San Jose State University Keeps 'Local Guarantee' For Fall Semester

SAN JOSE (KCBS)— Many would-be San Jose State students can breathe a sigh of relief now that the university has backed off plans to end its preferential admission policy for Santa Clara County applicants.

The "local-area guarantee" means any high school or community college student in the South Bay who meets the Cal State University minimum requirements can get into San Jose State.

University leaders debated backing away from the guarantee in the face of state cuts and a surge in applications.

KCBS' Chris Filippi Reports:

San Jose State Spokesperson Pat Harris said the guarantee will remain for the coming fall semester, but after that she said changes could be necessary.

"One of the options would be to close all or some of our spring 2013 admissions," she said.

Many current students are cheering the decision stressing that a lot of their friends are local and would like to attend, but that it's hard to get in because of a lack of room.

San Jose State is going through a nearly $60 million cut in state funding this academic year.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)