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You are here: CSU, Chico | Financial Aid and Scholarship Office | Other Student Categories | Ca. Non–Resident Tuition Exemption (AB 540)

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.

California Dream Act of 2011

The California Dream Act of 2011 is the result of two bills, Assembly Bill 130 (AB 130) and Assembly Bill 131 (AB 131).  Together, these bills allow undocumented and documented students who meet certain provisions of AB 540 law (see below) to apply for and receive private scholarships funneled through public universities (AB 130).  Effective January 2013, students may be eligible for state-administered financial aid, university grants, and community college fee waivers (AB 131).  For detailed information view http://www.csac.ca.gov/dream_act.asp.

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 he or she has filed an application to legalize his or her immigration status, or 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.

What financial assistance is available to AB540 students?

AB131 (GRANTS)

AB131 allows students who meet AB540 criteria to apply for and receive state-funded financial aid such as institutional grants, community college fee waivers, Cal Grant and Chafee Grant.  This law takes effect on January 1, 2013.  As such, eligible AB540 students at CSU, Chico who complete the Dream Application will be considered for funding in Spring 2013.

How do I apply?

To apply for the programs available under AB131, you will use the Dream Application which became available to students beginning April 2, 2012.  The Dream Application will collect basic personal and income information to determine student eligibility for funding under AB131.  While the application and processing begins in April 2012; eligible Dream applicants will not begin to receive their funding until after January 1, 2013 (the date which the law becomes effective).

A Dream Application must be submitted every year to determine eligibility for state and institutional aid.  Students will need to complete and submit CSU, Chico AB540 Affidavit (California Non-Resident Tuition Exemption Request form) in order to begin a review of your eligibility.

Deadline for priority consideration for Fall 2013/Spring 2014 funding: March 2, 2013

To access the Dream Application materials for the 2013/14 academic year, click the link below:

California Online Dream Act Application

DREAM STUDENT RESOURCES

The Dream Student Resources website was created as a resource for Dream Students (undocumented/AB 540 students) at California State University, Chico. The content is designed to provide answers to frequently asked questions and to provide a support network for Dream Students.

AB130 (SCHOLARSHIPS)

AB130 allows students who meet AB540 criteria to apply for non-state funded scholarships.  This law took effect on January 1, 2012.