"The California Master Plan for Higher Education established in 1960 states public higher education 'shall be tuition free to all residents.' That was always the primary mission of the community colleges: provide higher education to residents regardless of socio-economic status or income. In the 1980s, colleges facing budget constraints introduced 'enrollment fees', an end run around the prohibition on charging tuition. Currently, these 'fees' are $46 per unit.

For many, especially from disadvantaged or underrepresented populations, $46/unit is a hardship that means not pursuing higher education. Additionally, recent efforts to institute 'full cost' courses exacerbate current imbalances, serving to exclude students who most want to attend community colleges. Unfortunately, SMC led the way two years ago by sponsoring a bill permitting community colleges to offer 'full cost' courses, and they continue to support legislation of this manner today-even after backlash at the attempt on their own campus resulted in students being pepper-sprayed at a public meeting.

I believe we should return to the model of no-cost community colleges to insure fairness and access for ALL students. However, as a realist, my short-term goal is to ensure that 'enrollment fees' don't increase, and a 'full cost' program isn’t instituted at SMC."
Oct. 1, 2014 Dennis C.W. Frisch

"The U.S. Department of Education website listings for public community colleges note that the cost for White Mountain College in New Hampshire is $7,664 (third highest nationally); the national average is $3,023 and Santa Monica is $1,140. Support to reduce this annual cost is available in a number of forms. The State of California offers a Board of Governors (BOG) Waiver, which pays the enrollment fees for the academic year for California residents who are eligible for need-based financial aid. Approximately, 50 % of the SMC students have this fee waiver. We have provided additional resources substantially increasing both the amount and the timeliness of processing grants. The active and responsive financial aid staff assists students with maximizing the available grants and programs including Federal Pell grants, CAL grants, financial aid for veterans and work study programs, and help students navigate the tricky world of loans.

While the fees can be waived and reduced, for some students, the costs for books, living expenses and other needs may create a financial burden. This is an area that remains a challenge requiring continued efforts."
Oct. 1, 2014 Nancy Greenstein

"I believe that the cost of education at SMC is fair. However, there are constant pressures to increase tuition. The goal of Community College was to provide students with access to affordable education in their community."
Oct. 1, 2014 Maria Loya

"The tuition for classes at Santa Monica College is $47 per unit. Most courses are 3 units, so the cost of tuition for a course is $141 for a 3 unit credit course. Tuition in the California community colleges is among the lowest in the nation. In addition, at Santa Monica College, we have been encouraging our students to apply for state and federal financial aid, and the number of students receiving financial aid has increased dramatically to over the last several years. Currently over 21,500 students receive some sort of financial aid, including federal and state grants, for a total annual disbursement of over $50 million. Students should have to pay some tuition for their classes because it creates an incentive for them to complete their classes. There is a high demand for courses at the community colleges and we want to make sure that students who are enrolled are committed to their education. Students face other more significant financial pressures, such as the price of books and the cost of housing."
Oct. 1, 2014 Andrew Walzer