Struggling CSU System ProposesTo Freeze Enrollment

STOCKTON (CBS13) - A proposed freeze in spring admissions at Califoria State University campuses is not good news for high school students or those in community colleges on the right track to getting accepted into CSU system.

The university system is moving to reduce enrollment to deal with $750 million in funding cuts already made in the 2011-12 fiscal year and position itself for at least an additional $200 million cut next year if Gov. Jerry Brown's tax proposal fails.

The news comes at the same time trustees approved pay raises for two college presidents on Tuesday. They awarded a base salary of $303,660 for CSU East Bay President Leroy Morishita and $324,500 for CSU Fullerton President Mildred Garcia, as well as $12,000 car allowances and $60,000 housing allowances for each.

Shannon Mahoney set out to be the first one in her family to earn a four-year college degree. Now she's unsure what her future holds and if it includes a college degree.

The Stockton teen was accepted to Sacramento State but decided to attend San Joaquin Delta College and then transfer to save cash.

"I couldn't get enough financial aid so I ended up coming to Delta and now I'm finding out it's going to be even harder to be accepted to a state school, which it's pretty much wasting my time."

With the CSU system planning on freezing enrollment next spring at most of its 23 campuses, Jessica may be forced to put her dream on hold.

"Society makes people believe you can't do anything without going to college and if you don't have that chance, it's society slapping you in the face," she said.

She's one of the thousands of new and returning college students who may have nowhere to go.

"Personal lives are going to be changed dramatically because there won't be a slot for them to go to CSU system," said Delta College's Jack Saunders.

High school students who get frozen out of CSU will likely line up at community colleges, but there may not be enough room.

"You can only seat so many students and keep your campus running," Saunders said.

With tuition costs soaring and a freeze looming, those like Shannon may consider re-evaluating their goals.

"Most kids want to go to college then work, but I might have to skip college, I don't know," she said.

Qualified students who get turned away may turn to private or out-of-state schools, but that will cost California families much more.