<p>"The fact is we need to demonstrate to low-income students that they can afford to attend the University of California," Yudof said in a conference call with reporters. Current procedures, he said, are "too vague, too ambiguous."</p>
<p>Outside experts generally praised the proposal, which they say could help ease recession worries for parents of college students.</p>
<p>The plan, which must be approved by UC's regents, relies on federal and state programs such as Pell Grants and Cal Grants to remain the foundation of student aid. But for families with annual incomes below the state median of $60,000, UC would cover the rest of the basic fees, which next year are expected to total $7,800 annually for California resident undergraduates.</p>
<p>This is a positive step, but a limited one. Note that the University is proposing only to cover the cost of “basic fees”—the equivalent of in-state tuition at other public universities. It is not committing to meet 100% of demonstrated need, including room and board, books, and personal expenses. (Currently, UC Berkeley says it meets on average 88% of need). Consequently even with the change in policy the UCs might continue to be more expensive for lower-income students than private schools with more generous FA policies.</p>
<p>Thanks for the article. Interesting read. This should also be posted on the Financial Aid and Scholarship forum and the General University of California as well.</p>
<p>I agree with bclintonk that the only people who will feel any comfort will be low income students who commute to a UC. The room and board is the killer.</p>
<p>Wait a minute, a Pell plus a Cal grant exceeds the amount of basic fees, so what are they offering? Maybe a Cal grant alone if not meeting the increase in fees means there would be a small gap? How about getting rid of $15k annual dorm charges? ;)</p>
<p>When I first saw the headline, I was surprised that Yudof could find the money. But, then reading the article, it wasn’t even worth the cost of a press release. Out of 173,000 UC undergrads, this proposal will only help 1,100. I guess ya gotta start somewhere.</p>