California has a massive higher education system. And it’s dealing with a lot of issues many colleges and universities in other states are likely to face. The complex of issues includes a diverse student body and low-income and first-generation students. Many are dealing with issues of affordability, non-tuition costs, and a range of other issues whose solutions can serve as a model for other states in their efforts to reform higher education.

The pressures on students, from affording housing and food to books and other expenses, plus in many cases, having to hold down a job to be able to afford college, are affecting how long it’s taking students to actually finish their studies.

Felicia Mello of the news organization CalMatters has been covering these issues in higher education in her reporting. She joins Insight to discuss her findings.