California Nonresident Tuition Exemption (AB 540)

GENERAL INFORMATION 
The California State University (CSU) Nonresident Tuition Exemption is available for certain nonresident students (including U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and undocumented individuals) who have attended, graduated, or achieved the equivalent from a California school. These students may be exempted from paying nonresident tuition but must remain classified as “nonresidents” for residence classification and financial aid eligibility purposes. 

ELIGIBILITY 
The California Nonresident Tuition Exemption is open to CSU students enrolled as undergraduate or graduate students who are: 

U.S. Citizens 
Permanent Residents 
Undocumented Students (including TPS, DACA, asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile, and VAWA) 
T and U Visa Holders Only 

MUST MEET THE NONRESIDENT EXCEPTION REQUIREMENTS (Attendance and Graduation Requirements)

Attendance Requirements

A total attendance of – or attainment of credits earned while in California equivalent to – three or more years of full-time attendance or attainment of credits at any of the following:

• California high schools.
• California high schools established by the State Board of Education.
• California adult schools established by any of the following entities:
• A county office of education.
• A unified school district or high school district.
• The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
• Campuses of the California Community Colleges* 
  (v) A combination of those schools set forth in (i) to (iv), inclusive. 
  *Effective January 1, 2023, a year’s equivalence at a California community college is either a minimum of 24-semester units of credit or 36 quarter units. Full-time attendance at a California adult school is a minimum of 420 hours of attendance for each school year.

Graduation/Transfer Requirements (must meet one) 

Students must satisfy the graduation/transfer requirement by fulfilling any of the following: 

• The student must have graduated from a California high school or attained the equivalent from a California high school prior to the start of the term (for example, passing the GED or California High School Proficiency exam) or
• Completed or will complete (before the first term of enrollment at the CSU) an associate’s degree from a California community college; or
• Completed or will complete (before the first term of enrollment at the CSU) the minimum requirements at a California community college for transfer to the California State University. 

Steps for Submitting for AB 540

For new and continuing students requesting consideration for the nonresident tuition exemption as provided by Education Code 68130.5, as amended, commonly known as AB 540 must submit the following items:

Step 1: Download and Complete a California Nonresident Tuition Exemption Request.

Step 2: Submit completed California Nonresident Tuition Exemption Request form and transcripts via link below. 

1. Final, official California high school transcript showing diploma as awarded, if you have not done so already
2. Final, official California community college transcripts, if you have not done so already

Other Exceptions & Exemptions

For more information on all exceptions and exemptions offered, visit the CSU Exceptions & Exemptions page.

Directions for Submitting Documentation

Please upload the California Nonresident Tuition Exemption Request form and your transcript(s) to the link below or deliver in person to:

CSU Bakersfield
Office of Undergraduate Admissions, 47SA
9001 Stockdale Highway
Bakersfield, CA 93311-1022

Please do not submit forms and/or documentation via email. 

 

Submit Residency Forms & Documents Here