Prop. 30 would increase the state sales tax from 7.25 percent to 7.5 percent for four years, even though most Los Angelinos are already paying a sales tax of 8.75 percent.

To the dismay of tuition payers everywhere, the traditional four-year bachelor’s degree is more commonly becoming a five-year degree as students take longer to complete their education.

Years ago, choosing a state school was financially easier and more rational than attending a small, private university. Recently, however, the “typical” affordable college has shifted from public to private schools since the Cal State and UC systems have been devastated by financial woes.