Support Page Content
Student Success Fee Proposal
Overview
You deserve an education that opens doors to exceptional opportunities and have chosen Sac State because of our reputation and track record. The State of California has made significant reductions to funding for higher education. Despite recent increases in tuition and fees, the reduction in state money coming into the CSU system, and rising costs have left Sacramento State with a significant budget shortfall. This has already resulted in a reduction in the number of classes offered for next year.
Proposed Solution
The proposed Student Success Fee (SSF) puts the power in your hands to transform your educational experience. Other CSU campuses such as Cal Poly San Luis Obispo ($353.85 per quarter) and San Jose State University ($389 per semester) have approved Student Success Fees, and this has resulted in expanded course offerings, upgraded technologies, career preparation, and enhanced academic support services. The proposed fee ($360 per semester) would provide sufficient funding to ensure that we can provide a comparable educational experience. We are currently the ONLY large campus that does not already have a Student Success Fee.
Financial Impact Example
| Cost without fee: | Benefit with fee: | ROI calculation: |
|---|---|---|
| An extra semester due tocourse bottlenecks =approximately $4,500 inadditional tuition and fees,plus $5,000+ in livingexpenses | Graduate on time and enter the workforce one semester earlier = $35,000-$57,500 in additional earnings (half-year salary for most majors) | Your $2,880 total investment over 4 years could yield a $41,620+ return just from avoiding a single delayed semester |
Pros and Cons of instituting a Student Success Fee
| Pros of instituting a Student Success Fee | Cons of instituting a Student Success Fee |
|---|---|
| Expanded course offerings in high-demand fields and in existing programs. | Represents an additional financial burden of $360 per semester ($720 per year). |
| Enhanced access to materials and supplies for your courses, including industry-standard equipment and technology for hands-on learning. | Fee will increase over time to keep up with the rate of inflation (2% or the rate of inflation). |
| Expanded internship programs and hands-on learning opportunities. | Students from marginalized populations and middle-income students ineligible for federal aid may be disproportionately impacted |
| Increased and more personalized support through additional academic advisors and career counselors. | Benefits may vary depending on the major and the level of active student engagement |
| Other CSU campuses have demonstrated that Student Success Fees improve graduation rates and job placement. | |
| Includes dedicated allocations for disability support services ($10) and students with financial need (3%). | |
| Students will have the ability to provide feedback on how Student Success Fee monies are used by serving on the Student Success Fee Committee | |
| Implementing a Student Success Fee will decrease the overall cost of education by reducing time to graduation, including both the cost of tuition and fees and living expenses while in school. |
Attend a Town Hall
Want to learn more? Attend a town hall to hear more about the Student Success Fee:
- Tuesday, April 29, 1:00 - 2:30 pm (In-Person, Location TBD)
- Wednesday, April 30, 9:00 - 10:30 am (In-Person, Location TBD)
- Saturday, May 3, 12:00 - 1:30 pm (Virtual, Zoom)
- Thursday, May 8, 6:00 - 7:30 pm (Virtual, Zoom)
Student Benefits
- Graduate on time with expanded course offerings that eliminate bottlenecks in high-demand classes.
- Gain hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment and technology that employers expect.
- Build your professional network through expanded internship programs, career services, and alumni connections.
- Develop specialized skills in emerging fields through new elective offerings and certificate programs.
- Receive personalized support from additional academic advisors and career counselors who understand your field.
Real Return on your Investment
- Engineering and Computer Science graduates from programs with robust resources earn starting salaries averaging $70,000-$115,000 in the Sacramento region and see an 85% or better employment rate within their major and within six months of graduation.
- Business students with access to advanced analytics training and industry connections see starting salaries $15,000-$22,000 higher than peers without these advantages
- Education students with supervised field experiences and high-quality academic programs have higher job placement rates, particularly in competitive districts and for specialized positions
- Health and Human Services graduates who complete hands-on clinical experiences command competitive salaries: Registered Nurses ($85,000-$110,000), Physical Therapists ($90,000-$115,000), and Speech-Language Pathologists ($80,000-$105,000)
- Arts and Letters students with professional portfolios and internship experience see 90% employment rates within six months of graduation
- Natural Sciences & Mathematics students with research experience show higher rates of graduate school admissions and employment in the technology sectors
- Social Sciences graduates in Sacramento enjoy unparalleled access to government careers with excellent benefits, job security, and clear advancement pathways
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should students have to save the university from a budget crisis?
