The recent rise in gas prices is having a negative effect on students at Sacramento State, and many of the university’s commuters might not be through the worst of it.

The average price for regular gas in Sacramento is currently $4.26 per gallon, according to AAA’s Daily Fuel Gage Report. In 2011, the price of unleaded gas was $3.99 per gallon and in 1996 less than $2.00 per gallon.

Gas prices are established by adding the price of crude oil and taxes, according to the American Petroleum Institute. The price of crude oil ranges from $2.50 to $2.85 when it reaches gas station pumps. When taxes are factored into the equation, gas prices can skyrocket.

As of 2011, 44.1 percent of students live outside of Sacramento, according Sac State’s University Fact Book. Having this large of a portion of the student body commuting to school is creating a large financial burden on many of those enrolled.

Junior criminal justice major Amanda Snowden lives in Oakland and commutes to campus on a regular basis.

“I commute to school and spend almost $150 on gas per week, which adds up to $2,400 per semester for me,” Snowden said. “If gas prices continue to rise, I may have to transfer because I cannot afford to travel so far for college.”

Snowden said she hopes Sac State will offer more online courses in the near future so students in the same situation will be able to work from home and have a more affordable college experience.

Freshman speech therapy major Miranda Duncan lives in Citrus Heights and commutes to school two days a week.

“Not only do I have to drive to work, but I also have to drive a half hour commute to school twice a week,” Duncan said. “I pay about $70 to $80 per month on gas, which really adds up.”

The rise in gas prices has also made it difficult for Duncan to travel farther for recreational activities outside school or work.

“I love to go snowboarding in Tahoe,” Duncan said. “I have only been able to go twice this season because I cannot afford the price of gas.”

Gas prices are expected to increase in the summer months, according to the United States Congress’ website. The demand of gas increases by 5 percent in the summer season, which causes higher prices at the pumps. High prices can also be expected during holiday seasons due to people traveling.

Jessika Robertson can be reached at [email protected].