Larry Gordon
Larry Gordon was a higher education writer at the Los Angeles Times, where he covered colleges and universities in California and nationwide. He won the first place award for education reporting in 2014 from the California Newspaper Publishers Association. Larry previously was a reporter and editor at the Bergen Record in his home state New Jersey. He was a mid-career Fulbright Fellow, teaching journalism at the American University in Bulgaria. He earned a master’s degree at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism and a bachelor’s at Georgetown University. He is co-author of the hiking guide “Stairway Walks in Los Angeles.” He is based in Los Angeles.
All articles by Larry Gordon
Assembly plan seeks to reduce student debt, but raises state budget questions
The new proposed grants for housing, books and transportation could cost the state as much as $1.6 billion a year. Gov. Jerry Brown's office described that as a noble goal, but wonders where the funding would come from.
Larry Gordon
March 13, 2017
Dream Act application numbers surpass last year's after successful campaign to overcome fears
The final application numbers top last year's by 5 percent after much publicity and pledges that personal data will not be shared with federal authorities.
Larry Gordon
March 3, 2017
Private California colleges protest proposed cut in state grants for low-income students
Incoming students at 90 private colleges in California face a possible $1,028, or 11 percent, cut to the Cal Grants they hope to receive. The colleges say that avoiding that reduction will help take enrollment pressures off UC and CSU. But Gov. Jerry Brown is looking for belt-tightening in higher education.
Larry Gordon
February 26, 2017
Officials urge undocumented students to apply for Dream Act grants and pledge protection
With only a week before the application deadline, the number of California Dream Act applications remains well behind last year's. The Trump administration's plans to deport undocumented people is heightening fears of Dreamer students, despite state pledges to protect their identities.
Larry Gordon
February 23, 2017
Deportation fears depress California Dream Act college aid applications
Even though this year's application period is much longer, the number of applications for college grants under the California Dream Act is lagging behind last year's. Officials say some immigrant families are afraid to disclose personal information even though the state pledges to protect it.
Larry Gordon
February 14, 2017
California universities protest Trump immigration order, offer help to students and faculty
California attracts the most international students of any state, and so its universities are especially concerned about the new Trump administration's restrictions on immigration and visits.
Larry Gordon
January 30, 2017
UC regents approve first tuition hike in 6 years despite student opposition
California undergraduates will pay $336 more, bringing tuition and mandatory system wide fees to $12,630 a year. Room, board and books are extra.
Larry Gordon
January 26, 2017
California's public universities grapple with uncertain future student enrollments
A national report projects a drop in numbers of high school graduates. But in California, higher education officials are focusing on other trends, such as increasing Latino college attendance.
Larry Gordon
January 25, 2017
California's public universities need more stable financing, report declares
The College Futures Foundation calls for more long-term budget plans and a hard look at how pension costs limit university spending on student support services.
Larry Gordon
January 24, 2017
UC president Napolitano being treated for cancer; quick recovery expected, university says
Napolitano was diagnosed with cancer in August and informed the regents at that time, but her illness was not publicly disclosed previously.
Larry Gordon
January 17, 2017
Brown proposes more higher ed funding, but phasing out middle class scholarships
Higher education officials generally applaud Brown's plan, which would freeze community college fees while allowing tuition hikes at UC and CSU.
Larry Gordon
January 10, 2017
Counseling leader says many students unserved; urges early start to college planning
Eric Blanco, president of the state school counseling association, urges students to prepare early for college and keep options open.
Larry Gordon
January 9, 2017
Debate underway on CSU & UC tuition increase proposals; students protesting
Early proposals for the first possible tuition increases in six years call for a $270 hike at CSU and $300 at UC. Much awaits Gov. Brown's January budget plan.
Larry Gordon
January 2, 2017
In-state freshman applicants to UC rise again; fewer nonresidents apply
Latinos and Asians comprise the largest groups of applicants as students seek to gain entrance to at least one of UC's nine undergraduate campuses.
Larry Gordon
December 19, 2016
Californians worried about higher education tuition costs but wary of taxes, new survey finds
Californians say they support more funds for higher education, but don't want higher taxes or tuition, poll finds. They regard campuses highly.