Financial Aid & Scholarship Office, CSU, Chico

Quicklinks

You are here:
CSU, Chico
FASO Home
Special Student Categories
California Non–Resident Tuition Exemption (AB 540)

California Non–Resident Tuition Exemption (AB 540)

According to state law AB 540, some non-citizens who have established California residency, may pay in-state fees. AB 540 students are not eligible for federal or state financial aid. The cost of attendance at CSU, Chico is more affordable for immigrant and returning students because of AB 540, by which students who meet specific requirements will qualify to pay 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.

Any student who meets the following AB 540 eligibility requirements shall be exempt from paying nonresident 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 or be currently enrolled in a California Community College, California State University, or a University of California
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 nonresident fees at California public colleges and universities. The law does not provide any immigration benefits.
Students with current nonimmigrant 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 and 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.
You will be required to submit additional documentation such as 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.

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:

Additional Resources:

You will find further sources for private scholarships and tips on how to use scholarship database searches at Private 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.