California officially bans legacy admissions at private colleges and universities, aiming to create a fairer playing field for applicants. Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 1780 into law, eliminating legacy and donor preferences in admissions at private, nonprofit institutions. This landmark change, set to take effect in the fall of 2025, impacts prestigious schools like Stanford University, USC, and Santa Clara University.
“In California, everyone should be able to get ahead through merit, skill, and hard work,” said Newsom. “The California Dream shouldn’t just be accessible to a lucky few. We’re opening the door to higher education for everyone, fairly.”
The ban aligns with California’s ongoing commitment to fairness and equal opportunity following the 2019 college admissions scandal. Assemblyman Phil Ting, who championed the bill, said the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on affirmative action gave momentum to end legacy admissions.
“This is about fairness,” Ting said. “Students should earn their spot based on hard work, not because they have wealthy parents or donor connections.”
Stanford, USC, and Santa Clara have some of the country’s highest rates of legacy admissions. About 14% of their 2022 enrollment came from legacy students. Under the new law, all private colleges and universities in California must report compliance. They must submit annual updates on their admissions policies.
As this law takes effect, questions arise: Will more states follow California’s lead in banning legacy admissions? How will this impact future college applicants across the nation?
This bold move marks a significant step in ensuring higher education access based on merit, leveling the playing field for all students.
