{"id":81634,"date":"2026-06-11T19:58:18","date_gmt":"2026-06-12T02:58:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lapost.us\/?p=81634"},"modified":"2026-06-11T19:58:18","modified_gmt":"2026-06-12T02:58:18","slug":"california-student-aid-commission-convenes-new-ceo-council-to-advance-college-affordability-for-californians","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lapost.us\/?p=81634","title":{"rendered":"California Student Aid Commission Convenes New CEO Council to Advance College Affordability for Californians"},"content":{"rendered":"

SACRAMENTO, CA,\u00a0June 10, 2026<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014\u00a0The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) has officially launched the\u00a0California College Affordability CEO Advisory Council<\/strong>, a dynamic statewide initiative designed to break down barriers to higher education and expand equitable access for students across the state. Annual statewide surveys, most notably from the Public Policy Institute for California (PPIC) show that Californians value higher education but are concerned about college affordability. Food and housing costs now outweigh tuition, with many Californians looking for solutions to make attendance possible. While financial aid helps depending on the type of institution you enroll in, barriers remain for students and families.<\/p>\n

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Established for an inaugural two-year term that began in April 2026, the Council unites senior leaders from California\u2019s public and independent colleges and universities. This diverse coalition represents the institutions serving the vast majority of California\u2019s postsecondary students, ensuring that a wide range of institutional perspectives are brought to the table to build solutions<\/p>\n

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\u201cToo many students still face financial barriers, complicated systems, and uncertainty about how to pay for college. Annual tuition and fees can range from an average of about $1,300 at a community college to over $50,000 at nonprofit, four-year private institutions. This Council represents a shared commitment across California higher education campus leaders to make college more affordable, accessible, and achievable for every student,\u201d said\u00a0Dr. Daisy Gonzales, Executive Director of the California Student Aid Commission<\/strong>. \u201cBy working with our states most innovative Chancellors and Presidents, CSAC will identify solutions that help students access aid, stay enrolled, complete their education, and achieve their goals. The campus leaders represented serve the vast majority of enrolled students in our state and together, we can advance Cal Grant reform and strengthen opportunities for students, families, communities, and California\u2019s future workforce.\u201d<\/p>\n

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“The Council launches at a critical moment as students and families continue to navigate rising college costs, financial uncertainty, and increasing demand for streamlined student support systems,\u201d said\u00a0Dr. Curry, 2026-27 California College Affordability CEO Advisory Council Chair and Compton College President and Chief Executive Officer<\/strong>. \u201cThrough this partnership, CSAC and institutional leaders will work collectively to ensure that California students have the resources, support, and opportunities needed to pursue higher education without affordability standing in the way.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Strategic Guidance for Student Success<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Meeting on a quarterly basis, the Council will serve as a vital sounding board for the California Student Aid Commission. In 2026-27, the Council will discuss the statewide deployment of 2027-28 FAFSA and CADAA, Cal Grant Reform, Workforce Pell implementation, and partnerships to address student basic needs and return on investment. The Council\u2019s initial roadmap will focus on critical pillars of higher education equity:<\/p>\n

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