The Legacy of Free Public Education in California: A Forgotten Era of Opportunity

There was a time when the University of California (UC) system stood as a shining beacon of accessible education. For decades, California residents, including my parents, benefited from free tuition at UC schools, a bold and forward-thinking policy that reflected the state’s commitment to investing in its people in a period of post-war expansion. This era, which spanned much of the 20th century, was a testament to the belief that higher education should be a public good, accessible to all regardless of economic background. It laid the foundation for a generation of Californians to innovate, create, and contribute to the state’s rise as a global economic powerhouse.

However, the collective understanding and commitment to progress through free public higher education began to fade in the early 1970s, as shifting economic priorities and budget constraints led to the introduction of tuition fees. While comparatively more affordable than private universities, the transition to paid tuition marked a significant philosophical shift. Education was no longer seen purely as a collective investment but increasingly as an individual responsibility, leaving many students to bear the financial burden. Specifically, in-state tuition and fees for UCLA for the academic year 2024-2025 are $15,700. This includes UC systemwide tuition and campus fees. In addition, the average total cost for California residents attending UCLA in residence halls is $42,059. Given that the average median income in Los Angeles is $87K, tuition for one year represents approximately half the median household income of Los Angeles residents. This model is unsustainable and is contributing to the brain-drain of talented students and their families who cannot afford the core components of a stable middle class life-namely housing, education and healthcare. 

The concept of tuition-free education isn’t just a relic of the past; it’s a powerful solution to the challenges California faces today. Restoring free tuition at public colleges, including the UC system, could address the mounting student loan debt that burdens millions of Californians.  According to Alan Collinge, president and founder of Student Loan Justice, Californians owe approximately $180 billion in student loan debt. This staggering number far exceeds the annual revenue of all of California’s sports teams including the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Lakers combined. In fact, $9.4 billion in interest and fees are being extracted annually from Californians and being sent to the Department of Education. Given the California state budget of 322 billion, student loan debt in California represents 55% of the entire state budget. This statistic should greatly alarm California policymakers when placed in context of the massive housing crisis that continues to drive people out of the state and further the crisis of homelessness that continues to grow annually despite billions in intervention. Moreover, a strong case for a return to a tuition-free model of public higher education would counteract the growing outmigration of young professionals, many of whom leave the state seeking affordable living conditions and relief from financial pressures. 

California’s vision for providing tuition-free higher education reflects its commitment to fostering equal opportunities and strengthening its workforce. Achieving this ambitious goal, however, requires innovative and sustainable funding methods. A wealth tax could serve as a key funding strategy by targeting the wealthiest individuals and corporations in California. The tax would focus on those with substantial assets, ensuring that financial responsibility aligns with the capacity to contribute. Such examples include taxing ultra-high-net-worth individuals with a small percentage of tax applied to assets exceeding thresholds like $50 million or $100 million. In addition, levies on large companies, particularly in profitable sectors such as technology and real estate could add substantial funding towards tuition-free college. A wealth tax ensures fairness by placing the financial burden on those most capable of contributing and revenue from the tax could be exclusively allocated to tuition-free education, increasing public transparency and support. Beyond immediate funding, a wealth tax could have far-reaching impacts, including reducing inequality where redistributing wealth toward public services helps close income and opportunity gaps. Also, expanded access to higher education ensures a more skilled and competitive labor force for California’s economy. Finally, demonstrating responsible use of tax revenue for education strengthens public confidence in government programs — a confidence that has been deeply eroded over decades of financial mismanagement and unfortunate corruption.

Reinstating free tuition would not only honor the legacy of California’s once-bold education policies but also pave the way for a more equitable and prosperous future. By reducing financial barriers, the state could empower a new generation of students to reach their full potential, fostering innovation and growth across industries. Moreover, it would reinforce California’s reputation as a leader in progressive policies, setting an example for the rest of the nation. The history of the UC system reminds us of what is possible when education is treated as a public good. As California grapples with the economic and social challenges of today, the return to a tuition-free model could offer a transformative path forward. It’s time to reignite the promise of opportunity that once defined the Golden State, ensuring that higher education is accessible to all who seek it.

Lisa Ansell is the Associate Director of the USC Casden Institute and Lecturer of Hebrew Language at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion Los Angeles.