January 2026

Universities

Comparing Two UC Enrollment Growth Options

  Governor's Plan   LAO Alternative
  2025-26 2026-27 Total   2025-26 2026-27 Total
Enrollment Growth Targets (FTE Students)a              
Resident undergraduates (new slots) 2,045 2,066 4,111   2,947 2,968 5,915
Resident undergraduates (converted slots) 902 902 1,804   0 0 0
Total 2,947 2,968 5,915   2,947 2,968 5,915
Funding (Millions)              
Resident undergraduates (new slots)b $0 $0 $0   $38 $43 $81
Nonresident replacement (converted slots)c 0 61 61   0 0 0
Total $0 $61 $61   $38 $43 $81
Cost (Millions)              
Resident undergraduates (new slots)d $26 $30 $56   $38 $43 $81
Nonresident replacement (converted slots) 31 30 61   0 0 0
Total $57 $60 $117   $38 $43 $81
               
a In a departure from recent practice, the Governor's budget includes no 2027-28 enrollment target for UC. The LAO alternative recommends holding enrollment flat in 2027-28 given the state's projected deficit.
b The Governor earmarks no funding directly for enrollment growth. The LAO alternative appropriates funding directly for enrollment growth. Funding ($81 million) would be provided beginning in 2026-27 but would also cover the ongoing cost of enrollment growth begun in 2025-26 (as no funding was provided that year).
c The Governor's plan doubles up nonresident replacement funding in 2026-27, as no associated funding was provided in 2025-26. The LAO alternative holds nonresident enrollment at the three high-demand campuses flat.
d Though the Governor's plan does not earmark funding for enrollment, there is an associated cost. The Governor expects UC to cover the cost from within its unrestricted base increase. The LAO alternative funds the associated cost directly, effectively shifting some funding from the base increase to enrollment growth. The state marginal cost rate per UC student is $12,885 in 2025-26 and $14,419 in 2026-27.
FTE = full-time equivalent.