of college students around the State.

The proposal is known as the “Degrees Not Debt” plan. It aims to make college free for nearly $400,000 students at Cal State and UC schools. The 1.6 million dollar plan would cover books, transportation, and housing costs in addition to tuition. The thoughts of not having debt after college is a dream come true for many students struggling to make ends meet.

“Together with tuition and then housing I would say it adds up to probably $16,000 or more. It’s really expensive to live on campus,” said Raquel Velarde, CSUCI Student.

“I definitely don’t have enough for all 4 years of college so I am just trying to get as much in and then I will have to take out loans,” said Helga Forstreuter, CSUCI Student. “Having an opportunity to go to school for free would be really great.”

The proposal also makes the first year of community college free.