Residency FAQ

Students classified as nonresidents may appeal to the Chancellor's Office within 30 calendar days of the issuance of the notification of the final campus decision. The campus decision may be appealed only if at least one of the following applies:

1. The decision was based on:
   1.  a significant error of fact;
   2. a significant procedural error; or
   3. an incorrect application of law which, if corrected, would require that the student be reclassified as a resident; and/or,
2. Significant new information, not previously known or available to the student, become available after the date of the campus decision classifying the student as a nonresident and based on the new information, the classification as a nonresident is incorrect.

Students must explain why the appeal meets one or more of the above appeal criteria and provide supporting documentation. For example, a "significant error of fact" could be demonstrated by stating that the campus incorrectly determined that a specific document, such as a driver's license, was untimely and by providing a copy of the document establishing the error. An appeal that only states "a significant error of fact" will be denied.

A campus residency classification appeal must be submitted online.

If the student is under the age of 19, the student’s residence status is derived from that of the parent or, if both parents are deceased, from that of the legal guardian. Minor students must report parental information, as well as their own, to verify California residence.

Yes. Types of Exemptions include the following:

1. Military - Exemptions available to active military personnel, their dependents, or to recently discharged military personnel

2. Spouse or child of deceased law enforcement or fire suppression and prevention public employee also known as the Alan Pattee Scholarship

3. Employees of the CSU or California State employees assigned outside California and their spouses, registered domestic partners and children

4. Employees of California school districts

5. Amateur Student Athletes

Get additional information on Exceptions and Exemptions here.

A student who is classified as a nonresident may seek reclassification for any subsequent term. In addition to the CSU Residence Questionnaire form, and documentation that shows physical presence and intent to make California their permanent home, students must also demonstrate financial independence. Financial independence can be demonstrated by the parent's last three years of their federal income tax returns.

The Assembly Bill 540 (AB-540) and AB-2000 permits exemption from paying nonresident tuition fees for certain eligible California high school graduates. To qualify for in-state tuition fees under AB-540 or AB-2000, a student must meet the eligibility requirements for this program. Applicants must submit an AB-540 Affidavit (California Nonresident Tuition Exemption Request form) along with the most current official high school transcript to the Office of Admission. AB-540 and AB-2000 does not grant residency status; rather, it exempts/waives a student from paying nonresident tuition fees. A student will continue to be classified as a nonresident for tuition purposes.

Senate Bill 68 expands to include attendance at California Community Colleges and Adult Schools. To qualify, student must meet one of the following criteria: a) Graduation from a California high school or attainment of an associate's degree or fulfillment of the minimum requirements to transfer to a CSU. Applicants must submit an AB-540 Affidavit (California Nonresident Tuition Exemption Request form) along with the most current official transcripts from K-12 or adult school and official transcript from a California Community College to the Office of Admissions. SB-68 does not grant residency status; rather, it exempts/waives a student from paying nonresident tuition fees. A student will continue to be classified as a nonresident for tuition purposes.

The residency document deadline is set for each academic term and is part of the Residence Determination Date. The residency document deadline for each term are as follows:

Establishing residency allows a student to take advantage of the lower registration fees charged to residents of California. In many cases, it may reduce education costs substantially.