California Code, Education Code - EDC § 66014.5

(a) It is the intent of the Legislature to recognize the role of independent, regionally accredited postsecondary education in California postsecondary education. Statewide planning, policy coordination, and review of postsecondary education shall include attention to the contributions of the independent institutions in meeting the state's goals of access, quality, educational equity, economic development, and student aid.

(b) The Legislature hereby finds and declares that there is a need of providing students with economic and academic freedom of choice in selecting a college or university they wish to attend. The Legislature further finds that an important means of meeting this need is through offering financial assistance to students who wish to attend public or independent colleges and universities and who have demonstrated financial need.