Do I pay higher tuition as an undocumented student?

This page is general information, not legal advice. It also answers "How much can I save?"

Why would I pay more?

Public colleges charge two prices. California residents pay less. Everyone else pays extra "nonresident tuition." Your immigration status can make you a nonresident for tuition, even if you grew up here.

California's AB 540 law fixes this for many students. If you meet its rules, you are exempt from nonresident tuition. You stay a nonresident on paper, but you pay the resident price. You do not need DACA.

How much more is it?

Here are real prices from official college pages. "In state" is what you pay with AB 540.

These are tuition and required tuition fees only. They do not include campus fees, housing, books or health insurance. Cal State campuses on quarters use a different unit price. Check your own college's fee page, since prices can differ.

How much can I save?

With AB 540, you save the "extra" column above, every year you are enrolled.

Over a full degree, that adds up fast. Two years at a community college plus two at Cal State would be about $52,000 in extra tuition without AB 540 ($11,850 × 2 plus $14,130 × 2, our math).

And it can get better. AB 540 students who file the California Dream Act Application can get state grants that lower even the in state price, like a California College Promise Grant at community colleges, a State University Grant at Cal State, and a Cal Grant. See Can undocumented students get state financial aid?

What if I do not meet AB 540?

Then most public colleges will charge you nonresident tuition for now. You still have options:

• Community college classes count toward AB 540's three years. You may qualify later.
• If you take community college classes while you are in adult school or high school, as a "special part time" student, the college must waive nonresident tuition, unless you hold a temporary visa (Education Code 76140(a)(4)).
• Some community college districts waive nonresident tuition for everyone taking six units or fewer. It is optional, so ask your college. See How can I lower my tuition?
• Private scholarships can help pay the bill.
• See Do not qualify for AB 540 yet? Ways a community college may still lower your tuition.

Does AB 540 cover graduate school?

Yes. AB 540 is not limited to undergraduates. UC San Diego's graduate division, for example, says AB 540 graduate students pay in state tuition, not the nonresident supplement (UC San Diego). The school rules are the same: you must have met them before you started college. Ask your graduate program for its form.

What if I was already charged the higher price?

Act fast.

1. Turn in your AB 540 form or affidavit to the admissions or residence office now, if you have not.
2. Pay what is due by the campus deadline, or ask about a payment plan. The CSU form says asking for the exemption does not change what you owe by the deadline.
3. Ask how the deadline works. At San Jose State, the form must be in by the last day of the semester you want the lower price for. Late forms count for the next term. At UC, if you miss the deadline for your residence statement, UC will not pay back nonresident tuition already charged.

Who can help?

These are free. Contact them to confirm hours, languages and openings. Being listed here is not a referral or a promise of service.

• Your college's admissions or residence office: your tuition status and the form.
• Your college's financial aid office or Dream Resource Center: grants and payment plans.
• California Student Aid Commission: call (888) 224-7268 or email studentsupport@csac.ca.gov.

The in state price was made for students like you. Claim it.

Related questions

• Do I meet the AB 540 requirements?
• How do I get the CSU tuition exemption?
• How much will college cost me?