The public college students who rallied recently to protest proposed increases in student fees missed the point.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's proposal to reduce financial aid is more troubling than his plan to increase fees.

In difficult economic times, fee increases may be necessary to assure stable, high-quality public college education. In fact, it's hard to argue against some fee increase; California's fees are among the lowest in the nation.

But to assure continued access to qualified students, regardless of income, the state has to make a commitment to increased financial aid. This "higher fees, higher financial aid" model assures that those who can afford to will pay more, and that those who can't afford to pay more will get financial aid.

Yes, let's increase graduate student fees to be more consistent with other graduate institutions across the country. Yes, let's bring professional school fees for law, medical and business school students in line with the general market. Yes, let's even raise undergraduate fees at the University of California, California State University and California community colleges.

Middle-and upper-income families enjoy a huge subsidy under the current fee structure. They can afford to pay a little more toward their college or university education.

But let's not reduce the amount of money earmarked for financial aid for those who cannot afford to pay more - and who will be shut out of college if financial aid is reduced.

Unfortunately, that's precisely what Schwarzenegger proposes to do. The governor wants to reduce from 33 percent to 20 percent the amount of new student fees earmarked for financial aid. He proposes to reduce eligibility for Cal Grants. He also proposes to significantly reduce Cal Grant funds for students attending non-public institutions - putting more enrollment pressure on public colleges.

That's a double whammy on California's neediest young people. If the state is going to move more toward higher student fees, it's got to commit to higher financial aid to concentrate public subsidies on those least able to afford college.

Historically, California has guaranteed that all qualified students will be able to afford to attend a public college or university. That promise assures the long-term prosperity of the state and opportunity for students of all backgrounds. Even in hard times, California can afford to keep that promise.