Fifty years ago , when its coffers were flush , California devised a master plan for higher education that made it possible for anyone who wanted a college degree to obtain one , mostly at taxpayer expense . Students have demanded increases in public college tuition fees . Professor Tierney says taxpayers are balking at paying more to public colleges . He says that means more affluent students will have to pay more . Why should fees for well - off students be so much lower at Berkeley than at Stanford ?
Students have demanded increases in public college tuition fees . Professor Tierney says taxpayers are balking at paying more to public colleges . He says that means more affluent students will have to pay more . Why should fees for well - off students be so much lower at Berkeley than at Stanford ?