CSU LA Students Stage Walkout To Protest Tuition Hikes

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Rallies, marches and walkouts are planned at Cal State campuses across the state.

Students at Cal State Los Angeles protested budget cuts and tuition hikes with a walkout Thursday morning.

Freshman Cindy Rivas says her tuition has increased $400 this year alone.

"Tuition is increasing every quarter, so it's really terrible for us," Rivas told CBS2.

Senior Nakia Brazier says many students won't be able to keep up with rising tuition costs.

"The more we pay for public education, the further we're getting into a private system that's only available for those who can afford it." Brazier said.

A rally was also taking place at Cal State Northridge.

Last year, the state cut funding by $650 million, which prompted a 12 percent tuition hike this fall, an increase that came on top of a 10 percent increase that was already in place.