The California State University system has some of the lowest tuition rates in the country. But a huge budget gap could force new tuition hikes.

A new report this week revealed a $1.5 billion budget shortfall for The CalState system. And that the university system can’t afford to do the things it should to help students succeed.

The system serves nearly half a million students. Its affordability has helped create a national reputation for social mobility. CalState students are often low-income and the first in their families to go to college.

The chancellor’s office will present a tuition hike to the board in July. If it’s approved, tuition could go up as early as fall 2024. This is an especially big deal because these hikes would bring multiple years of ongoing tuition increases instead of just a one-time jump.

But just raising tuition likely won’t fill CalState’s funding hole. This is all happening while faculty are demanding a more than 10-percent raise — adding more unrest in the system.