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Budget Office

Budget FAQs

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  • What does the Governor’s 2026-27 state budget mean for the CSU’s and CSUSM?

    The Budget Act of 2026 includes a $509.6 million increase in the base General Fund appropriation for the California State University (CSU). This includes: 

    • $100.9 million: Partial funding for Year 4 of the Compact​ 
    • $264.9 million: Full funding for Year 5 of the Compact​ 
    • $143.8 million: Restores a 2025-26 base reduction​ 

    CSUSM received $147.2 million from the state appropriation for FY 2026-27, a $7.5 million increase from the prior year. While the FY 2026-27 appropriation strengthens the University’s near-term financial position, the longer-term outlook remains uncertain amid evolving fiscal conditions and upcoming state elections. 

  • How does the 6% tuition increase impact the CSUSM budget?
    In September 2023, the California State University Board of Trustees approved a multi-year tuition plan that increases systemwide tuition by 6% per year for five years, beginning in the 2024-25 academic year and ending after 2028-29. The tuition increase is anticipated to generate $5.0 million in additional revenue for CSUSM in FY 2026-27.  
  • What are CSUSM’s strategic priorities for FY 2026-27 and how is CSUSM investing in these priorities?

    CSUSM is utilizing increased incremental funding to support its strategic priorities of student success, employee wellbeing, and long-term financial sustainability.  The University is taking a measured and responsible approach to resource stewardship by: 

    • Supporting programs and services that enhance student success and campus well-being. 
    • Investing in faculty and staff who contribute to the student experience. 
    • Maintaining prudent spending practices, particularly during the first half of the fiscal year, while monitoring budget and economic uncertainties. 
    • Gradually shifting recurring expenditures to permanent base funding where possible, reducing reliance on one-time resources and strengthening the University's long-term financial sustainability. 

    Overall, increased funding is being used to balance immediate campus needs with strategic investments that support student success and the University's long-term financial health. 

  • How are budget decisions made at CSUSM?

    The campus budget is developed through a shared governance process, with allocations and priorities shaped through Budget Open Forums, World Cafés, and BLP, and ultimately decided by the University Budget and Advisory Cabinet, which serves as the President’s primary budget and advisory body. The University Cabinet includes students, faculty, staff, and administrators. Final budget allocations and supporting information regularly updated and shared on the University Budget Office website.

    University Budget and Advisory Cabinet

  • How do state policies impact the university budget?
    The CSU system is vulnerable to state budget cuts because it is dependent on annual tax revenues and the priorities of the Governor and Legislature. Other parts of California’s public education system, including the K-12 and community colleges, have financial protection through Prop 98, which ensures a fixed percentage of the state’s budget. The CSU, however, is treated as a discretionary budget item.
  • What is the CSU Compact?
    The CSU Compact is a multi-year funding agreement established in 2022 between the California State University System and Governor Newsom’s administration to provide stable financial support and promote long-term planning. Under the Compact, the state committed to annual 5% increases in recurring funding for the CSU’s operating budget through 2026-27 and has now ended. It prioritizes shared goals for closing equity gaps, promoting student success, and increasing access to an affordable CSU education. 
  • What is the financial impact of enrollment growth?
    Enrollment growth is both an opportunity and a challenge. Growth has given our campus more of the resources that we need. Increasing enrollment in 2025-26 resulted in additional tuition revenue and dollars reallocated from other CSU campuses that lost enrollment. This additional revenue not only funded additional course sections but also many aspects of our operations, including salaries and benefits.