Tuition-Free College Proposed For San Mateo Co. Students In Bill

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — State Sen. Josh Becker (D-Peninsula) introduced a bill Monday that could make tuition free for 6,000 students in the San Mateo County Community College District.

Under Senate Bill 893, the district — which includes three community colleges in San Mateo County — would expand its Promise Scholars Program, which currently can help 2,000 of the 6,000 students who qualify for the program.

“Increasing access to higher education is life-changing,” Becker said. “It is one of the most important things we can do for our residents to ensure economic mobility for our entire community.”

The bill, co-sponsored by Assembly Speaker pro Tempore Kevin Mulin (D-South San Francisco) and Assmeblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park), gives SMCCCD the authority to set tuition costs at less than the $46 per unit that is required by the state. It also would allow the district to use local revenue to cover enrollment fees.

John Pimentel, a school district trustee, said the district doesn’t need to wait for federal or state funding because San Mateo County is “blessed with strong property values and stable funding.”

“This bill systematically allows property owners to support social equity by leveling the economic playing field through free community college,” Pimentel said.

Pimentel added that many residents cannot afford the $1,400 yearly tuition for a full-time student.

“That is a barrier to many working adults who cannot afford such fees,” Pimentel said. “All county residents should be able to affordably complete college or a technical degree which is the most effective and lasting tool to foster broad social equity.”

Chancellor Michael Claire said that the district has the resources to do more for its students.

“Our students face challenges that keep them from accessing, persisting in and completing at our colleges,” Claire said. “This bill will allow the San Mateo County Community College District to leverage local resources to help local students access a higher education.”

Click here to view the text of the bill.