SACRAMENTO, CA, June 10, 2026 — The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) has officially launched the California College Affordability CEO Advisory Council, 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.

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

“Too 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,” said Dr. Daisy Gonzales, Executive Director of the California Student Aid Commission. “By 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’s future workforce.”

“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,” said Dr. Curry, 2026-27 California College Affordability CEO Advisory Council Chair and Compton College President and Chief Executive Officer. “Through 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.”

Strategic Guidance for Student Success

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’s initial roadmap will focus on critical pillars of higher education equity:

• Financial Aid Modernization: Streamlining systems to ensure students receive the aid they need effectively and efficiently

• Program Innovation: Identifying and scaling forward-thinking solutions to better serve students in real-time.

• Cross-Sector Partnerships: Fostering collaboration between t educational sectors to improve student outreach.

Members of the Council include:

• Dr. Daisy Gonzales, Co-Chair, CSAC
• Dr. Keith Curry, Co-Chair, Compton College
• Dr. Erika Beck, CSU Northridge
• Dr. Luis Dorado, Los Angeles Harbor College
• Dr. Berenecea Johnson Eanes, CSU Los Angles
• Dr. Mark Milliron, National University
• Dr. Juan Sánchez Muñoz, UC Merced
• Dr. Lizette Navarette, Woodland Community College
• Dr. Krista Newkirk, University of Redlands
• Gregory Smith, San Diego Community College District
• Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson, San José State University

For more information about the Council and member bios, please click here.