California State University

Students walk up and down a wide outdoor staircase on a college campus lined with trees, while one student in dark athletic clothing walks alone in the foreground.

Higher Education

Newsom’s final budget sends more than a billion dollars to University of California, Cal State

Since Gavin Newsom became governor, state support for California’s public universities has grown by 50%.

By Mikhail Zinshteyn • July 9, 2026

A University of California campus police officer pushes a pro-Palestinian protester away from a moving San Diego Sheriff's bus with arrested protesters onboard at UC San Diego in San Diego on May 6, 2024. Photo by Adriana Heldiz, CalMatters

Education

California colleges reveal their military weapons stockpile after CalMatters investigation

According to state law, campus police can own military weapons to uphold safety as long as they report it to the public. However, not every college follows every part of the law, according to an investigation by CalMatters into all 148 public colleges and universities in California.

By Phoebe Huss • July 8, 2026

A line of police officers wearing helmets and face shields stands together on a street, with one officer giving directions to the group.

Education

How student journalists can report on the military weapons on your campus

The College Journalism Network at CalMatters investigated how public campuses throughout California were complying with a state law that requires transparency about military equipment. This guide is for student journalists to investigate their own campuses.

By Phoebe Huss • July 8, 2026

A worker sits at a cluttered electronics workbench, looking at a computer monitor in a workshop with shelves of parts bins, tools and equipment in the background.

Education

Top science research jobs lack diversity. A California college program aims to curb that

The climate of STEM higher education programs can be unwelcoming for some minority populations. A state-funded program is trying to change that by providing mentors, relationship-building and financial assistance to California college students.

By Brittany Oceguera • July 2, 2026

A person hold their phone in front of them as they walk through the arches of a brick building, illuminated by sunlight. Other people sit on nearby benches as they look down at their phones.

Commentary

Academic turf war between California colleges underscores need for new higher education plan

The increased competition between California's universities and community colleges shows why the state needs to update its 56-year-old higher education plan.

By Dan Walters • June 25, 2026

A student wearing headphones and a backpack walks down a staircase inside a university building. Behind them, an electronic stock ticker displays company names and share prices beneath a large sign reading “Innovation Incubator.” Glass walls, railings and multiple levels of the building frame the scene.

Higher Education

Cal State faculty push to prevent AI tools from replacing them as schools and staff experiment

The union representing California State University professors is contesting the system's use of artificial intelligence tools and backing legislation that would protect their jobs from the technology.

By Mikhail Zinshteyn • June 19, 2026

A wide-view of people walking along a pathway lined with trees at a college campus.

Higher Education

Cal State may soon offer degrees that take just 3 years to finish. Work experience counts, too

California State University leaders took a first step in creating new bachelor’s degrees that can be completed in as little as three years. A need to attract more students and competition from online colleges are reasons why.

By Mikhail Zinshteyn • May 11, 2026

A collage-style illustration in yellow and green tones with various cut-out images, including historical photos of traditional Native American baskets, a photo of a person on a canoe, a side-view of elderly person and a graphic of the California state outline with dots of various locations.

Education

Tribes want Cal State to return Native remains and artifacts. Here’s why it’s not so easy

Cal State campuses have mixed records in returning Native remains and artifacts to tribes. Campus officials say they are working diligently to follow legal mandates but the process can be arduous, especially for non-federally recognized tribes.

By Brittany Oceguera • May 8, 2026

A collage-style illustration that shows the silhouettes of four students in different gradient colors as a couple of butterflies float around them while they walk down the hall of a college campus.

Education

For asylum seekers, the path to a California education is costly

Asylum seekers going to college in California can pay much higher nonresident tuition and are often excluded from financial aid, at great cost to them and their families as immigration cases spend years in limbo.

By Andrea Baltodano and Chrissa Olson • May 4, 2026

A side-view of the silouhette of four people as they walk pass a sign that reads "Cal Poly" along with text and photos of students.

Education

Cal State struck a deal with OpenAI. Some students and faculty refuse to use it

California State University’s $17 million contract with ChatGPT’s maker OpenAI is up for renewal. Some students and faculty say equal access to AI is important for preparing students for the workforce. Others say the implementation of AI tools has been confusing and opens the door to cheating. Some faculty have banned AI from their classes altogether and even started a petition to end the contract deal.

By Angel Corzo • May 1, 2026