San Jose, CA— Despite the low fees of the California Community College System, many of the state's students still cannot afford to attend community college, according to a new report released today.

"For too long, California has assumed that keeping community college fees low will in itself provide students access to its two-year schools," said William Zumeta, senior author of the report co-authored with Deborah Frankle. "The truth is California is an expensive place to live and go to school."

Community college fees represent less than five percent of total attendance costs for the typical community college student, according to the report. However, non-fee costs—such as books, housing, and health care—have grown much more rapidly than the state's general cost of living in recent years.

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To read the report, click on publications.