Legislator Seeks to Limit Pay Raises for CSU Presidents

Bill would repeal recent increases and cap executive compensation in California's public university system

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A California state assemblymember has introduced a bill that would repeal significant pay increases for California State University presidents approved by the board of trustees last November. The bill, AB 1831, would also set limits on compensation for non-union administrators, managers and contractors across the 22-campus CSU system.

Why it matters

The pay raises, which increased some presidents' salaries by up to 20%, have been criticized as excessive at a time when the CSU system is facing budget constraints and students are facing tuition hikes. The proposed legislation aims to rein in executive compensation and ensure public funds are directed towards classrooms and student services rather than administrative costs.

The details

AB 1831, introduced by Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens (D-Sunnyvale), would repeal the recent pay increases for CSU presidents and cap salaries at 125% of the California governor's salary, which is currently $245,929. The bill would also prevent salary increases in any year that student tuition is increased. Under the new pay plan approved in November, Fresno State president Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval received a 10% raise, increasing his base pay to $523,617, making him the fifth-highest paid CSU president.

  • In November 2025, the CSU board of trustees approved pay increases ranging from 5% to 20% for 13 university presidents.
  • In January 2026, the CSU board also approved pay increases ranging from 4% to 17% for four vice chancellors.

The players

Patrick Ahrens

A California state assemblymember who introduced AB 1831 to limit executive compensation in the CSU system.

Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval

The president of Fresno State University, who received a 10% raise that increased his base pay to $523,617, making him the fifth-highest paid CSU president.

California State University

The largest 4-year public university system in the country, with 22 campuses across California.

California Faculty Association

The union that is sponsoring AB 1831, which aims to establish parameters for executive compensation in the CSU system.

Margarita Berta-Avila

The president of the California Faculty Association, who criticized the recent pay raises for CSU administrators while faculty struggle.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The CSU board of trustees recently voted on massive salary increases for campus presidents and vice chancellors, meanwhile we have faculty who are literally living in their cars while working full-time.”

— Margarita Berta-Avila, CFA President (Press Release)

What’s next

The California State Assembly will consider AB 1831 and decide whether to pass the legislation, which would then move to the state Senate for further consideration.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation highlights the ongoing debate over executive compensation in public higher education, as the CSU system seeks to attract and retain top talent while also ensuring affordability and equitable funding for students and faculty.