California public colleges would get millions in new funding under Newsom plan
Ben Unglesbee
January 12, 2026
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s fiscal 2027 budget proposal represents a sharp turnaround from last year, when he advocated for big higher ed cuts.
Dive Brief:
California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s 2026-27 budget proposal, released Friday, would devote hundreds of millions of dollars in new funds collectively to the state’s universities and community colleges.
Under the proposal, the University of California system would get $5.3 billion — an increase of 5%, or $254.3 million — in its base general fund allotment. The California State University system would receive $5.6 billion, a 5% bump to its current state funding worth $264.8 million.
Meanwhile, the California Community Colleges system would receive $15.4 billion in general funds and property taxes, for a year-over-year increase of 9%, or $1.3 billion.
