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Ca. Non–Resident Tuition Exemption (AB 540)

Non-Residents including Undocumented Students

According to state law entitled Assembly Bill 540 (AB 540), some California non-residents may pay in-state fees. This law aids students who are California high school graduates, including undocumented students. Although undocumented students are not eligible for federal or state financial aid, they can benefit by paying in-state tuition. AB 540 was signed into state law on October 12, 2001, and authorizes any student, including undocumented students who meet specific criteria, to pay in-state tuition at California’s public colleges and universities. This makes the Cost of Attendance at CSU, Chico more affordable for immigrant and returning students.

Any student who meets the following AB 540 eligibility requirements shall be exempt from paying non-resident tuition at all public colleges and universities in California.

AB 540 Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, a student must meet all the following requirements:

  • Attend a California high school for three or more years
  • Graduate from a California high school or receive the equivalent General Education Diploma (GED)
  • Register as an entering student or be currently enrolled in a California Community College, California State University, or a University of California
  • In the case of a person without lawful immigration status, sign a statement with the college or university (not with INS) stating that they will apply for legal residency as soon as they are eligible to do so. (This requirement does not apply to those with legal residency.)

Important:

  • All information provided by the student will be kept confidential by the University.
  • AB 540 only provides an exemption to the requirement to pay non-resident fees at California public colleges and universities. The law does not provide any immigration benefits.
  • Students with current non-immigrant visas (example: tourist or student visas) are not eligible for this fee exemption. Non-immigrant students, as defined by federal immigration law, may hold one of the following visas: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, TN, TD, and V, and TROV and NATO.

How to Apply for Admission and for AB 540 Exemption

For a California State University (CSU):

  • Apply for admission to the CSU through CSUMentor.
  • After you have been admitted, submit a California Non-Resident Tuition Exemption Request (PDF) to the office of admissions at the institution you will be attending.
  • As an admitted student, you will be required to submit high school transcripts and appropriate records of high school graduation or the equivalent.

Funding Your Education

Immigrant students in the U.S. do not qualify for any type of state or federal financial aid. AB 540 does not provide financial aid to immigrant students. However, private scholarships are available to ease the cost of a college education.

Private Scholarships without Citizenship Requirements

Eligible AB 540 students should apply for private scholarships that do not require legal permanent residency, social security number, or U.S. citizenship.

Scholarships do not have to be repaid, and are funded from a variety of sources including community organizations, local and national foundations, state and federal government agencies, and private donors. Consult the following organizations and ask a school counselor for referrals.

Please note that all scholarship programs have specific eligibility requirements and deadlines. Read and follow directions carefully.

Private Scholarship Resources:

MALDEF provides a comprehensive Scholarship List (Lista de Becas).

Additional Resources:

You will find further sources for private scholarships and tips on how to use scholarship database searches at External Scholarships on our Web site.

CSU, Chico Scholarships

California State University, Chico provides scholarship awards to eligible students, and students are encouraged to apply. See CSU, Chico Scholarships for more information.

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