A. You’re not being asked to save the university—you’re investing in your own experience. This fee is designed to directly benefit you by increasing class access, updating learning tools, and supporting your career goals. It’s about improving your education now, not fixing the university’s overall budget.
How do you justify charging us more when students are already struggling with housing and food costs?
A. That’s a serious concern, and it’s why part of the fee will go toward helping students with financial need. There’s also dedicated funding for students with disabilities. The goal is to improve your chances of graduating on time, which can save you money in the long run.
I already work two jobs. How am I supposed to come up with even more money?
A. This fee helps reduce the need for extra semesters, which cost even more. Plus, the university is increasing access to paid internships and job opportunities that are tied to your major—so you’re not just working, you’re gaining relevant experience and income.
How can you guarantee that this fee won’t keep going up?
A. There’s a built-in cap: the fee can only increase 2% a year or match inflation, whichever is lower. Any future changes will require a review process and student input, so it can’t just go up without oversight.
Why go from no fee to one of the highest in the CSU?
A. We get it—it feels like a big leap. But many other CSU campuses have had these fees for years and have seen real results. This proposal is competitively priced and targeted to give you access to things other students across the CSU already have.
Why not use money from the athletic fee passed this summer?
A. That fee is legally restricted to athletics. It can’t be used for academics. This new fee is entirely separate and focused on your courses, faculty, technology, and career services.
Will this discourage low-income or first-generation students?
A. No—just the opposite. This fee includes specific funding for students who need financial help. For students eligible for Pell Grants, your fees will be covered entirely as part of your financial aid. It also supports the resources and programs that help students succeed, especially those from underserved backgrounds.
How are you protecting students of color and marginalized communities?
A. The proposal includes equity-focused funds and ensures that students from all communities benefit from better advising, accessible technology, and inclusive support services. Some of the money will also be set aside for disability services for students. Plus, students will help decide how funds are used.
Can we see a breakdown of how the money will be used?
A. Yes! Every college will submit detailed spending plans, and the Student Success Fee Committee (which includes students!) will review and report on how funds are used and what impact they’re having.
What’s in it for me—besides maybe graduating on time?
A. A lot: better tech, smaller class sizes, expanded tutoring, more career services, internships, and course offerings that align with your major and career plans. It’s designed to elevate your entire college experience.
How are you making sure students are informed and involved?
A. Through info sessions, digital campaigns, class visits, and outreach to student groups. Plus, the governance structure includes student representation to keep your voice central in decision-making.
What will the money actually pay for?
- More classes to eliminate waitlists
- Updated equipment and learning technology
- Additional advisors and career counselors
- Paid internship and career opportunities
- Support for students with disabilities and financial need Special programs like certifications and tutoring
I can’t afford $360 per semester—what are my options?
A. The fee includes funds set aside for students with financial need. There are also emergency grants and scholarships you may be eligible for. If the fee helps you graduate even one semester sooner, you could save thousands overall.
What happens if this doesn’t pass?
A. Expect course cuts starting Fall 2025, delays in graduation, and more outdated tech in your classes. Students at other CSUs will keep getting ahead while Sac State risks falling behind.
What is the Student Success Fee Committee?
A It’s a student-inclusive group that oversees how the money is used. They review college spending proposals, ensure accountability, and share regular updates so you can see exactly where your money is going.
What happens if the Student Success Fee isn’t approved?
A. The current Fall 2025 class schedule represents the schedule we can afford to offer without the implementation of student fees. This represents a 46% reduction in the number of class sections offered for the fall semester. We anticipate that this schedule will reduce the number of seats available to students by approximately 15-20% for the fall. For some students, this will mean not getting full 15-unit class schedules until the State of California increases the allocation to the CSU system. If the Student Success Fee passes, you will see a restoration in the number of class sections over the summer.
How do tuition and fees at Sacramento State compare to other similar universities?
A. The California State University system is less expensive than many state university systems, including the Pennsylvania State University system and the Minnesota State University system, even after the addition of a student success fee.