The rise of housing costs for students of CSUSB is one of the factors leading to a higher rate of homelessness for students here, commented Madeline Zhuo, an employee at a food pantry, in response to the topics raised by the rally in Sacramento. On Feb. 20 student leaders, college executives, and legislators rallied at the state capital for financial aid reform to combat food insecurity, lack of shelter, and wellbeing issues that plague California college students. Mia Kagianas, president of the Cal State Student Association, struck at the heart of the issue during her opening remarks. “Our state and our nation are experiencing a higher education renaissance,” Kagianas said. “Issues … [Read more...] about Students, Administrators, and Legislators Rally to Fix Financial Aid
financial aid
Pursuing Higher Degree Education
By Steffanie Martinez |Staff Writer| Tough choices have to be made after obtaining your college degree—a huge one in particular: choosing between attending graduate school or going straight into the workforce. This is not always the easiest decision to make, as there are many factors to take into consideration. Graduate school is not an extension of your college life—there are big differences. “From studying to socializing, you’re entering a new world. But if you choose to go to grad school to study something you’re passionate about, you’ll likely find it much more rewarding than college," stated Dr. Melissa Boone Brown of Columbia University. Speaking to recent grad school … [Read more...] about Pursuing Higher Degree Education
Summer school provides students advantages
By Davon Dean |Staff Writer| When it comes to attending summer school, most students are hesitant to sign up for classes due to how much it costs. In my opinion, I think it is very important for each student to explore and understand what he or she is paying to get through college. I believe students should not have to dwell on the price of college, but on the outcome and how it will benefit them in the future. Student Alicia Garcia pointed out how expensive it is to attend summer courses. “Not only are we paying $220 per unit, we also have to pay an additional $225 for mandatory campus fees; [and] I don’t even know what are mandatory campus fees,” said … [Read more...] about Summer school provides students advantages
College education is worth debt
By Angie Burkhart |Staff Writer| The benefits of attending college far outweigh the debt that is accrued when we consider the opportunities and knowledge we gain. Statistics show that college graduates are financially more successful than those without a degree. When I asked fellow college students why they are pursuing a degree, I got a variety of responses. Some said it was just to land a job, and others said it was to better their life altogether, whether financially or intellectually. CSUSB graduate Genna West said she originally pursued higher education to make more money, but found purpose in her career that during her time at CSUSB. Some say that “knowledge is … [Read more...] about College education is worth debt
Sugar isn’t always so sweet
By Erica Wong |Foreign Correspondent| As online dating gained popularity in recent years, some people have begun to exploit their services for reasons other than just finding their significant other. Last spring, we covered the growing ‘mutually beneficial arrangement’ dating industry with the ‘sugar’ dating site Seeking Arrangements (SA) and interviewed student Annabelle (her pseudonym) about her life as a sugar baby. Annabelle has had three sugar daddies in the past year. While she’s still in school and trying to stay on top of her bills, her current sugar daddy now provides her $1500 per visit. As SA’s popularity has grown, now with over 3.6 million members, other dating sites … [Read more...] about Sugar isn’t always so sweet
Students blasé over fees
By Mackenzie Viera |Staff Writer| Coyotes in their junior or senior year seem to lack interest in the mandatory campus fees for the services they may or may not use. CSUSB falls into sixth place of the cheapest colleges in California with an average tuition cost at $18,040, according to collegecalc.org. However, after briefly interviewing students on the cost of attending CSUSB, many were not aware of what exactly they are paying for. Let’s do the math. According to csusb.edu, the tuition fee per quarter is $1,824. Below the total tuition, students seem to overlook the small print that states “mandatory campus charges.” Multiply that amount by three quarters and you have … [Read more...] about Students blasé over fees
Tuition outruns financial aid
By Marlyn Rodriguez |Asst. Managing Editor| Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) reported that inflation has caused an increase in tuition. PPIC is an organization whose primary goal is to inform residents about public policies through research. According to recent reports by the PPIC, students nationwide are facing an increase in tuition and a decrease in financial aid. Within the last four years, the total tuition cost on all CSU campuses has risen by six percent, which is equivalent to $1,000. Students have not seen an increase at UCs or at private universities. The PPIC reports a price decrease of about $1,000 in private universities. Students from low-income families are … [Read more...] about Tuition outruns financial aid
Financial aid website review
By Emmanuel Gutierrez |Staff Writer| The CSUSB financial aid website is too simple for its own good and potentially serves as a barrier to receive department guidance. The cost of attending higher education continues to increase. Receiving financial aid is becoming more and more crucial. “The website was kind of helpful, but calling the office and talking to someone was easier,” said CSUSB student Christen Jennings. “Put more info on the website so I won’t have to spend extra time on hold,” added Jennings. The information provided on the CSUSB financial aid website is thorough in covering topics such as applying for aid, Dream Act information, and links to student … [Read more...] about Financial aid website review
Sugar
By Erica Wong |Staff Writer| Dating sites are used to satisfy all sorts of kinky and romantic pursuits. But what about trading time for money? Higher unemployment rates and lower starting salaries are making some college students and recent graduates increasingly desperate. So much so, that many are resorting to selling themselves to relieve their debt in this failing economy. “I made an account on Seeking Arrangements because I was two months behind on rent and up to my eyeballs in credit card debt. My two jobs just weren't enough,” said Anabelle, CSUSB student. Seeking Arrangements (SA), is a dating website for sugar daddies and sugar babies. Brandon Wade, the sites … [Read more...] about Sugar
Loan debt at rise increases students’ anxiety levels
By Shiane D. Jacocks |Staff Writer| Debt increases stress. Some students at CSUSB wish they did not have to pay back loans, but knowing that they do make students feel under pressure. I have found that financial aid at CSUSB may be increasing anxiety for students. I have financial aid and I, personally, believe that in the back of my mind, I am worrying about all the money I am spending for my tuition. Having little knowledge about debt and its consequences only increases my anxiety. “I’m not that familiar about the process. I only know the general types like grants, loans, and work-study, but I never really thought about it,” said student Steven Merrill. Students need to … [Read more...] about Loan debt at rise increases students’ anxiety levels