Support the College : Why Your Gift Matters
Traditionally, the majority of SF State’s operating budget has been provided by the State of California; however, this dynamic is changing.
The Downward Trend in State Funding
State Allocation—From 2000 to 2009, the percentage of the University’s budget provided by the state’s general fund dropped dramatically, from 71 percent to 61 percent. Future funding levels of state support are problematic to predict; however, given historical trends and California’s current fiscal challenges, this percentage could drop as low as 55 percent by 2015. In the 2009 academic year alone, the SF State budget sustained cuts of more than $8.5 million to offset declines in the state allocation.
Student Fees—By necessity, student fees are on the rise to compensate for decreases in state funding rates. From 2000 to 2009, the percentage of the SF State’s budget covered by state university student fees rose from 18 percent to 30 percent. Given SF State’s commitment to accessibility for all students, increasing growth rates in student fees is not a sustainable option.
Private Support—Current funding trends have a direct impact on the College of Business. Private support is essential to preserve the College’s margin of excellence by providing funding for vital programs and services not covered by state allocations and student fees.
Your Contribution Makes a Difference
Through private support, the College of Business can continue to deliver its margin of excellence to students by maintaining the following benefits:
- needs-based and merit scholarships
- tutoring, mentoring, and internship programs
- career services
- professional skills development
Contributions also allow faculty to conduct applied research and scholarly activities. By retaining a distinguished faculty and maintaining an innovative curriculum, the College of Business secures its accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Only 25 percent of domestic business schools and less than 15 percent of international business schools qualify for this prestigious accreditation.
