Nonresident Tuition Exemption FAQs

• Why are non-residents at California's educational institutions charged higher tuition than resident students?

  • California institutions of higher education are funded by the State of California. Since non-resident students (and their families) generally have not contributed to the source of this funding of public education in California, they are required to pay fees which more closely represent the actual cost of their education.

• What is AB 540 or the Nonresident Tuition Exemption?  

  • AB 540 is the California Nonresident Tuition Exemption that exempts eligible non California residents, including undocumented students, legal permanent residents and U.S. Citizens to pay in-state tuition fees at public colleges and universities in California.

    For eligibility and procedures, review the detailed policy page at the Office of the Registrar