California In-State Tuition Overview

Themes/Topics: Higher Education

Geography: California

Audience: Ally, Educator, Undocumented Youth

In-State Tuition in California

As an undocumented student, you may be considered a nonresident for tuition purposes at your college or university. This would lead to you being charged approximately three times more than a resident student. To pay the lower in-state tuition, you need to:

  • Be considered as a California resident for tuition purposes by your college or university OR
  • Meet the eligibility to be exempt from non­resident tuition through AB 540

Read AB 540 Quick Guide, available in English and Spanish, to learn about the eligibility requirements.

Average Resident & Nonresident Fees at California Community Colleges (2023-24)
Nonresident fees CA resident fees Cost difference
6 units $2,326 per semester

$4,652 per year

$292 per semester

$583 per year

$2,304 per semester

$4,069 per year

12 units $4,652 per semester

$9,034 per year

$583 per semester

$1,166 per year

$4,069 per semester

$8,138 per year

Note: Private colleges and universities determine their own fee schedule and are not affected by legislation regarding in-state tuition.

To become exempt from nonresident tuition at a California public college or university through AB 540, you must complete a nonresident tuition exemption form, also known as an affidavit.

Download Submitting the AB 540 Affidavit Required for New Incoming Students at CCCs, CSUs, or UCs
Download the CCC, CSU, or UC affidavits

Recently, a new California law, SB 1141 expanded the opportunities for individuals to receive nonresident tuition exemption.

Read SB 1141 Fact Sheet to get more detailed explanations of this law.

Non­resident Tuition Exemption Is Not Dependent on DACA

Read Understand the Differences: In-State Tuition vs CA Dream Act vs DACA

California Residency for Tuition Purposes is determined by the college and university. This is different from U.S. Citizenship/Permanent Residency Status. This is based on your legal presence in the state, continuous physical presence for more than one year, and your intent and ability to stay in California indefinitely.

Download CA Residency for Tuition Purposes

As a student who is a citizen whose parents are undocumented, you must follow specific steps to ensure you will be considered for resident fees and receive state-based financial aid, in addition to any federal aid through the FAFSA.

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