The cost of in-state college tuition in California has dropped in the past five years when adjusted for inflation, according to a new College Board report, but that trend might not continue.

Why it matters: High sticker prices are a major barrier to earning a college degree, but the widening wage gap between high school and college grads proves it's worth the investment.

By the numbers: In-state tuition and fees at a public California university cost, on average, $11,310 for the 2024-25 school year.

• That's a 7% drop from 2019-20 when accounting for inflation.
• The national average is $11,610.
• The out-of-state premium is significantly higher, with those students paying $38,130 on average.

The big picture: The money needed to attend public, private and community colleges is going down nationwide, continuing a trend that started during the Covid-19 pandemic.

• Lower tuition, more grant aid and a decreasing number of students graduating with debt are key factors.

Follow the money: California's public institutions are well-funded compared to other states, which helps keep college affordable. But schools are increasingly relying on tuition dollars as a revenue source as they face budget deficits and cuts.

• The Cal State system raised tuition at its campuses, including San Francisco State and CSU East Bay, starting this fall. Students will continue to see the 6% annual tuition hike for at least the next four years.
• The UC system implemented a tuition stability plan in 2022 that raises base tuition and fees by the rate of inflation, or roughly 3% per year, for incoming students. The annual cost will remain flat until the student graduates, for up to six years.

Zoom in: Cal State and UC set a systemwide base tuition, but fees vary by campus. For in-state students the joint costs are:

• UC Berkeley - $16,608
• SFSU - $7,950
• CSU East Bay - $7,583
• Stanford (private) - $65,127
• USF (private) - $60,492

Reality check: On and off-campus living expenses like housing, food, transportation and books adds thousands of dollars to the overall cost.

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Vice President Harris is telling advisers she's not leaving the political arena and wants to keep her options open according to Politico who spoke with five people in her inner circle who were granted anonymity.

Driving the news: In phone calls with advisers and allies, Harris maintains she is "staying in the fight."

• That includes a potential 2026 run, where she'd enter a crowded field with more support than those already running, according to a new poll from the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies.

Why it matters: Harris, a Bay Area native, would have a major advantage against any other candidate if she decided to run.

State of play: That existing field includes San Diego's Toni Atkins — the former state Senate leader, assembly speaker and city council president — Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, former state controller Betty Yee, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and state schools superintendent Tony Thurmond.

• Outgoing Rep. Katie Porter has hinted at a possible run, and a USC poll found her in a strong position if she jumps in.

Yes, but: She's not expected to make a decision any time soon as she still considers a 2028 presidential bid or whether to move back to California permanently, Politico reported.

What they're saying: "Could she run for governor? Yes. Do I think she wants to run for governor? Probably not. Could she win? Definitely. Would she like the job? I don't know. Could she run for president again? Yes," former Harris aide Brian Brokaw told Politico. 

What's next: In the near term, Harris and her team are working on how to redefine her role in the Democratic party amid a second Trump presidency. 

• She is expected to discuss her political options with family members over the coming holidays, according to Politico. 

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🛒 Ross renewed its lease at its flagship downtown store for another 10 years. The low-cost retailer plans on opening a second downtown location, also on Market Street. (SF Chronicle)

🛎️ About 500 workers from the San Francisco Marriott Marquis hotel walked off the job in response to concerns over low pay, large workloads and unfair working conditions. The city-wide strike now includes roughly 2,500 employees from the Unite Here Local 2 union.  (KRON4)

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Let award-winning actor and singer Leslie Odom Jr. serenade you this Thanksgiving with classics from his chart-topping holiday albums.

• The "Hamilton" musical actor takes the stage Nov. 29 at the Golden Gate Theatre. The show starts 7:30pm.
• In addition to covers of holiday hits, Odom will perform selections from his release "The Christmas Album" and "Simply Christmas."

My thought bubble: Not gonna lie, I absolutely love his voice and am sad I won't be able to see him live this year.

• I'll have to live vicariously through those of you who do.
• Tickets start at $56.