In Sacramento, Chancellor Khosla Fights for Higher Ed Funding

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In a moment defined by uncertainty and escalating financial pressures, Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla is making sure UC San Diego’s voice is heard where it matters most: in the rooms where funding decisions are made.

On April 22, Khosla traveled to Sacramento to testify before the California State Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance, urging lawmakers to reconsider proposed reductions to higher education funding.

In his testimony, Khosla emphasized the critical role public universities play in driving innovation, economic growth and scientific discovery—and warned that the proposed state cuts, combined with recent and impending federal reductions, pose a significant threat to UC San Diego’s and the University of California’s ability to fulfill its mission of teaching, research, service and outstanding patient care.

“As we navigate the many challenges facing higher education, I am committed to fighting for what’s best for our students, UC San Diego, the UC system and research universities across the country,” said Khosla. “I will continue to collaborate with my colleagues and partners to spread the word about the importance of our work and make every effort to ensure the strength and resilience of our institution, the success of our students, the prosperity of our community, and the United States’ position as a global leader in health care, science and technology innovation.” 

The Governor’s budget proposal includes an eight percent cut to the University of California’s base budget and a deferral of compact-related funding. The compact, which provided sustained funding increases in exchange for meeting specific student success metrics, has been delayed another year. For UC San Diego, that translates to a $42 million cut and a $31 million shortfall from delayed funding—creating a total $73 million budget gap, or 15 percent of the campus’s state allocation.

Compounding the challenge are significant disruptions to federal research funding, and proposals to limit health care services and reduce educational opportunities for students. When factoring in potential state and federal reductions, UC San Diego is currently forecasting a total annual budget impact of up to $500 million.

Khosla stressed that these financial pressures come at a time when UC San Diego has been expanding access for California students. During the compact period, the campus grew its in-state undergraduate enrollment by 10 percent. Sustained funding is essential, he noted, to support instruction, services and timely graduation for these students.

The university has already implemented a number of cost-containment measures in anticipation of worsening conditions, including a faculty and staff hiring freeze, the delay of some capital projects, and budget planning scenarios modeled on reductions of up to 12.5 percent.

Khosla also highlighted the inequitable nature of the proposed state cuts: The UC and California State University systems are expected to absorb nearly 40 percent of the total reduction across all state agencies—placing an undue burden on higher education students.

“Face-to-face conversations are indispensable when it comes to addressing these critical issues,” Khosla emphasized. “Through my testimony and the follow up questions, I am confident that Sacramento lawmakers now have a deeper understanding of the far-reaching consequences of these proposed cuts to our campus, as well as the broader implications for California’s and the nation’s economies. By investing in our students, cutting-edge research and innovative industries—especially during challenging times—we are not only shaping the future of our state, but creating a lasting impact on the lives of all Californians for generations to come.” 

The Chancellor’s visit to Sacramento is one part of a broader, systemwide advocacy effort supported by Khosla and UC San Diego leadership, faculty, staff and alumni. Through engagement with state and federal officials, launch of the Behind Every Breakthrough campaign and unified action with the UC Advocacy Network, the university is working to protect the institution and safeguard research, education and public service for future generations.